Tabarca Island — A Day Trip to a Mediterranean Island

Just off the coast of Santa Pola, you will find a very different side of the Costa Blanca.

Tabarca Island — A Day Trip to a Mediterranean Island

Just off the coast of Santa Pola, you will find a very different side of the Costa Blanca.

Tabarca Island is a small historic island surrounded by clear Mediterranean waters, with a fortified village, quiet streets, rocky coastline and a protected marine reserve. From Orihuela Costa, it makes an interesting day trip — combining a boat journey, history, swimming and a few hours of island life.

A Small Island With a Big History

Tabarca is not just a beach destination. The island was known in the past as Isla Plana and has been connected with the coast for centuries. Its strategic position made it an important refuge and defensive point, particularly because of piracy in the Mediterranean.

The village you see today dates mainly from the 18th century, when King Carlos III ordered the island to be fortified and settled by Genoese families who had been held captive in the Tunisian city of Tabarka.

This is where the name Nueva Tabarca comes from.

The old fortified village, with its walls, gates and narrow streets, is one of the most interesting parts of the island to explore.

Walk Through the Old Village

The historic centre is small enough to explore on foot. You can walk through the old gates, follow the narrow streets and discover the traditional houses, the church, the old walls and other remains of the fortified settlement.

There is also a small museum on the island explaining Tabarca’s history and its relationship with the surrounding marine environment. But you don’t need to spend the whole day sightseeing. Part of the attraction is simply slowing down, walking around the island and enjoying the views.

The Marine Reserve

The sea around Tabarca is one of its biggest attractions. The waters were declared a Marine Reserve in 1986, becoming the first marine reserve established in Spain. The protected area is known for its marine biodiversity and clear Mediterranean waters.

This makes Tabarca particularly interesting for swimming, snorkelling and discovering the underwater world. The coastline is a mixture of small rocky sections, coves and beaches, with the main sandy beach located near the village. If you enjoy being in the sea rather than simply sitting beside it, Tabarca is a great place to spend a few hours.

How Do You Get to Tabarca?

The easiest way to visit is by boat from Santa Pola. The crossing is short, making Santa Pola the most convenient departure point for a day trip from Orihuela Costa. There are also regular connections from Alicante, although the journey is longer. Tabarkeras Santa Pola and other ferry operators run services between Santa Pola and Tabarca, with schedules changing depending on the season. It is worth checking the timetable before travelling, particularly outside the main summer months.

How Long Do You Need?

For a first visit, a full day works well. Allow time for the boat journey, a walk around the old village, lunch, swimming and exploring some of the coastline. You can see the main historic area relatively quickly, but there is no need to rush. Tabarca is best enjoyed as a slow Mediterranean day rather than a checklist of attractions. During the busiest summer days, it is also worth planning your boat trip in advance.

A Different Costa Blanca Experience

Tabarca feels surprisingly different from the mainland. There are no large resorts or busy urban streets. Instead, you have a small historic village, the Mediterranean all around you and a protected marine environment just a short boat ride from the coast. It is an easy way to add something completely different to a Costa Blanca holiday.

If you’re staying in Orihuela Costa and have a free day, Tabarca Island is definitely worth putting on your list.

Explore More Places to Visit Around the Costa Blanca→

View Our Apartments→