Tabarca island history: Tabarca, Spain: The Pirate’s Island

Tabarca Island History

The History and Buildings of Tabarca, Alicante

I have decided to write about the history and the buildings of Tabarca Island together because the two are very much intertwined.

When you step onto Tabarca Island it is very much like stepping back in time. There are buildings remaining from the 18th century and these tell the story of Tabarca Island.

The Story of The Pirates

The island was a refuge for Barbury pirates up to the end of the 18th Century. Pirates used to hide away on the Island whist using it as a base to plunder passing vessels.

This caused a problem for the then Spanish King – King Carlos III.

At the time Spain had possession of an Island off the coast of Tunisia called Tabarqah (Tabarka). In 1741, the King of Tunisia invaded this Spanish Island and took the Genoese inhabitants as prisoners. King Carlos III was incensed at this and rescued these prisoners and they were returned to the port of Alicante. He then decided that he would put these Genoese prisoners on the Island of Tabarca.

The result of this? Well, the result was that the pirates no longer had a hideout on Isla de Tabarca and were run off the island by these 300 or so prisoners. The military engineer Fernando Mndez Ras was responsible for planning the new town and he planned a fortified town with walls, bulwarks, warehouses and houses. These buildings still remain today.

Around 1770 the island became known as ‘Nova Tabarca’, which translates as ‘New Tabarca’.

At the end of the 19th Century, the island had a population of around 1000 people mainly devoted to fishing. Now, the permanent population is around 50 during the winter months and even greater over the Summer months.

Fishing and tourism now drive the economy with Tabarca receiving between to 2000 – 3000 visitors a day during the height of Summer.

Tabarca Island Buildings to Visit

Walking around the Island takes about an hour and a half, so it is really quite small.

The West of the Island is the part that is inhabited. Here there are small streets, the church, the walls and their gateways, the beach and the port.

There is a museum on the island – Nueva Tabarca Museum (located in the Almadrba warehouse building)

Tel: +34 965 960 175

The opening hours are as follows;

Winter opening hours

Wednesday to Sunday:

11 am to 2 pm

3 pm to 4.30 pm

Summer opening hours

Wednesday to Sunday:

11 am to 2 pm

4 pm to 6.30 pm

Walls

These defensive walls were built in stone on order from King Carlos III in 1769.

The walls surrounding the town have been officially declared a Historical and Artistic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Nowadays the walls are used as launch pads for the daring!

Gateways or Entrances

The walls had entrances / gateways built into them and there were 3 points of entry.

Puerta de Alicante or San Miguel

Built from the north, has rough stone vaults and gives access to the old pier.

Puerta de Levante o San Rafael

The first gate you will come across if coming form the sea-port. There is a plaque commemorating the twinning of the islands of San Pietro and New Tabarca MCMLXXV XXIX VI.

Gate of Trance or San Gabriel

Built to the west and has a small dome, shield with real weapons and the inscription Carolus III HISPANIARUM REX, fecit, EDIFICAVIT.

Iglesia de San Pedro and San Pablo – The chuch of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

The church dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul is a rectangular nave, is divided into four sections and has side chapels. It has two doors, fortified appearance and is located right on the edge of the island overlooking the sea.

Governor’s House

Built in the center of the town and was originally designed to house the town hall. It has a main body with two adjoining wings which make an open courtyard.

Has recently been converted into hotel but not many of the original features have been kept.

Torre de San Jos – San Jose Tower

Designed by Balthasar Ricoud and built in 1789 it stands alone on the northeatern side of the Island in an area known as Campo. Originally it was a lookout tower. It stands at 27.5 metres high and is in the form of a ‘truncated pyramid’ with a square base and three floors. It was used as the state prison in the 19th Century.

Lighthouse

Located in the same area (unpopulated) as the San Jose Tower this lighthouse was designed by John Laurenti (1854).

Houses

There are some quaint old houses in the streets of the island. That now house the remaining 50 or so residents (in the winter, more in the Summer).

Further information on Tabarca Island

Tabarca Island Beach
Tabarca Island Marine Reserve
Tabarca Island History
Tabarca Island Restaurants
Tabarca Island Hotels

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Exploring Tabarca, Alicante’s island

On November 6, 2021August 14, 2022 By viewfromlavilaIn Things to do and see around Villajoyosa, Things to do and see in and around Alicante

Tabarca is so tiny it only takes you a minute – literally – to walk right across the place at its narrowest point.

It’s the smallest permanently inhabited island in Spain (just over 50 people at the last count). It lies just a few miles off the coast, so take the ferry over and explore!

Coming in to Tabarca harbour – the church and the 18th century fortifications

Tabarca lies just off the Alicante coast. It’s a fun day trip, it’s a marine nature reserve with crystal clear waters, and it has some cool history. Not least how it came to get the name Tabarca in the first place.

But more of that shortly. First, how to get there. The trip is part of the fun; there’s always a hint of adventure going to an island, even on a tourist boat.

Ferry from Santa Pola arriving in Tabarca harbour

You can jump on a catamaran from a number of places along the Costa Blanca coast. The fishing port of Santa Pola is the closest (around 25 mins, €10 return from ticket booths on the quayside).

You can also get there from Alicante marina, from Torrevieja to the south, and Benidorm or El Campello to the north.

The boats all make a big thing about underwater vision and have viewing windows cut into their hulls, but frankly it’s a bit of a waste of time. The viewing areas are cramped and you only see the odd passing fish.

The harbour at Tabarca, Alicante’s island.

Tabarca is definitely an island of two halves. Once you step off the boat at the tiny harbour, you turn right for the inhabited and fortified part. Turn left for the flat open spaces and small rocky coves of the east of the island, where it’s possible to get away from the crowds for some great views and some solitude.

Head first for the old town and some history. Tabarca was originally known as Isla Plana (Flat Island). Yes, it is an island and it is definitely flat, but clearly there wasn’t a lot of imagination going on in the naming committee.

Back in the day it was a base for pirates (corsarios) preying on shipping and coastal communities along the Alicante coast. Eventually King Carlos lll had had enough of all this pirate nonsense and decided to fortify Tabarca in the mid-1700s. You can see the remains of the walls and gates everywhere around the old town.

Carrer d’Enmig, the main street, runs the length of the little settlement

Fascinating fact!

Getting people to live on what was frankly a rather barren lump of rock was a bit of a challenge. Until, that is, a rather neat solution came up – at least as far as the Spanish crown was concerned.

A brief rewind back to the 1530s. Spain had captured Tunis in north Africa, including the island of Tabarka. People from the Italian republic of Genoa were brought in to populate the island and work its coral reefs.

Fast forward 200 years and Tabarka was seized by the Bey (a kind of sub-king) of Tunis, who made slaves of the still-Christian population.

New Tabarca

To cut a long story short, King Carlos III of Spain eventually paid a ransom to liberate the Genoese Tabarkans. He had them shipped over to Alicante and used them to settle Isla Plana. The new arrivals called the island Nueva Tabarca after their former home – and the name stuck.

There are still clues to the Genoese heritage on the island. Some Italian family names survive and there’s a Calle Génova There’s also a connection with the tiny island of San Pietro off the coast of Sardinia, where another Tabarkan exile community was established.

The main gate to Tabarca – Porta de Levant

Tabarca town

Wander through the main gate, the Porta de Levant, down the main street Carrer d’Enmig to the Porta de la Trancada at the other end. From here, there are cool views across to the mainland and the Cantera (Quarry) Islet where they dug out a lot of the stone to build the defences.

Looking out from the Porta Trancada (aka Puerta San Gabriel) to the mainland in the distanceThe tiny islet of La Cantera (the quarry), where a lot of the stone used to build Tabarca’s defences was dug out.

Walk along the town walls to reach the church. It’s easily the dominant building in the town, but rather spoilt by a) being closed and b) having a half-ruined building obscuring the eastern façade.

Head round to the opposite side of the village for the little pebble beaches of Cova de Birros and Llop Mari where you can swim in gin-clear waters.

The restored 18th century fortifications with the church in the backgroundThe church of San Pedro and San Pablo – unfortunately closed. There’s a local legend that San Pablo (St Paul) landed on Tabarca – the island was sometimes known as Isla de San Pablo

Then the choices are: have something to eat – rice dishes are a speciality, especially a caldero tabarquino, a very filling combination of fish and rice. Go snorkelling – Tabarca is a marine reserve and some of the best things to see are underwater. Or head down to the unpopulated east of the island to the lighthouse.

The little pebble beach of Cova de Birros

We were too late in the year for guided snorkelling tours – try here during the summer season. But you can still swim off the main beach (Platja Central), which gets pretty crowded in high summer. Or head off to some of the little coves dotted around the eastern side of the island and do your own thing.

The main beach of Platja Central – quiet in October, but it gets a lot more crowded in summer

The east of Tabarca

You can’t miss the squat, chunky tower of the Torre de San Jose, part of the island’s fortifications and a one-time prison. It was the Guardia Civil post, but it clearly hasn’t been used for a fair old while and you can’t go in.

The rather forbidding Torre de San JoseThe tower entrance – sadly shut!Looking back to the town of Tabarca from the tower – the landscape is dry and flat, with lots of grasshoppers underfoot!

Further on is the lighthouse (again, you can’t visit) and right at the eastern tip of the island, the cemetery. Head a little further on to the rocky Punta Falcófor some great views out to sea and some tranquility away from the tourism.

The faro (lighthouse) of Tabarca, Alicante’s islandThe lonely cemetery at eastern tip of the islandLooking out to sea from Punta Falcó, right at the eastern end of Tabarca

You can stay on the island after the ferries stop – the sunsets and stars are supposed to be spectacular – but we headed back to Santa Pola.

On your way home, it’s worth stopping off at the Cabo de Santa Pola, the cape that overlooks Tabarca that you saw from your ferry.

Head for the lighthouse and spectacular views across to the island and along the coast. If you’re lucky, you might also see paragliders soaring over the cliffs – find out more in my post here.

Looking out to Tabarca town from the clifftop on Cabo de Santa Pola.

Tabarca travel tips!

Check the weather before you go. If the sea’s rough, the ferries might not run. And out of peak season, some restaurants will not be open, so check that too. We ate at La Caleta in late October. A good arroz negro (black rice cooked in squid ink) with calamar (squid), eaten on a terrace overlooking the sea.

For more things to do and see around Alicante, check out these blog posts:

You’ll find a lot more on Spanish food, wine and history especially here on the Costa Blanca, on my blog. Feel free to take a good look around!

© Guy Pelham

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Mediterranean Tabarca Island, Spain | Ursula’s Weekly Wanders

© 2022 Ursula’s Weekly Wanders|ProPhoto Site

a paradise for all, not just for pirates

Tabarca Island has been recognised in various different ways: Site of Cultural Interest, Historic-Artistic Site, Mediterranean Marine Reserve and Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). In short, it isn’t lacking in things to see. Its 30 hectares include museums, palaces, churches, solitary lighthouses in the midst of the paramo and, of course, diverse animal life such as octopuses, lobsters, groupers, red mullets, turtles and star fish. 

Visit Alicante’s Tabarca Island by boat  

This small slice of paradise, which can be accessed by boat from Santa Pola, Alicante, Guardamar, Benidorm and Torrevieja, has attracted more than colourful creatures to its green water meadows of Posidonia oceanica. Since at least the 15th century, Barbary pirates from northern Africa used Tabarca Island as a base from which they could launch attacks on the Christian coasts, all under the patronage of the Ottoman Empire. 

After centuries of looting, Charles III decided in 1769 to establish a colony on the island and fortify it. He did so in a very curious manner: namely, he paid the ransom for sixty nine Genoese Ligurian families who had been enslaved by the Turks and brought them to Tabarca. They were all on Tabarca Island, which is close to Tunisia and was the property of the Republic of Genoa, when the Turks invaded it and took them as hostages. The decision was then made to build a town on the island, inviting the inhabitants to come to Spain, the future Nueva Tabarca.  

Free cancellation

Cristal-clear waters surrounding Tabarca

The natural riches of Tabarca Island 

In 1986, Tabarca Island became Spain’s first Marine Reserve. This led to a ban on trawling, which had been used by the fishermen who re-populated the island in the 20th century. The island was re-populated after worryingly high emigration in the 19th century. This decision helped to protect Tabarca’s seabed, but it was gradually losing its identity as a fishermen’s island. This decision led to it becoming one of Spain’s most important nature reserves. 

Its waters are home to seahorses, turtles, groupers, red mullets, octopuses, sea bass, as well as large meadows of Posidonia oceanica. It is precisely these Mediterranean plants that have helped to cultivate an environment that is so rich in flora and fauna, turning Tabarca Island into a popular destination amongst lovers of diving and snorkelling. In the depths of its waters, its caves are also home to various life forms such as lobsters and cicadas. The European Union would later declare the island as a Special Protection Area for Birds, topping off its offer of natural spectacles. 

The shore of Isla de Tabarca

Tabarca Island also enjoys its own urban beach. This is known as La Playita, located in the corridor of land—or isthmus—that separates the town from the rest of the island, boasting services such as scooter and bike rental and chiringuito beachfront bars. The Playa de la Caleta is a smaller beach, located in the port. Tabarca also has various natural coves and beaches, like the one facing out to La Galera island, which is a popular snorkelling destination, and the Cala del Francés.  

Another must-visit destination on Tabarca Island is the Cova del Llop Marí. This cave, with two entrances, can be accessed by swimming from any of the nearby coves or by taking a short boat ride. It goes 100 meters into the island’s subsoil and, in the past, was home to groups of monk seals. One hundred years ago, a couple of sea lions also lived there. However, the island’s inhabitants chased them away for fear that they would harm the fishing industry, with their baby dying during birth. The story goes that the mother was next to die, consumed by her grief, and that the father spent the next three days howling terribly, scaring the villagers. Some say these howls can still be heard today. 

What to see in Tabarca: a town, a lighthouse and much more  

In some places, the best way to get to know your surroundings is by following your instinct. This is the case with the town of Tabarca, with cobbled streets and a mixture of white-washed and brightly coloured houses, assuming a range of different architectural styles. Many different trees, including palm trees, line the streets, with flowers blooming from the pots in which they are housed. Tabarca Island was declared a Site of Cultural Interest for the blend of exuberant nature and architectural beauty of its town, which has always looked out to sea. 

The Church of St Peter and St Paul facing the coast

If you’re looking to visit some of its many tourist attractions during your time on the island, here are a few suggestions:  

• Governor’s House. Now a hotel, this construction has been completely restored, retaining its original floors and archways which date back to 1780. 

• The wall and its three doors. The Puerta de San Rafael, Puerta de San Gabriel and the Puerta de San Miguel are the three doorways of this wall with a Roman spirit. Some stretches of it are well preserved, whereas others have collapsed into the sea.

• Lighthouse. Tabarca lighthouse was constructed in 1854 so that passing ships could avoid the rocks and reefs that surround the island. It stands alone in the El Campo paramo. One of the most intriguing features of the lighthouse is its distance from the shore. However, given the island’s flatness, there’s no need for greater visibility. It was previously a school for lighthouse keepers.

• Church of St Peter and St Paul. This 18th century church stands proudly on the rugged Tabarca coastline, in a distinct neoclassical

  Torre de San José

  architectural style. Other details, such as its beautiful fleur-de-lis windows or the main façade, highlight its baroque influences. Much of this church was built using rocks which were extracted from the island. 

• Torre de San José. This construction is notable for its door, which is positioned two metres off the ground. It served as a prison during the 19th century. Initially, they considered surrounding it with a moat to make it harder for the inmates to escape.  
• Nueva Tabarca museum. This museum contains an audio-visual room and an exhibition room. This museum seeks to showcase various materials (photographs, blueprints, etc.) that better explain the geography, geology and history of Tabarca Island, while highlighting the relationship that exists there between humans and the sea. 

Eating and accommodation on Tabarca Island 

As you’ll certainly need to take a break during your visit, we recommend that you sample the traditional local dish, el caldero: fish served with potatoes, aioli, and a broth that is used to cook the rice that accompanies the stew. Potera squid and langoustine, lobster and fish-based rice dishes are also amongst the island’s specialties. We suggest sampling the food at La Almadraba, Casa Gloria, Casa Ramos or the Amparín restaurant. 

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A Tiny Spanish Island Where Pirates Once Roamed

This article is part of our latest special report on Waterfront Homes, which focuses on living near, and sometimes even on, the water.

NUEVA TABARCA, Spain — As a teenager, Federico Mérimée dived for sea urchins on the tiny island of Nueva Tabarca. Back then, he and his friends couldn’t afford the fare for the water taxi, so they would hitch rides from the mainland on local fishing boats.

Nowadays, Mr. Mérimée, 52, who runs an elevator maintenance company, motors over to the island in his own speedboat. He and his wife recently bought a vacation home here.

Nueva Tabarca is one of many small islands along the Spanish coastline, where a few hardy souls have made their homes. Some, like Nueva Tabarca, which measures just one mile long and half a mile wide, have no stores at all. In bad weather, residents can be stuck there for days. But in return, they are free of crowds and rowdy tourists most of the year.

Image

The island’s main street.Credit…Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

Spain’s tiny islands are also a relative bargain. While mansions run into the millions on Mallorca, where the Spanish royal family has a residence, for instance, houses on smaller, more remote islands cost far less. Although all-time low interest rates are helping to reactivate the Spanish real estate sector, which experienced a slump in prices of 4 percent in Barcelona during the pandemic, the market for holiday homes along Spain’s coastline and on its islands will remain sluggish until international tourism picks up, according to Jesús Encinar, founder of idealista.com, a real estate portal.

The Mérimées’ three-bedroom house in the island’s only village cost 200,000 euros, or about $245,000. The home’s front door opens onto a cobbled street where residents set their tables for al fresco dining on summer evenings.

There are no cars on the island, and the crystal-clear waters around it are protected as a marine reserve. In just a few steps, Mr. Mérimée’s children are on the beach.

“I’ve wanted a place here for years, and now I have one,” he said.

Federico Mérimée, right, with his father, Georges, spent time on the island as a boy and now owns a vacation home there.Credit…Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

Properties here are hard to come by. Though a few pop up from time to time on real estate websites, and a smattering of “for sale” signs hang from balconies, most houses are sold by word of mouth.

“The islanders keep the properties amongst themselves,” said Tomás Joaquín, who runs Inmobiliaria Santa Pola, a real estate agency on the mainland.

The residents are a close-knit community. Over the centuries, they have fished for a living. In recent times, they run restaurants for day-trippers.

Most are descendants of Italian fishermen who were captured and sold into slavery on the North African coast in the 18th century before being liberated and brought here by King Carlos III of Spain.

At the time, the Mediterranean was a sea of marauding pirates, according to José Miguel Santacreu Soler, professor of contemporary history at the University of Alicante. The pirates hid in the coves of Nueva Tabarca and plundered the Spanish coast.

Soldiers were stationed on the island to deter them, and a civilian population was needed to supply their food. Carlos III had homes built for the Italian settlers with stones from the local quarry.

At its peak, some 400 people lived on Nueva Tabarca, according to Dr. Santacreu Soler. There were schools, bakeries, a farm and a cemetery, which is full of headstones with the same half-dozen Italian surnames: Barroso, Bautista, Chacopino, Luchoro, Manzanaro and Parodi.

At the old cemetery on the northern part of Nueva Tabarca, headstones are engraved with the same half-dozen Italian surnames. Credit…Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

José Chacopino, 56, who left as a young man to work as a captain on a cruise ship, recently gave up his job and returned to his roots.

For €270,000, he and his wife, Sandra Pérez, 49, bought his siblings out of their inheritance, a 1,442-square-foot house that previously belonged to Mr. Chacopino’s mother.

Last year, before the pandemic struck, they converted the ground floor into a sandwich bar and the airy upper floor, with its outdoor terrace and sea view, into a three-bedroom home where they intend to spend summers with their teenage daughter.

Unlike her husband, Ms. Pérez was not born here. But she is no stranger to the island and its ways. She used to visit as a child — that’s how she and Mr. Chacopino met and fell in love — and she knew what she was getting into.

José Chacopino and his wife, Sandra Pérez, bought the island house that once belonged to his mother.Credit…Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

“You have to be well organized with food,” she said. “You can’t live here without a boat. And you also need to check the weather forecast.”

Masún Barroso, who manages an island-based construction company with her husband, says many islanders choose to renovate their properties themselves because hiring a third party on the mainland can be expensive.

But she warned that it’s not easy.

“You can’t just throw the debris into a dumpster and forget about it. It must be put into sacks and taken off the island,” she said.

One house that Ms. Barroso was hired to gut and renovate in 2006 was recently put back on the market for €180,000.

Its narrow facade belies the 797-square-foot interior. In keeping with the structure of the original house, a mezzanine is sandwiched between the ground and first floors. The walls in the living area and the bedrooms are paneled with wood and furnished in blue and white, giving the interior a cozy, seafaring feel.

But it was in a state of disrepair when the current owner, María Alcazar Benito, 74, bought it over a decade ago. There was no bathroom. The roof was in danger of collapsing. The only salvageable original feature was the brick floor.

“If you buy property here, be prepared to spend lots of money. Everything is double the price,” Ms. Benito said, referring to the fact that hiring a plumber, for instance, requires paying for a sea crossing.

Even so, she expects to cry when the house is sold. After years of summer vacations with her grandchildren, of waking to the sound of sea gulls cawing and church bells ringing on Sundays, she insists that “the island is a delight.”

The home of Mercedes González. The walls and archways, made of sandstone quarried on the island, are encrusted with bits of seashells.Credit…Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

Mercedes González, 66, was unable to resist its allure after working here for a decade as the resident nurse. When her contract ended, she bought one of the houses commissioned by Carlos III in the 18th century.

Bits of broken seashells are encrusted in the thick walls and archways made from sandstone extracted from the quarry. Determined to maintain these original features, Ms. González admits that housekeeping often involves sweeping up the sand that crumbles from her living room walls.

“I just have to accept it,” she said, broom in hand.

For practical reasons, most islanders live and work on the mainland in the winter and come here only in the summer or on weekends to enjoy the tranquillity and to check up on the handful of die-hard elderly residents who stay year round.

The island is free of cars, and the surrounding waters are protected as a marine reserve.Credit…Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

Cut off from the mainland for nearly three months during the national quarantine last year, the island had no Covid deaths despite its elderly population. Boats were not allowed to dock in the harbor, except those providing essential services and bringing food.

Jesús Soria, the resident police officer, estimates that in normal times the population ranges from nine residents during the bleakest winter weeks to about 4,000 at the height of the tourist season, when a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried out of the church and placed in a boat that sails around the island with a procession of tourists and residents in its wake.

Crime is negligible. Nonetheless, Mr. Soria is kept busy, even in the winter, by neighborly disputes and requests to help with odd jobs.

“I often get called out to flick a switch after a power cut or change channels on someone’s TV,” he said with a smile.

Sharing paella outside a vacation home.Credit…Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

Josefina Baile, 94, who lives in a large, walled property on the seafront, has not left the island’s shores for two years.

She remembers how hard life used to be. Before the construction of pipelines in the 1990s, there was no running water or electricity. The islanders had to draw water from the well in the village square and capture rain from the slanted roofs of their homes.

“Life has changed for the better,” she said. “I like it when people come to the island.”

On a chilly winter afternoon, a group of young people had cruised over on a friend’s speedboat.

Despite their generation’s constant use of technology, they all agreed that part of Nueva Tabarca’s appeal is the inability to connect to the internet on their cellphones.

One of the students, Paloma Riera, who is studying for a master’s degree in law, looked wistfully across the street at the for-sale sign hanging from Ms. Benito’s balcony. “If I had money, I would buy a house here,” she said.

Tabarca Island – ALICANTE City & Beach

Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the Region of Valencia and is located opposite the city of Alicante, 11 nautical miles offshore and near the Santa Pola headland. In fact, it’s more than just an island: it’s a small archipelago that comprises the islets of La Cantera, La Galera and La Nao as well as the Isla de Tabarca itself. It is approximately 1,800 metres long and measures some 400 metres across at its widest point.

In the past, its shores were a refuge for Berber pirates and, in the 18th century, King Carlos III ordered the island to be fortified and a town built, in which to house several families of Genoese fishermen who were being held prisoner in the Tunisian city of Tabarka. The walls surrounding the town have been officially declared a Historical and Artistic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Phone (+34) 672 09 98 25

A visit to the island usually lasts one day. There are numerous departure times from the port of Alicante, although the regularity of these depends upon the time of year. The boat ride is comfortable and lasts for around one hour. The island can also be reached from Santa Pola and Benidorm.

Once on the island, visitors can enjoy the coves and beaches with their crystal-clear waters and a picturesque fishing port with excellent eateries offering the opportunity to try the traditional “caldero”, the island’s typical dish. We recommend a stroll through the town and a visit to the island’s museum. Visitors can now even enjoy an overnight stay on the island, thanks to the recent opening of accommodation.

• Getting Tabarca from Alicante
• Getting Tabarca from other locations
• Katamaran trips from Alicante
• Where to eat
• Where to sleep

You can get to the Island of Tabarca from the marina (Paseo Tomás y Valiente). Approximate journey time: 1 hour.

Cruceros Kontiki

• Phone (+34) 686 994 540
• Phone (+34) 695 21 20 63
• Phone (+34) 686 99 45 39
• Av. del Almte. Julio Guillén Tato, s/n, 03001 Alicante, Alicante, España

Timetable

* Check availability and safety measures (COVID-19), HERE

Price (round trip)

• Adults: 21 euros
• Children from 0 to 4 years old: free of charge

Buy tickets online HERE

The Kontiki company reserves the right to modify its timetables for technical reasons or due to the weather.

Outside the summer season, check schedules and prices in the following link: cruceroskontiki.com

From Santa Pola

Barcos-Taxi. Marina Miramar, Paseo Adolfo Suárez

• El llop marí Tel. 696 910 483
• Veloz Tel. 637 553 257

Aquabus Tabarca

• Av. Fernando Pérez Ojeda
• Tel. 687 916 450
• Tel 678 640 003/ 678 640 004.
• http://www.tabarbus.es/

Transtabarca 

• Av. Fernando Pérez Ojeda
• Tel. 689 123 623 / 608 330 422
• www.islatabarca.com

Tabarkeras

• Av. Fernando Pérez Ojeda s/n
• Tel 608 962 266 / 639 893 920
• www.tabarkeras.com
• www.excursionesisladetabarca.com

Tabarca Water Taxi  

• Av. Fernando Pérez Ojeda
• Tel. 671 478 961
• http://tabarcawatertaxi.com/
• tabarcawatertaxi@gmail. com

From Benidorm

Excursiones Marítimas Benidorm

• Tel: +34 96 585 00 52
• Para más información Tourist Info Benidorm- Tel: +34 96 585 32 24

Katamaran trips from Alicante

Where to eat in Tabarca

Where to sleep in Tabarca

Alicante’s Municipal Tourist Board accepts no responsibility with regard to any possible changes of schedules, prices or any other information.

Almadraba Warehouse Building.

Phone: 965 960 175

Museum opening hours in winter: wednesday to Sunday

• from 11.00 a.m to 2.00 p.m.
• from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Museum opening hours in summer: Wednesday to Sunday

• from 11.00 a.m to 2.00 p.m.
• from 4.00 p.m to 6.30 p.m

Free access

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The small island of Tabarka: all winds blow from the sea. Spain in Russian

Against the background of the luxurious archipelagos belonging to Spain – such as the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands – this small island looks modest and unassuming. It does not attract tourists with either lush vegetation or amazing relief contours of the coast. However, this is also a small part of the Spanish kingdom, with its own legends, history, entertaining past and quite cheerful present. Tabarca was the first island in Spain to be declared a marine reserve – probably due to this there are such clear waters and a variety of marine life. By the way, at the end of the 19th century, white-bellied seals could be found in these places near the island. Today, alas, there are no seals anymore, but tourists who come by ferry from the “mainland” dive with pleasure in the waters of Tabarka and return to the beach, full of impressions from exploring the underwater world of a small island.

Location and climate

The island of Tabarca ( La isla de Tabarca) , clearly visible against the backdrop of the sea and sky, almost opposite the small resort town of Santa Pola (Costa Blanca), has changed its name more than once during its tenure. Toponymic experts claim that it was known to the ancient Greeks as Planesia, the Romans called it Planaria. The Arab medieval historian and geographer Al-Idrisi mentions Tabarka under the name of Blanasia, demonstrating its origin from the Greek version, which is noticeable to the naked eye.

In the late Middle Ages, the island was officially named San Pablo, in the Valencian dialect – Sant Pau – in honor of St. Paul the Apostle, who, according to one legend, once moored his ship here.

Then, to this piece of land, popular rumor stuck the name of the Plan (Plana) – Flat – focusing on that of its physical characteristics, which is the first to catch the eye. There were attempts to call it Islote de Santa Pola – “the island of Santa Pola”, reducing the definition from “island” to “island” for its small size. In 1770, the Genoese, who arrived from the Tunisian island of Tabarka, found refuge here. They called their new place of residence New Tabarka.

From Alicante to Tabarka by water – 22 kilometers, from the port of Santa Pola – 8 km, and the closest land point to the island is Cape Santa Pola, from which Tabarka is only 4 km or 2.3 miles. Administratively, the island is subordinate to Alicante, being considered its suburbs. The population of Tabarka is 73 people.

The island stretches from the northwest to the southeast for 1800 m, reaches a maximum width of 450 m and has an area of ​​about 30 hectares. Its highest point rose above the sea by only fifteen meters. Tabarka consists of three parts, interconnected by isthmuses. The city itself is located in its western third – with its church, port, restaurants, two squares and a dozen streets intersecting at strict right angles. Near the port, completing the city picture, there are two sandy beaches.

Precipitation here is extremely irregular, not exceeding 300 mm per year. Dominant winds: in spring and summer – east, in autumn and winter – north and west. The average wind speed is not very high (up to 21 km/h during the day and 17 km/h at night). However, sometimes nature amends the established norms, significantly exceeding them. So, for example, on January 20, 1978, a wind speed of 167 km / h (more than 46 m / s) was recorded here.

The climate of Tabarka is dry Mediterranean. The average annual temperature is +17 ºC with an upper limit of +35 ºC and a lower limit of +5 ºC. It is more correct to call the upper limit the usual one, since in other summers the sun heats everything around by another 5-7 degrees higher, but this happens only sporadically.

History

Archaeologists have managed to find materials on the island that testify to its habitation in the Romanesque period. Although traces of habitation were not found anywhere. Fragments of the necropolis and amphoras indicate that the island could only be used as an industrial zone in those days. The ancient Roman historian Strabo in his writings mentions an island located in these waters with a large number of underwater rocks, dangerous for ships. The wreckage of sunken ships off the coast of Tabarka confirms that Strabo is talking about her.

The first news about the need to build fortifications on the island dates back to the 13th century. A century later, in 1337, it was allowed to build a watchtower here, but no documents have been preserved confirming or denying the implementation of this plan. Ninety years later, the question arises of organizing a serious defensive system in order to prevent a situation where the Barbary corsairs, having captured the island, will turn it into a springboard for constant attacks on Alicante and settlements in its environs. During the reign of King Philip III (Felipe III), the idea of ​​building a large fortification on Tabarka arose, but the results of calculating the costs of maintaining and maintaining such a fortress and its garrison forced the authors to abandon this idea. In the end, in 1760, the construction of the first buildings began on the island under the leadership of Count Conde de Aranda (Conde de Aranda).

The modern history of Alicante Tabarka (which at that time did not yet have this name) begins in 1768, when King Carlos III (Carlos III), responding to the call for mercy of the monk Juan de la Virgen, redeemed sixty-nine families of Ligurian origin from slavery and subsequently settled them here.

Ligurians for many years before that moment, during the time of the Republic of Genoa, made up the population of the island belonging to this state – also Tabarka, but located at a distance of three hundred meters from the coast of Tunisia. When in 1741 this island was captured by the Tunisian bey, its entire population turned into slaves. In this capacity, the Tunisian Tabarka remained until October 14, 1768, when an operation began to rescue the captives who were there. The operation ended on December 8 of the same 68th year. Apparently, the liberated were transported from the island, first to Cartagena, and then by land in wagons they reached Alicante, where they temporarily settled in the building of the College of the Jesuits, which was empty after the expulsion of members of this monastic order in 1767.

Count Conde de Aranda finally transported the former captives to Tabarka, Alicante, in 1770. He also attended to the solution of the issue of the stability of the population of the island. Therefore, he built there not only a fortress, but also civil structures, the complex of which had the status of a city.

The urban population at that time numbered 296 people, 31 of whom were natives of Italy, 137 were Tabarki, 70 were rescued from Tunisian captivity and 58 were from Algeria. All these data are recorded in the baptismal book of the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul (parroquia de San Pedro y San Pablo), standing on the island.

Each family settled in Tabarka was provided with separate housing. In addition, the colonists were granted many different privileges. They were, for example, exempted from the obligation to serve in the army and pay taxes, both direct and indirect, which were imposed on the cities of the country. The security of the island was provided by a guard galleon, and for the development of fishing, six vessels of the corresponding purpose were purchased. The Genoese origin of the inhabitants of the island is now easy to establish by their surnames, some of which were phonetically Spanishized: Buso (Buzo), Capriata (Capriata), Chacopino (Chacopino) or Jacopino (Jacopino), Colomba (Colomba), Rousseau (Russo), etc. d.

The first houses were built in 1770 – the same year in which the Genoese were settled on the island. In parallel with housing for the colonists, military engineer Fernando Mendez de Ras erected fortifications: walls, batteries, bastions, gates, warehouses, glacis. Vaulted ceilings were also built, under which warehouses with military uniforms, a church, the governor’s house and the houses of the Alicante city government were located – in case the leaders of the city suddenly arrived (this, they say, has never been recorded). Additional facilities necessary to ensure life on the island were created: a rainwater collection tank, a laundry, a bakery, etc.

Nine years after the beginning of colonization, in March 1779, a special commission arrived on the island, whose duties included a census of the entire population with an indication of professions in order to highlight the real state of affairs on Tabarka. The results of the census showed that the land of the island is used very little, fishing boats are laid up for a long time not serviced, most of the colonists live in poverty, the fortress begins to slowly collapse, there is a lack of fresh water, etc.

The new geopolitical situation that arose at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century led to a change in some of Spain’s priorities in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Tabarka began to rapidly lose its strategic attractiveness and military significance, which led to the reduction of the garrison stationed on it. In 1835, the island lost all its privileges, which also contributed to the decline in the population of Tabarka. As a result, in 1850, the garrison, together with the ruler of the island, left it. From that moment and for a century, desolation reigns here.

Today’s Tabarka

The situation begins to change only from the 1960s. At this time, a special plan was adopted to preserve the structures of the island in the form in which they were in the 18th century. The plan began to be implemented in the eighties of the twentieth century. A large number of buildings and structures were reconstructed, among which one can name a defensive wall, a church, a lighthouse (was built in 1854). On April 14, 1983, Tabarca was the first in Spain to be proclaimed an island whose water area is a marine reserve. This measure was aimed at the conservation of marine flora and fauna.

The economy of Tabarka was originally fishery oriented due to its geographical location. Today the economic basis of the island is tourism. During the season, up to 3,000 visitors come here per day. Gradually, a small piece of land in the Mediterranean Sea turns into a noticeable excursion, tourist and sports center: it is convenient to hold various water sports competitions here – sailing regattas, swimmers’ half marathons and competitions in other disciplines.

Until recently, drinking water in Tabarka was imported and stored in large tanks. Currently, the island has a water and electricity supply system connected to the mainland.

The transport connection of the island with coastal settlements is carried out by catamaran ships that make regular flights from Alicante and Santa Pola. During the active tourist season there are also routes linking Tabarca with Guardamar and Torrevieja.

Center of services for business and life in Spain “Spain in Russian” will organize your trip to any region of the country, book a hotel or apartment, provide information about all the sights of a particular geographical point that you intend to visit, suggest excellent restaurants, and also interesting excursion routes.

Center for services for life and business “Spain in Russian” is your guide in the world of individual tourism. Organization of tours, routes, trips, tickets for various events, excursions with the best guides, organization of holidays. Services for demanding clients.

+7 495 236 98 99 or +34 93 272 64 90, [email protected]

Tabarca Island: the pirate treasures of Alicante. Spain in Russian

An hour’s boat ride from Alicante, among the azure sea lies the island of Tabarca. Nautical legends say that at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea near the island, more than one treasure chest sank. Once upon a time, Barbary pirates jealously guarded the coast, taking any vessel approaching land at gunpoint. Who knows, maybe you will be lucky and, immersed in crystal clear water, you will notice the bright shine of gold and pearls.

The historical spirit of the island

Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the community of Valencia and the dream of many holidaymakers on the “mainland”, Alicante or Santa Pola, from where boats depart daily for the island.

Until the 18th century, the island was ruled by pirates and smugglers, who attacked the nearest settlements, robbing the poor inhabitants, and did not allow any unfamiliar ship to Tabarka. But in 1766, after long battles and fierce battles, the island still went to the Kingdom of Spain. By that time, Italian sailors settled on a small island. To this day, families with double surnames – Italian-Spanish – live in Tabarka.

After the annexation of the island to Spain, Carlos III issued a decree on the construction of a defensive wall, the tower of San Jose and the churches of St. Peter and Paul. Although Tabarka was often visited by the royal nobility, there have never been palaces, castles and eminent estates here. But on the main square, among the narrow streets, you can see a two-story house with a wide red roof. This is the house of the ruler of Tabarka, or the House of the Governor. Now it is the most important hotel on the island.

Modern life in New Tabarka

What to do on the island, when you have already climbed the tower of San Jose, rested in the shade of rare trees near the Old Lighthouse, acquired a golden tan while relaxing on clean beaches, and even listened to mass in the chapel of Saints Peter and Paul?

We suggest you go down to the Llop Marí cave. A few centuries ago, a legend arose about the cave, telling about a terrible sea monster, with a smooth, shiny body and sharp large fangs. At night, a sea animal crept close to the shore to swallow a tired fisherman. And during the day he howled so loudly that a terrible sound could be heard in Alicante. Whether this monster actually existed or not, it is known for certain that colonies of seals lived in the waters of Tabarka. Now you can go by boat deep into the cave to see with your own eyes the abode of the sea animal. The clear clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea near the island contribute to the development of sports activities such as diving and snorkeling. You can get a close look at ruby ​​corals, shiny fish and sharp seabed rocks. Do you remember that hundreds of ships loaded with jewels sank here in the days of pirates? Therefore, study the seabed more carefully to find a box with gold reals.

If there is a little more time.

..

Fortress Santa Barbara. The main attraction of Alicante is located on Mount Benacantil. Take a closer look at the slopes of the rocks – you can see the outlines of the face, which the locals called the “Moor’s Face” (“Cara de moro”). The fortress has three levels. The upper one is the oldest, and medieval buildings have been preserved on it: the Engineer’s Park, the English Bastion and the Hall of Fame. On the middle level, you can see the Military Corps, the Armory, the Queen’s Bastion, the ruins of Barbara’s chapel. These monuments date back to the 16th century. And on the lower level there are exhibitions, holiday fairs and festivals. Here is the Museum of the History of Alicante.

You can reach the fortress on foot. But there is also a more exciting option – on the elevator, through the shaft, cut down in the thickness of the rock. Elevators leave from Jovellanos Boulevard. The cost of the lift is 2.7 €. Opening hours – daily from 10. 00 to 20.00. The last elevator goes up at 19.20 and goes down at 19.40.

Santa Cruz area, Alicante. At the foot of Mount Benacantil lies the oldest district of the city, Santa Cruz. As soon as you get into the narrow streets, you will feel as if in another time dimension – after all, almost nothing has changed here since the 13th century. Each house is reminiscent of an ancient era when Spain was ruled by the Muslims.

Esplanada Boulevard (Explanada de España), Alicante. On the wide boulevard, which is the symbol of the city, you can buy local ice cream, take a walk among the date trees and drink a glass of light wine on the open terrace overlooking the azure sea.

Getting there

Boats depart from the mainland throughout the year. From Alicante – Kontiki, from Santa Pola – Transbarca, from Torrevieja – Marítims Torrevieja, from Benidorm – Excursiones Marítimas Benidorm.

When to arrive

The climate throughout the year is mild, dry and warm. Therefore, you can enjoy the azure sea, fresh breeze and green palm trees at any time. But for swimming and getting a good tan on the island, of course, summer is most suitable. However, if you are not a fan of the heat, then the season can begin in May, and end in early October.

Where to stay

Isla de Tabarca (Tabarca). The boutique hotel is located in the ancient building of the Governor’s House, built in the 18th year. Each room offers stunning sea views, and there is also an internal garden where you can relax in the shade of the trees.

La Trancada (Tabarca). You will like this hotel if you want to feel the non-tourist atmosphere of the island. The hotel is located in a former fisherman’s house, in the interior of which the owners tried to preserve the marine theme. The rooms are furnished in a minimalist, cozy style.

Where to eat

Amparín (Playa Central, Tabarca, tel. +34 965970734). One of the best coastal restaurants with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea from the terrace. Try seafood dishes, here the chefs are the descendants of fishermen, skilled culinary specialists.

Gloria II (Calle de Bernadro Ruso, 19, Tabarca, tel. +34 965970584). Alicante and Valencia are paella territories, so it is not surprising that the island has many restaurants specializing in rice dishes. Gloria II is the best restaurant where you can order seafood paella or grilled fish.

Tourist information: Turismo de Alicante, alicanteturismo.com

Center for services for life and business “Spain in Russian” is your guide in the world of individual tourism. Organization of tours, routes, trips, tickets for various events, excursions with the best guides, organization of holidays. Services for demanding clients.

+7 495 236 98 99 or +34 93 272 64 90, [email protected]

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Tabarca Island, Spain. Tabarca, Alicante: attractions

The island of Tabarca in Spain, also known as New Tabarca, is a piece of Mediterranean paradise, located 22 km from Alicante, with crystal waters, home to many marine life, cozy bays, delicious food and amazing history.

This is the smallest inhabited island in Spain: according to the 2013 census, only 59 people live here permanently, and its area is only 30 hectares.
Today people come to the island of Tabarka mainly to spend a wonderful day on the beach, enjoying the crystal clear sea. But this is by no means all that you can do on this wonderful island. We present to your attention 8 must-dos in Tabarka.

Tabarka Island – snorkeling

Definitely the first thing to do in Tabarka! Waters around the island at 19In 86, they received the status of a marine reserve – Reserva marina de la Isla de Tabarca – the first in Spain. On the sea floor near Tabarka, you will find endless “meadows” of Posidonia oceanus, which are home to numerous creatures. Here you can see such marine life as grouper, rock grouper, sea bream, golden pecker, sarpa, black-tailed possessor, also lobsters, sea urchins and starfish, and even big-headed sea turtle caretta.

Taste local food on the island of Tabarka

Tabarca is considered one of the best places for gastronomic tourism on the Costa Blanca. Even Alicante residents often come here specifically to taste the famous local rice and seafood dishes. Be sure to try the pearl of the local cuisine – caldero tabarquino in one of the restaurants with magnificent sea views. This dish is served in two stages: first they bring you fish with potatoes and sauce with alioli, and then rice, in which you gradually add the remaining sauce.

Walk along the fortress walls and streets of Tabarka Island

In 1964, Tabarka was recognized as an artistic and historical monument and a simple walk along its streets is a pleasure. White and blue are the colors that dominate the historic part of the city, and bright wall paintings, colorful garlands and other decorations give them a special charm. And all this is bathed in the bright Mediterranean sun!

From the fortress wall of the island of Tabarka, there are incomparable panoramic views of the sea. The wall was erected in 1769year by order of Carlos III to protect against pirates. There used to be a castle here, but a parish church was built in its place in the 19th century.

On the fortress wall you will find three baroque gates. Puerta de Levante (de San Rafael) is on the east side. These gates served to communicate with the city. Puerta de la Trancada (de San Gabriel) are located in the western part. They led to a quarry where stones were mined for the construction of the city. Puerta de Tierra (de Alicante or de San Miguel) leads to a small bay.

What else to see on the island of Tabarka?

• The Governor’s House (Casa del Gobernador) – a large and solid house, which served as the residence of the ruler, is located near the main square. Today, this building houses the main hotel of the island.
• Torre de San José (Torre de Sant Josep), which served as a prison in the 19th century.
• The lighthouse of Tabarka, first lit in 1854 and today serving as the biological laboratory of the marine reserve. Church of the Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo, consecrated in 1770.

Get to know the history of Tabarka

The history of the island is very interesting and unusual. The tiny piece of land now known as New Tabarka was known to many cultures. At one time it was in the possession of the Greeks, Romans, Moors, who gave it different names: Planesia, Planaria, Palnatsa, Plumbaria and Illa Plana – “flat island”.

Until the 1760s, the island itself and the waters around it were impregnable: they were guarded with great zeal by Barbary pirates and smugglers. Tabarka was actually their outpost, from where they launched attacks on the coastal cities of Spain. According to legend, more than one treasure ship sank in the waters of Tabarka…

As a result, the Spanish crown managed to win back the island from the gentlemen of fortune, and in 1768, Spain allowed 300 Genoese to settle here, who were forced to leave their hometown of Tabarka, located in Tunisia, due to the invasion of the Ottoman Turks. They called their new home New Tabarka, and until now, many of the island’s natives have Italian and Italo-Spanish surnames.

Walking around the island of Tabarka, pay attention to the numerous signs and posters telling the history of the island. For the most curious, the doors of the local museum are open.

Get to know the Tabarcino dialect

This is the Ligurian dialect spoken in Sardinia. Although in fact no one speaks this language in New Tabarka (only surnames remain), you can learn a few words: àncua – anchor, borca ​​- ship … It is interesting that Valencian is actively used in Tabarka, it was he who supplanted the native language for those who settled on the island of the Genoese dialect.

Ride a fishing boat on the island of Tabarka

If you are lucky enough to find an accommodating local, you can take a short boat trip around the island. Almost all islanders have their own swimming facilities to stay in contact with the mainland.

Go down to the Cueva del Llop Marí Cave

This small cave is an interesting place, with which the legend of the sea monster is associated, for which it supposedly served as a home. The monster had a smooth body and a mouth with many teeth of different sizes and shapes and hunted the islanders at night, and its heartbreaking howl could be heard even on the mainland.

Whether a terrible monster actually lived here or not is unknown, but it is known for sure that a colony of white-bellied seals, or monk seals, lived on the island of Tabarka until the 19th century. Now this species is on the verge of extinction: only a few few colonies remain on the entire planet.

Stay overnight on the island of Tabarka

At least just to enjoy the sunset, but for those who are not too lazy to get up early – even at dawn. The offer of hotels in Tabarka is quite wide, so you can easily find where to spend the night.

During the day, Tabarka is a very lively tourist place, but with the departure of the last boats, it becomes completely different, turning into a calm, quiet and serene corner, created in order to enjoy unity with nature and admire its beauty.

Tabarca Island, Spain: how to get there

Tabarca can be reached by boats several times a day from Benidorm, Calpe, Villajoyosa, Alicante and Santa Pola. The last option is the most budgetary, simple, fast and convenient. Boats go back and forth every half an hour. The first from Santa Pola departs at 10.00, and the last from Tabarka at 19.00..45. The timetable from Santa Pola can be viewed here. A round-trip ticket costs from €10. Children under 4 years old – free of charge. The duration of the trip is 20 – 30 minutes.

Useful tips for visiting the island of Tabarka

• If you go to Tabarka in the summer, at the height of the season, reserve a place in the restaurant you like in advance.
• Bring your mask and snorkel! Even if you are not a fan of exploring the depths of the sea, we assure you that in Tabarka you will definitely want to try. However, if you still forget, then it does not matter: in local shops you will be offered masks and snorkels for every taste, but at a slightly overpriced price.
• Don’t forget slates and swimming shoes (coral slippers, aqua shoes, diving shoes, etc.): the seabed in Tabarka is rocky and there are sea urchins on it.
• If you or your children suffer from seasickness, it is best to take precautions in advance: the boats going to Tabarka often have a decent pitching.

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Tabarca Island, Alicante – Holidays in Spain (Alicante). Accommodation, excursions, transfers, information.

Tabarca is the largest (length 1.800 m, width 380 m) island of the community of Valencia. By the way, it is the only one inhabited (the most colorful village of fishermen, bright, with colorful houses, narrow streets, a central square and even a well, creates a real atmosphere of Spain). The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea, 6 km from Cape Santa Pola, 19km from the capital Alicante. Tabarka is incredibly picturesque, especially its uninhabited part – cacti, snails, a lighthouse, tall grasses…

The island is also known for its amazingly clean and transparent waters, which attracts lovers of swimming with a mask, snorkel and fins. A whole underwater world opens up before the diver with fish, stars, crabs and other marine life that feel at ease and relaxed here, due to the fact that the island and coastal waters are a nature reserve. By the way, for this reason, scuba diving requires special permission. But with a mask – please, no one forbids.

In the Middle Ages, the island was a haven for real pirates. Only since the 18th century Tabarka has belonged to Spain, before that it managed to be part of the possessions of Genoa, Algeria and Tunisia. As a result of such a rich history, treasures have repeatedly been found on the island. Who knows – maybe not everything yet, maybe your treasure is hidden somewhere else…

Today the island has a permanent population of just over 135 people, although in the 19th century about 1000 people lived here. Today’s inhabitants of the island live off fishing and tourism. In summer Tabarka has a great number of guests. They are attracted by both the real Spanish flavor of the island and its cuisine, based, of course, on seafood of all kinds and stripes.

Tabarka also has its own small pebble beach, as well as dozens of tiny rocky coves.

Website of the island

The island also has its own holiday: Fiestas Tradicionales en honor a San Pedro y a la Virgen del Carmen en la Isla de Tabarca – Procesion Marinera, takes place in the summer, around the first weeks of July.

The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea, 6 km from Santa Pola/Santa Pola, 19 km from Alicante/Alicante, 50 km from Benidorm/Benidorm.
Geographical coordinates:
38º 10’ 02” N – North latitude
0º 28’ 31” W

There are several companies that take people to Tabarka. On catamarans of various colors, on small boats and even on boats with a motor. You can always choose a travel option to your taste, from simple round-trip transportation to full-day itineraries with snorkel equipment rental (mask, fins, snorkel) and meals included, as well as, for example, an evening route with sunset views and treats of champagne and sangria.

Prices vary from 15 to 50 euros, depending on the services received.

It is always better to choose the schedule and the option that attracts you more on the spot, having come to the pier in the port – there will definitely be all the information that tends to change for the high season (June-September) and the rest of the year.

From Alicante

The most convenient way is catamarans called Kon Tiki, there are 4 of them, red, they are here, you will also find the current timetable there (usually in winter at about 11.15 there and back at 17, in summer, from June to September , – 5-6 times in each direction). The one that has the inscription Vision Submarina on board is equipped with windows below the waterline, you can look at the sea and fish along the way.

• Cost: €19/person round trip. Approximately 50 minutes one way.
• Company website (you can see the current schedule).
• Catamarans depart from here, ticket office is nearby.
• A white sailing catamaran is usually parked nearby, which offers both trips to Tabarka, and sunset boat trips with a glass of champagne, and all day at sea near Tabarka, having fun with snorkeling – swimming with fins and a mask, with lunch.
• Cost: depending on the option – 12-44 euros / person, duration – 1.5-5.5 hours.
• Company website

From Benidorm

• Exit from this pier.
• In season route: Benidorm-Campello-Tabarca.
• Out of season: Benidorm-Campello-Tabarca-Alicante-Benidorm, they give free time both on the island and in Alicante.
• Cost: €30 (€20 for children)
• Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes each way.
• Information about these and other options for boat trips (from Benidorm to Calpe, Altea, to the island of Benidorm) – on the company’s website.

From El Campello

• same company as from Benidorm from June to September.
• Checkout here.
• Catamaran exit – from the port.

From Santa Pola

• Schedule (catamarans, valid all year round).
• 15 euros for adults and 10 euros for children. They go about 30 minutes.
• There is also a water taxi, small motor boats, go 15 min. Information – locally or through contacts on the site.
• Location in the port of Santa Pola and ticket offices – here.

From Torrevieja

• Cost: 23 euros for adults and 15 euros for children (from 3 to 10 years old), up to 3 years old – free of charge.
• Company website
• Exit from the port, more precisely you can find out at the offices of Tourist info.

From Guardamar del Segura

• from the port here.
• No valid website or timetable found, check with Tourist info offices.

Underwater and terrestrial wonders of the island of Tabarka

Active tourists, Holidays in Spain with children, What to do in Alicante

The blessed land of Alicante is full of all sorts of beauties and sights. But among the list of luxurious and amazing places that have long been chosen by tourists, there are also not so well-known points on the map. Today we want to talk about one such place that does not shine with stunning architecture, picturesque landscapes and majestic fortresses. But its special atmosphere and charm, unusual history and other peculiar features do not leave indifferent any person who has been here. Its name is the island of Tabarka.

Snorkeling on the island of Tabarca, Spain

A little history of Alicante Tabarca

Tabarca is a small island near the town of Santa Pola: its dimensions are only 1.8 km by 0.450 km, which is approximately 30 hectares. By water from it to Santa Pola – 8 km. A characteristic sign of the island is its flat surface, rising above the sea at its highest point by only 15 meters. Tabarka consists of three parts of land connected by narrow passages.

Walking the streets of the island of Tabarka

The town is located in the middle section, representing the legacy of the 18th century: several intersecting streets with white houses, two squares, restaurants, a port and a church. The descendants of families from Italy live here today, exported three hundred years ago from Tunisian Tabarka – it was this fact that gave the name to the once nameless island.

For many centuries, since the 14th century, the rulers of these lands have been thinking about building defensive fortifications on the island. However, plans became a matter only in the 18th century, when fortress walls and fortifications were erected here, as well as residential buildings and public buildings. So history lives and breathes here at every turn.

Gate on the island of Tabarka

Time and geopolitics have not been kind to the island and its inhabitants. Gradually the population decreased, the town fell into decay. Since the middle of the 19th century, the deserted and abandoned Tabarka has been in the backyard of the life of the province of Alicante for more than a century.

And only in the 1960s, the gradual revival of the historical heritage of Tabarka began – first in the form of an action plan, and after 20 years – in the form of restoration work. The fortress wall, the buildings of the church and the lighthouse were reconstructed in their original form.

But most importantly, in 1986, the island of Tabarca received the status of a marine reserve, becoming the first in Spain. Here is a unique marine fauna and flora, which has been preserved thanks to the creation of a biosphere reserve. Marine life lovers must see this! To do this, it is not necessary to sail far – fearless shoals of fish swim near the shore.

Dorada shoals off the coast of the island of Tabarca, Alicante

Since 1996, the island has hosted one of the best swims in Spain every year in July. More than 1400 people participate in the competition, covering a distance of 5900 meters. Participants swim in the open sea from the island of Tabarka to the cape located near the town of Santa Pola. There are more and more people wishing to participate in this exciting swim every year. So in 2019, the number of swimmers who applied to participate in the swim exceeded 3,000 people. Therefore, if you are going to participate – register in advance.

How to get to the island of Tabarca

From Alicante, Santa Pola, Torrevieja and Benidorm, boats and boats sail daily during the summer. In autumn, there is also a connection with land, but ferries run much less frequently. The fastest and cheapest way to get to Tabarka is from Santa Pola.
Below are links to the websites of carrier companies:

Santa Pola – Tabarca

Alicante – Tabarca

Benidorm – Tabarca

Torrevieja – Tabarca

A few tips before traveling to Tabarca: 904

5 there are very few zones on the island. If you are not among the first tourists to arrive, it will be difficult to take an umbrella. It’s better to go with your own.

At the height of the season (July-August) there are a lot of people on the island. Take care of lunch as soon as you arrive at Tabarka and book a table at one of the restaurants.

There is almost no shade on the island, be sure to bring sunscreen with you –

If you plan to go snorkeling, then most of the fish in the rocky areas of the island. To avoid hurting your feet, bring aquashoes with you.

If you have motion sickness, take motion sickness tablets 30 minutes before departure. They are sold in every pharmacy in Spain and are called ¨Biodramina¨.

For other water activities, read the article “Water sports on the Costa Blanca”.

For those wishing to spend a comfortable day at sea near the island of Tabarka, we organize individual yacht trips.

Call and order: +34 635 46 38 52.

Your guide on the Costa Blanca

+34 635 46 38 52 (Viber|Whatsapp)
[email protected]

List of islands in Spain for holidays (Formentera, Tabarca and others)

Spain is a sunny paradise for tourists. Lovers of crystal clear water, snow-white hot sand, beautiful coast, gourmets (after all, Spain is a real gastronomic paradise), hunters of historical and memorable places come here.

The Spanish islands are attracting more and more tourists. After all, the islands of Spain for relaxation are a great idea. The sphere of tourist services in island Spain is very developed: thousands of cafes and restaurants, hotels, tourist routes. And travel agencies offer a whole list of tourist tours that will be interesting to visit for both a child and an adult.

The largest island in Spain. Mallorca has interesting and vibrant sights, hot white sand beaches, part of the island is a protected area, as well as the only railway in the archipelago.

An island famous for its nightlife and entertainment. But, besides this, there are a lot of attractions and two large beaches – Costa Brava and Costa Dorada.

Menorca

The island, which is part of the Balearic Islands, is no less popular than the previous ones. It attracts travelers with its snow-white beaches and pine forests. And in 1993, Menorca received the status of a biosphere reserve.

• Area: 696.7 km²
• Capital: Mahon

Formentera Spain

Formentera, Spain is the quietest and most comfortable of the Balearic Islands. It attracts tourists with the possibility of a quiet family vacation.

Basic data:

Map of the Balearic Islands

• Area: 83.24 km².
• Population: 9962
• Official languages: Spanish, Catalan.
• Weather: The climate on the island is comfortable. It is sunny almost 300 days a year, and the air humidity is about 70%. Winter is mild, up to +15 °C. In summer it is dry and hot – usually +26 °C, maximum +30 °C.

Resorts Formentera

• City of San Francisco Javier is the largest city. A town hall was built here, there is an ethnological museum, a fortified church with an ancient Byzantine font, built in 1738, has been preserved. There is also everything for tourists: comfortable hotels, cafes, restaurants.
• Es Pujols is the most favorite city for tourists. There is everything you want here: two nightclubs Tipic and Magoo, a hippie fair, bike rental equipment, restaurants, bars, shops for shopping.

Beaches

• The most comfortable beach is Migjorn (Platja de Migjorn), which is 3.5 km long and 40 m wide.
• Platja de Illetes, 460 m long and 50 m wide, is located in the Salines Nature Reserve.
• Punta des Borronar Beach is a beautiful 700 m long beach in the north of the island, 5 km from Savina.

Attractions Formentera

• church Església Sant Francesc Xavier XVIII.
• stone chapel with original 14th century vault Capilla de sa Tanca Vella.
• ruins of the Roman citadel of Can Blai.
• Garroveret round observation tower built in 1763.

Tabarca Island Spain

• Tabarca Island is located opposite the resort town of Santa Pola.
• The area of ​​Tabarka is no more than 30 hectares, the length is 1800 m, and the maximum width reaches 450 m.
• The climate of Tabarka is dry Mediterranean. The average annual temperature is +17 ºC with an upper limit of +35 ºC and a lower limit of +5 ºC.
• As of 2013, the population of Tabarka is only 59 people.

History of the island

On April 14, 1983, Tabarca was the first in Spain to be declared an island whose water area is a marine reserve. Initially, the economic component of the city was fishing, but now the economy is focused on tourists. More than three thousand travelers visit Tabarka every year. At the moment, Tabarka has a water and electricity supply system connected to the mainland.

Tabarka Island

Entertainment in Tabarka

The crystal waters of the Mediterranean near Tabarka have contributed to the development of activities such as diving and snorkeling. Everyone can take a closer look at ruby ​​corals, various fish, beautiful reefs and sharp stones of the seabed.

One of the main attractions of the island is the fortress of Santa Barbara. The fortress consists of 3 levels. The oldest part is the upper one, because it is here that medieval buildings, such as the Engineering Park, the English Bastion and the Hall of Fame, have been preserved. At the middle level are the Armory, the Military Corps, the ruins of the Barbara Chapel, the Queen’s Bastion. These monuments date back to the 16th century. And on the lower level there are festivals, exhibitions, holiday fairs, etc. There is also the Museum of the History of Alicante.

The cost of lifting is 2.7 €.

Opening hours – daily from 10.00 to 20.00.

Please note! The last elevator goes up at 19.20 and comes back down at 19.40.

The best time to visit Tabarka is from May to October – this is the time considered the “season”.

Tabarca’s best restaurants:

• Amparín (Playa Central, Tabarca, tel. +34 965970734) – Deliciously cooked seafood is served here.
• Gloria II (Calle de Bernadro Ruso, 19, Tabarca, tel. +34 965970584) – they serve the most delicious paella on the island.

Canary Islands (monthly weather)

The largest of the Canary Islands is called Tenerife. There are many beaches (with yellow and black sand) and resorts, including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. The difference between the Canary Islands is that they are located in the Atlantic Ocean, which, of course, is a plus.

Sights of the island: On Tenerife there is the highest mountain in Spain – the Teide volcano, which is 3718 meters high, and there are also the mysterious pyramids of Guimar, about the origin of which no one knows.

• Area: 2,034 km²
• Province: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Gomera

Gomera is one of the greenest islands in the Canary Islands. The abundance of different types of plants and greenery here is impressive. The entire area of ​​the island is in small mountains and ravines, it is very interesting for hiking here.

Please note! A feature of Homer is his mists. Despite the fact that it is always sunny here, from the outside it seems that La Gomera is wrapped in fog.

• Area: 369.8 km²
• Province: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Climate: the average annual temperature on the island fluctuates around 25°C, in winter it is a little cooler – about +20°C, in summer +26 +28°C. The ocean water temperature rarely drops below 20°C. Most of the precipitation falls from September to April, mainly in the highlands of the island.

Please note! The climate of Homer is subtropical, mild, without large temperature fluctuations. The average annual temperature ranges from +20°C in winter to +26°C in summer. You can swim in the ocean water here all year round – its temperature is 20-23°C.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is often called the island of fire-breathing mountains due to the fact that there are 300 volcanoes here, and some part of the territory is covered with solidified lava.

• Area: 845.9 km²
• Province: Las Palmas.

Gran Canaria

This Spanish island is famous for its white and black volcanic sand beaches.

The main attractions of Gran Canaria:

• Church of San Juan Bautista de Arucas.
• The Columbus House Museum is a palace that was once the first residence of the governor of the island, who once visited Christopher Columbus.
• Lighthouse Maspalomas.
• Basilica of Our Lady of Pino.
• Museo Atlantico Underwater Museum.
• Area: 1,560 km²
• Province: Las Palmas.

Gran Canaria

Fuerteventura

The oldest island in the Canaries. There is a very rich and interesting underwater world, which is why a large number of tourists are divers.

The air temperature on the hottest summer days reaches no more than +27 °С in the shade, and the low humidity level and the breeze that blows over the entire island help endure the heat. As for the water temperature, it is around +20 ± 2 °С almost all year round.

• Area: 1,660 km²
• Maximum length: 100 km.
• Province: Las Palmas.

Hierro

Hierro is the smallest in the Canary archipelago. Rest here is more relaxed. Most of the sights are protected by UNESCO. The island is famous for its special trees that seem to be pressed to the ground, and in the south there is a marine nature reserve.

Usually the air temperature here ranges from +20 to +25°C, while the water temperature is from +19 to +23°C. All this provides a cool breeze in summer and the absence of hellish heat.

• Area: 268.7 km²
• Province: Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

La Palma

One of the islands in the Canary Islands, famous for its sandy beaches and lots of vegetation , many cafes, restaurants and shops.

Charco Verde is a quiet and calm sandy beach, ideal for families.

La Palma Attractions

• La Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
• Los Tilos.
• La Sarsa.

• Area: 708.3 km²
• Province: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Graciosa

One of the quietest and most comfortable islands. The tourism sector is not developed here. There are no hotels at all on Gracios, but only a couple of pensions. There are no noisy clubs, restaurants, cafes here either. Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to feel like Robinson Crusoe and live away from civilization for some time.

• Area: 29.05 km²
• Maximum length: 8 km.
• Province: Las Palmas.

Map of the Canary Islands

Tips and advice from experienced tourists and travelers

Public transport! When visiting Spain, to save on metro travel, it is best to buy a BONOTREN pass. It costs 35 euros for 10 trips. And one trip will cost 4.5 euros.

Travel card BONOTREN

Spain is truly a paradise. Mallorca, Formentera, Ibiza and many other islands near Spain are ready to welcome everyone for a comfortable stay.