The island of Tabarca in Spain, also known as Nueva Tabarca, is a small Mediterranean paradise, located 22 km from Alicante. It invites everyone to spend a wonderful day with its crystal-clear waters (where many marine animals live), its picturesque coves and its famous and delicious restaurants (with delicious food and its incredible history).
This is the smallest inhabited island of Spain: according to the 2013 census, only 59 people live permanently here. In addition, its surface is only 30 hectares.
Currently, people mainly come to Tabarca in order to spend a wonderful day on the beach, enjoying the sun and the crystal-clear sea. However, this is not the only thing you can do on this beautiful island.
These are the best 8 things to do if you visit Tabarca
Diving in Tabarca
Without a doubt, this is the first thing you should do in Tabarca! The seabed around the island was recognized in 1986 as the first marine reserve in Spain − Tabarca Island Marine Reserve. You will find infinite underwater seagrass meadows at the bottom of the sea near Tabarca, which are home to many species. You will see marine animals such as the grouper, the serranid, the gilthead bream, the snapper, the salema, the lobster, the sea urchin, the starfish and even the loggerhead sea turtle.
Try local food
Tabarca is considered one of the best places on the Costa Blanca for gastronomic tourism. Even Alicante residents often come here, especially to try the famous local rice and seafood dishes. Be sure to try the best dish of the local cuisine: the Tabarquino cauldron. A recipe with more than two centuries of tradition, which today has become one of the biggest tourist attractions of the island. It is recommended to try this delicious dish in one of the restaurants that has magnificent sea views. This dish is served in two courses: first, they bring you the fish with potatoes and alioli, and then, the rice, in which you must gradually add the remaining sauce.
Explore the fortified walls and streets of Tabarca
Tabarca was declared in 1964 as a Historical-Artistic Complex. In fact, a simple walk through its streets is a real pleasure. White and blue palettes predominate in the historical part of the island; and the colourful wall paintings, garlands and other decorations give it a special charm.
Enjoy the incomparable panoramic sea views from the fortified walls of Tabarca. The wall was built in 1769 by order of Carlos III, in order to protect the island against pirates. Previously, there was a castle, but in the 19th century, a parish church was built in its place.
On the walls you will find three baroque doors. The Puerta de Levante (San Rafael) is located on the east side. This gate served as the entrance to the town. The Puerta de la Trancada (San Gabriel), is in the western part. This gate led to the quarry, where stones were extracted for the construction of the town. And finally, the Puerta de Tierra (de Alicante or de San Miguel), which leads to a small cove.
What else to see in Tabarca?
The Governor’s House: This is a large and solid house, which served as the residence of the island’s ruler and it is located near the main square. Today, this building serves as the main hotel on the island.
- San Jose Tower, which served as a prison in the 19th century.
- Tabarca Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1854 and today serves as a biological laboratory for the marine reserve.
- Church of San Pedro and San Pablo consecrated in 1770.
Learn about the history of Tabarca
The history of this island is remarkably interesting and unusual. Formerly, the small expanse of land, presently known as Nueva Tabarca, was known to many civilisations. There was a time when the island was in possession of the Greeks, Romans and Moors, who gave it different names: Planesia, Planaria, Palnatsa, Plumbaria and Illa Plana − “flat island”.
Until the 1760s, the island and its waters were unassailable: they were zealously protected by Berber pirates and smugglers. Tabarca was their outpost, from where they attacked the coastal cities of Spain. According to legend, many ships full of treasures sank in the waters of Tabarca.
Finally, the Spanish monarchy managed to conquer the island and, in 1768, Spain allowed 69 Genoese families escaped from the Tunisian island of Tabarka (occupied by the Ottoman Turks) to settle here. These families called their new home, Nueva Tabarca, and even many of the island’s indigenous inhabitants have surnames of Italian and Italian-Hispanic origin.
Strolling through Tabarca, pay special attention to the many informative panels that tell the history of the island. In addition, the doors of the local museum are open for the most curious persons.
Get to know the “tabarchino” dialect
This is a dialect of the Ligurian language, very widespread in Sardinia. Although no one actually speaks this language in Nueva Tabarca (only the surnames remain), it is possible to learn a few words. For example: àncua − the anchor, borra − the ship. The fact that Valencian is frequently spoken in Tabarca is interesting, since this was the language that replaced the native Genoese dialect of the first inhabitants of the island.
Sailing on a fishing boat
If you’re in luck, you can take a short tour on a fishing boat around the Tabarca Island. Practically all the islanders have their own boats in order to travel to the peninsula.
Get into the Cueva del Llop Marí
This little cave is a very interesting place about which there is a legend. They say that the cave served as a home for a sea monster. The monster had a smooth body and a mouth full of teeth, of different sizes and shapes, and hunted the islanders at night. Furthermore, its heart-breaking howl could be heard even on the peninsula.
It is not known for sure whether the terrifying monster actually lived here, but it is known with certainty that, until the 19th century, a Mediterranean monk seal colony lived in Tabarca. Currently, this is an endangered species: there are only a few species on the entire planet.
Spending the night in Tabarca
This is an essential activity, even if it is only in order to enjoy the sunset. Also, for those who like to get up early, the sunrise is also ideal. Also, the accommodation offer in Tabarca is quite wide, so you can easily find where to spend the night.
Tabarca is a very popular tourist destination. However, at sunset, with the departure of the last ships, it becomes a completely different place; becoming a quiet and serene corner, created to enjoy the union with nature and admire its beauty.
How to get to Tabarca
You can access Tabarca by the boats that leave several times a day from Benidorm, Calpe, Villajoyosa, Alicante and Santa Pola.
However, the last option is the cheapest, fastest and most convenient. The boats from Santa Pola come and go every half hour. The first boat leaves at 10 am and the last one from Tabarca at 7.45 pm.
The schedules of the Santa Pola-Tabarca boats can be found here. Round-trip tickets can be purchased from € 10. Children under 4 years travel free. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes.
Tips for visiting Tabarca
- If you visit Tabarca in summer, during the high season, book a table in advance at your favourite restaurant.
- Bring your own snorkel mask and tube! Even if you don’t like this activity very much, we assure you that you will probably want to try it in Tabarca. However, it is ok if you do not have the necessary snorkelling equipment with you: there is snorkelling equipment for all tastes in
- local stores, although at a fairly high price.
Do not forget the jelly shoes: the Tabarca seabed is rocky and it is full of sea urchins.
• If you or your children suffer from dizziness, it is advisable to take measures in advance, so as not to have a bad time on the boat.
