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Looking for a brilliant day out from Alicante? Tabarca Island might be just what you’re after! I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit to this charming little island.
You can buy return ferry tickets from Alicante to Tabarca Island below:
Where is Tabarca Island?
Tabarca is a small island located about 22 kilometres off the shore from Alicante city. It’s the only inhabited island in the Valencia region and sits between Alicante and Santa Pola.
The island isn’t massive – you can walk around the entire thing in about 1 hour. But don’t let its small size fool you – there’s plenty to see and do!
How to get to Tabarca Island
As Tabarca is an island, you’ll need to hop on a boat to reach it. There are regular boats that run from:
- Alicante port: The main departure point with the most frequent services
You can buy return ferry tickets from Alicante to Tabarca through Get Your Guide below:
- Santa Pola: A slightly shorter boat ride
- Benidorm: Seasonal services in summer months
- Torrevieja: Less frequent but available in peak season
The boat trip from Alicante takes around 1 hour, while from Santa Pola it’s only about 30 minutes. If you’re coming from Benidorm, you’ll be on the water for about 1.5 hours.
I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance during the summer season as boats can fill up quickly. Prices start from about €23 for a return ticket.
Best time to visit Tabarca
The island gets quite busy in July and August, so if you prefer a quieter visit, aim for May, June, or September when the weather is still warm but the crowds are smaller.
Winter visits can be lovely too – the island has a different feel when it’s quieter, though some restaurants may be closed and boat services are less frequent.
Things to do in Tabarca
Wander the old town
The old walled town is full of character! The narrow streets are lined with white-washed buildings, and you can see the island’s history as a former pirate refuge.
Make sure to visit the Church of St Peter and St Paul with its blue dome – it’s quite striking against the white buildings.
Swim in the clear waters
Tabarca is part of a marine reserve, which means the water quality is fantastic! There are several spots where you can take a dip:
- The main beach next to the harbour
- The rocky coves on the eastern side of the island
- The beautiful swimming spot near the lighthouse
The water is crystal clear – perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day!
Snorkelling and diving
Due to its status as a marine reserve since 1986, Tabarca has some of the best underwater visibility in the area. If you’re into snorkelling, bring your gear along (or rent some on the island).
You’ll see loads of fish species and beautiful underwater plant life. For more serious diving, there are boat trips that run from the mainland to diving spots around the island.
Visit the lighthouse
A walk to the lighthouse at the eastern end of the island offers brilliant views. It’s a fairly easy stroll, and the views back towards the mainland are worth it.
Museum of new Tabarca
If you’re interested in the history of the island, pop into this small museum. It’s housed in what used to be the Governor’s House and tells the story of how Tabarca was settled by Genoese families from Tabarka (Tunisia) in the 18th century.
Where to eat on Tabarca
Fish and seafood rule the menu here! The local specialty is “caldero” – a rice dish made with fish stock that is absolutely delicious.
Some of my favourite places to eat include:
- Restaurante Carmen: Right on the harbour with great seafood
- La Almadraba: Known for their excellent caldero
- El Tapajo: Good option for tapas and lighter meals
Most restaurants have outdoor seating with views of either the sea or the charming streets – perfect for a long lunch in the sunshine!
Prices can be a bit higher than on the mainland, but the quality of the seafood makes it worth it.
Tips for visiting Tabarca
- Bring water and sun cream: There’s not much shade on parts of the island, and it can get very hot in summer
- Wear comfortable shoes: While the town is small, the paths outside can be rocky and uneven
- Allow a full day: To truly enjoy the island, plan to spend at least 6 hours
- Check the return boat times: The last boat usually leaves around 6-7pm in summer, earlier in winter
- Bring cash: Not all places accept cards, though this is improving
Where to stay
Most people visit Tabarca as a day trip, but if you want a unique experience, you can stay overnight. There are a few small hotels and rental apartments on the island. Staying overnight lets you experience the island when the day-trippers have left – it’s wonderfully peaceful!
- Hotel La Trancada: A simple but comfortable option
- Hostal Placeta Tabarca: Central location in the old town
Tabarca makes for a brilliant day out if you’re staying in Alicante or nearby areas. It’s got a different feel from the mainland – more relaxed and with its own unique character. The clear waters, tasty food, and interesting history make it well worth the boat trip!
