Tabarca Island a Must See Paradise.

Spain's smallest island features two main streets and a population of 50:

"A paradise everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime."

Tabarca Island has received numerous recognitions: Site of Cultural Interest, Historic-Artistic Site, Mediterranean Marine Reserve, and Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). In essence, it offers plenty to explore. Its 30 hectares are home to museums, palaces, churches, isolated lighthouses in the midst of the wilderness, and a variety of wildlife, including octopuses, lobsters, groupers, red mullets, turtles, and starfish. 

Visit Alicante’s Tabarca Island by Boat  

This small slice of paradise, which can be accessed by boat from Santa Pola, Alicante, Guardamar, Benidorm and Torrevieja, has attracted more than colourful creatures to its green water meadows of Posidonia oceanica.which take between 20 and 40 minutes. Although day trips are common, more and more visitors are choosing to stay one or two nights to enjoy Tabarca at a leisurely pace, thus reducing the impact of express tourism.

Off the coast of Alicante, the smallest inhabited island in Spain lies just 1.8 kilometers long, 400 meters wide, and has a population of between 50 and 60 residents. This is Tabarca, an Iberian gem in the heart of the Mediterranean, notable for its unique charm and its historical and natural wealth.

"It's a magical island that you must visit once in your life, Tabarca's town center is made up of two perpendicular main axes, along with some alleys, a main square, and around ten tourist accommodations. Strolling through its cobbled streets means entering a place that seems to have stopped in time.

Declared Spain's first protected marine reserve in 1986, Tabarca's crystal-clear waters captivate divers and snorkelers. In the summer months, the island receives between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors each day, and up to 150,000 annually, a contrast to the tranquility of its 50 permanent residents.

An island with a lot of history

Tabarca's history is filled with several significant episodes. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it served as a base for Barbary pirates from North Africa, who used Tabarca Island to launch attacks on the Christian coasts under the Ottoman Empire's support.

After centuries of plundering, Charles III decided in 1769 to establish a colony on the island and fortify it. He did this in an unusual way: by paying the ransom for sixty-nine Genoese Ligurian families who had been enslaved by the Turks and bringing them to Tabarca. These families were originally on Tabarca Island, near Tunisia, which was owned by the Republic of Genoa, when the Turks invaded and took them hostage. The decision was made to build a town on the island and invite the inhabitants to move to Spain, creating the future Nueva Tabarca.

The Natural Riches of Tabarca Island 

In 1986, Tabarca Island became Spain’s first Marine Reserve. This led to a ban on trawling, which had been used by the fishermen who re-populated the island in the 20th century. The island was re-populated after worryingly high emigration in the 19th century. This decision helped to protect Tabarca’s seabed, but it was gradually losing its identity as a fishermen’s island. This decision led to it becoming one of Spain’s most important nature reserves. 

Its waters are home to seahorses, turtles, groupers, red mullets, octopuses, sea bass, as well as large meadows of Posidonia oceanica. It is precisely these Mediterranean plants that have helped to cultivate an environment that is so rich in flora and fauna, turning Tabarca Island into a popular destination amongst lovers of diving and snorkelling. In the depths of its waters, its caves are also home to various life forms such as lobsters and cicadas. The European Union would later declare the island as a Special Protection Area for Birds, topping off its offer of natural spectacles. 

What to see in Tabarca

In some locations, the best way to explore your surroundings is by trusting your instincts. This holds true for the town of Tabarca, featuring cobbled streets and a mix of white-washed and vividly colored houses, showcasing a variety of architectural styles. Numerous trees, including palm trees, line the streets, accompanied by flowers blossoming from their pots. Tabarca Island was designated a Site of Cultural Interest due to the combination of its lush nature and the architectural charm of its town, which has always faced the sea.

Within this labyrinth are emblematic sites:

The Baroque Church of Saints Peter and Paul,

This 18th century church stands proudly on the rugged Tabarca coastline, in a distinct neoclassical architectural style. Other details, such as its beautiful fleur-de-lis windows or the main façade, highlight its baroque influences. Much of this church was built using rocks which were extracted from the island. 

The Governor's House,

Now a hotel, and the imposing presence of a perfectly preserved wall,retaining its original floors and archways which date back to 1780.  declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

Llop Marí Cave

The Cova del Llop Marí is a magnificent coastal cave with a natural inner beach inside it. The darkness inside the cave and the sunlight outside gives an idyllic color to the water. Ideal for those who like to snorkel.Access into the cave can only be made by sea, so the best way to visit the cave is always with a vest and accompanied by a guide accessing mainly by kayak, paddle surfing or diving.

The wall and its three doors.

The Puerta de San Rafael, Puerta de San Gabriel and the Puerta de San Miguel are the three doorways of this wall with a Roman spirit. Some stretches of it are well preserved, whereas others have collapsed into the sea.

Lighthouse.

Tabarca lighthouse was constructed in 1854 so that passing ships could avoid the rocks and reefs that surround the island. It stands alone in the El Campo paramo. One of the most intriguing features of the lighthouse is its distance from the shore. However, given the island’s flatness, there’s no need for greater visibility. It was previously a school for lighthouse keepers.

Torre de San José.

This construction is notable for its door, which is positioned two metres off the ground. It served as a prison during the 19th century. Initially, they considered surrounding it with a moat to make it harder for the inmates to escape.  

Nueva Tabarca museum.

This museum contains an audio-visual room and an exhibition room. This museum seeks to showcase various materials (photographs, blueprints, etc.) that better explain the geography, geology and history of Tabarca Island, while highlighting the relationship that exists there between humans and the sea. 

Eating and accommodation on Tabarca Island. 

Although Tabarca is small, it offers several options for those who wish to spend the night. Here are the main alternatives:

• Hotels: There are several small hotels and hostels in Tabarca. One of the best known is La Trancada, a cosy hotel that offers an authentic island experience. The hotels in Tabarca are perfect for those looking for comfort and charm at the same time.

• Holiday flats: If you prefer to have more independence, you can choose to rent a flat. This option is ideal if you are staying for more than one night or travelling in a group.

• Rural houses: Some rural houses in Tabarca offer a more intimate and traditional experience. They allow you to feel at home while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the island.

  
  

Dinner with sea views: Many of the restaurants on the island offer open-air dinners.

You can taste typical dishes, such as the famous ‘caldero tabarquino’, while enjoying the sea views. Fish served with potatoes, aioli, and a broth that is used to cook the rice that accompanies the stew. Potera squid and langoustine, lobster and fish-based rice dishes are also amongst the island’s specialties.

We suggest sampling the food at La Almadraba,Located in an old fisherman’s house by the sea, La Almadraba offers a gastronomic experience with incomparable views. With a rustic, seafaring décor, their menu is based on local recipes with a creative twist. They are famous for their rice with lobster and their selection of Mediterranean white wines. Open for more than two decades, it is ideal for a quiet meal by the sea. The average price is between 35-45€, depending on the main course.

Casa Gloria, Gloria is one of those restaurants where you feel at home. With more than 25 years serving locals and tourists, it stands out for its friendly service and traditional recipes. Located in the centre of the urban centre of the island, it is easy to find. You can’t miss its fideuà or its fresh squid. It has cheaper options than other places on the island, with menus between 20-30€. Ideal for families or groups of friends.

Practical advice for sleeping in Tabarca

Before packing your bags, it is important to take into account some practical aspects to make your stay in Tabarca perfect:

• Book early: As mentioned above, demand is high, especially in the summer months. In addition, accommodation is limited, so it is best to book in advance.

• Check the boat timetables: Even if you are going to sleep in Tabarca, it is important that you are clear about the timetable of the boats to and from Tabarca. The boats leave from different points such as Alicante, Santa Pola and Torrevieja, but there are no regular services during the night, so you will have to organise your arrival and departure well.

• Take what you need: Although Tabarca has some small shops, they are limited in what you can buy. Make sure you take with you everything you might need, such as toiletries, sunscreen, and anything else you consider essential.

• Respect the environment: Tabarca is a marine reserve, so it is essential that you take care of the environment. Avoid leaving rubbish and respect the flora and fauna of the island.