Tabarca Island TOP

Trip description

Tabarca Island is one of the most popular excursion destinations on the Costa Blanca coast. It is located near the town of Santa Pola and administratively belongs to the city of Alicante. The island is approximately 1,800 metres long, so you can easily explore it during a day trip.

You can get to Tabarca by boat mainly from the ports of Santa Pola and Alicante. The boat trip from Santa Pola takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on the type of vessel, whereas the journey from Alicante takes around 45 to 60 minutes. Boat connections are most frequent during the summer season and their operation also depends on the weather.

The island is known for its crystal-clear water and protected marine reserve, which was established in 1986 as Spain's first marine reserve. Thanks to its rich underwater life and Posidonia seagrass meadows, Tabarca is a popular spot for swimming, diving and snorkelling.

Upon arrival, you can take a stroll through the historic fortified town of San Pedro y San Pablo. The town walls and gates, the Church of Saint Peter and Paul, the Governor's House, and the narrow streets with white houses, restaurants and a typical Mediterranean atmosphere have all been preserved here.

Outside the fortified town, an easy path leads to the Torre de San José and the historic lighthouse. The island offers small coves, a rocky coastline and a sandy beach where you can relax by the sea. During your visit, you can sample local dishes made from fresh fish and rice at one of the island's restaurants.

Why visit the island of Tabarca?

⛴️ a pleasant boat trip on the Mediterranean Sea
crystal-clear water and protected marine reserve
🤿 ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving
🏘️ historic fortified small town
⛪ Church of Saints Peter and Paul
🗼 Torre de San José tower and historic lighthouse
🏖️ small coves and swimming spots
🍽️ restaurants offering fresh fish and rice dishes
📸 beautiful views and photogenic Mediterranean atmosphere

Practical tip

During the summer, we recommend setting off on an earlier morning connection when there are fewer visitors on the island. Don't forget to pack water, sunscreen, a hat and footwear suitable for the stony coastline. If you are planning to go snorkelling, bring your own mask and water shoes. Before your journey, always check the current ferry timetable and weather.