The main island of the Illa de Tabarca archipelago is about 1,800 metres long and up to 400 metres wide. The archipelago also includes the smaller islands of La Cantera, La Galera and La Nao. Coastal features, protected areas and the fortified settlement of Nueva Tabarca give your trip several possible focuses.
Coastal Landscape and Protected Areas
The coast has small, low cliffs with pebble beaches at their foot. Tabarca’s only sandy beach is on the isthmus. The beach types therefore also differ by location: the pebble beaches are associated with the low cliffs, while the sandy beach is on the isthmus.
The natural environment also includes the underwater area. The seabeds of the marine reserve range from 0 to 40 metres deep and are home to well-preserved Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. The Tabarquino archipelago is also designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). These designations concern different areas: the ZEPA covers the archipelago, while the marine reserve covers the seabeds.
The Citadel and Its Building History
The walled and newly laid-out citadel of Nueva Tabarca was designed and built in the last third of the 18th century, during the reign of Charles III. The fortified settlement has three entrance gates. Other buildings display a range of architectural features: the Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo has a rectangular floor plan and a single-nave interior. The Casa del Gobernador consists of a two-storey main building and two attached wings, each also two storeys high.
The history of another building also forms part of the settlement’s character: the former almadraba storehouse was renovated, and the Nueva Tabarca Museum opened there in May 2004. Thus, the settlement’s architectural forms sit alongside a specific story of adaptive reuse.
A Route Around the Island or Snorkelling
A route leads around Tabarca, offering views of the coastal landscape. You can also snorkel in the clear waters; conditions may vary. The two activities offer different ways to spend time on the island: the route focuses on the coast, while snorkelling focuses on the water. If you are considering both, take the conditions for your planned visit into account.
Festivities and Calendar Dates
The festivities in honour of San Pedro on the island of Tabarca last no more than four days and coincide with the patron saint’s feast day on 29 June. The festivities in honour of the Virgen del Carmen last no more than three days and coincide with the patroness’s feast day on 16 July. If you would like to plan your trip around either date, check the local festivities programmes and dates in advance.
Plan Your Journey and Accommodation Search
Tabarca can be reached by boat from Alicante, Santa Pola or Benidorm. How frequently boats depart depends on the season, so check the connections before travelling. The boat crossing from the Port of Alicante to Tabarca takes about one hour. Sea conditions and the operator may affect the actual duration.
If you are looking for a hotel in Tabarca, factor this seasonal travel arrangement into your plans. This will help you coordinate your preferred time on the island with a suitable departure time, without assuming that the journey takes the same amount of time from all the departure points mentioned. Tabarca offers several clearly defined interests to choose from, including coastal features and protected areas, the architecture of Nueva Tabarca, a route around the island or snorkelling in the clear waters.
Discover more destinations: Castillo de Montemar, Alicante, Xinorlet, Benidoleig, San Juan De Alicante, Benejúzar, Bigastro, Senija.
Go to the main travel overview: Alicante.
