Illa de Tabarca
Small island off the Alicante coast, the only inhabited one in the Valencian Community and Spain's first marine reserve (1986). Its 18th-century walled town — a protected historic-artistic site since 1964 — holds the church of San Pedro y San Pablo and the Torre de San José. Crystal-clear waters and Posidonia meadows make it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Off the coast of Alacant lies the Illa de Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community and, since 1986, Spain's first marine reserve. Just stepping off the boat changes the rhythm of the trip.
The village
Its core is an 18th-century walled enclosure, declared a historic-artistic site in 1964. Inside stand the church of San Pedro y San Pablo and the Torre de San José, and the lanes invite you to get pleasantly lost.
The sea
The marine reserve guards crystal-clear waters and Posidonia meadows that make Tabarca one of the area's best spots for snorkelling and diving. For a full day out, it fits nicely into a day trip.
Before you go
- Access is by boat; check timetables for the season.
- Pack water shoes and a snorkel mask to make the most of the seabed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Illa de Tabarca?
You reach it by boat from the Alacant coast. It's worth checking the schedules before you go, as they can vary.
What makes Illa de Tabarca special?
It's the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community and, since 1986, the first marine reserve in Spain. Its 18th-century walled core has been a historic-artistic site since 1964.
Can you snorkel or dive at Tabarca?
Yes. The marine reserve protects clear waters and posidonia meadows that make it one of the best spots in the area for snorkelling and diving.
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