Located off Costa Blanca, Spain's smallest inhabited island has an 18th-century walled town, clear waters with 45m visibility, and a marine reserve home to sea bass and dolphins.
Tabarca Island, off Spain's Costa Blanca, is Spain's smallest inhabited island. You can swim alongside sea bass in the marine reserve, walk along the 18th-century fortification walls, and eat caldero fish stew at harbor-side restaurants. At just 1,800 meters long, you'll find small rocky coves, a working lighthouse, and an old prison tower within walking distance of each other.
Getting to Tabarca
Regular boats depart from several coastal towns to reach Tabarca. The quickest route is from Santa Pola port, taking 25 minutes across calm waters. You can also catch boats from Alicante, Torrevieja, or Benidorm, with more frequent services running during summer months. The boats typically start running from 9:30 AM, with the last return journey at 8:30 PM during summer.
Walking the Island's Paths
The island has two distinct sections: the walled town in the west and the open countryside to the east. Walking from end to end takes about an hour on coastal paths that connect small coves and viewing points. In the eastern section, you'll find the lighthouse and the Torre de San José, an 18th-century watchtower that later became a prison.
Swimming and Marine Life
The waters around Tabarca became Spain's first marine reserve in 1986. Posidonia seagrass meadows grow around the island, creating a home for octopus, sea bass, and dolphins. You can see up to 45 meters underwater while snorkeling. The rocky coastline has several small coves for swimming.
Inside the Walled Town
Walk through the Puerta de Levante (Eastern Gate) to find narrow streets lined with white-painted houses. The town includes the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul from 1779 and the former Governor's House, now a hotel. About 50 people live here year-round, with more residents and visitors during summer.
Local Food and Restaurants
Try caldero, the island's main dish made with fresh-caught fish and rice. Restaurants line the harbor and main street, many with outdoor seating areas. Most places serve lunch between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, with menus focusing on seafood and Mediterranean recipes.
Best Times to Visit
Visit in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild for walking and swimming. These months have fewer visitors than summer. In summer, the water is warmer but expect more people, especially on weekends. While the island stays open year-round, many restaurants close during winter.
