Day Out Isla de Tabarca
The tiny island of Tabarca is one of the top tourist destinations within the Costa Blanca. A visit here is just like stepping back in time, although it can feel quite crowded during the height of summer as over 4,000 people visit it daily! In 1986 the island and and its surrounding waters were declared a protected marina and bird reserve.
Boats to Tabarca leave from Torrevieja, Guardamar, Alicante and Benidorm, although for the most frequent crossings, widest choice of boats and shortest journey of about half an hour, it is best to depart from Santa Pola's marina. Some boats have glass bottoms, so you can admire the creatures of the deep, whilst others operate as a taxi for parties as small as 6 people.
Once on the Island you can explore!! There is the old square at the heart of Tabarca, the church and graveyard, the museum, the ruined walls of the fort, the lighthouse, the beaches and coves, the paths that crisscross the island, an abundance of bars and restaurants as well as souvenir shops. If that isn't enough there is the crystal clear waters for some top class snorkelling!
Places to stop during a day out Isla de Tabarca
- Santa Pola Marina: take the boat from here across to the Island of Tabarca.
- Isla Tabarca: a great place to enjoy a day out, there is more than enough to keep everyone happy for a whole day, so pack a picnic, walking shoes, swimming and snorkelling gear and enjoy!
Places of Interest
1 Santa Pola Marina Car Park
N38°11.295 W0°33.619Parking: is in the marina car park and is charged by the length of stay, keep your ticket and pay when you leave. Parking here will be relatively expensive if you are going to the island for the whole day. Free parking is available along the roads but spaces can be very hard to find, especially during holiday times.
From here: exit the car park to the right and walk along beside the boats towards the fishing fleet, the boats for Tabarca depart from here.
Places of interest and things to do at Santa Pola Marina
- Boat Trips: there are several companies which offer trips to and from the Island. The prices and timetables for the big boats are displayed on the boards at the information hut, it is normally 14€ for adults and 10€ for children for the return journey which takes about half an hour. There are several independent 'taxi' boats which hold 6-10 people, negotiation with their captains is possible.
- Restaurants: enjoy a cerveza or vino at any of these which can be found on either side of the marina.
2 Isla Tabarca
N38°10.597 W0°28.786Parking: the island can only be reached by boat.
From here: explore the Island, it is only 1750 metres long and 300 metres wide!
Places of interest and things to do at Santa Pola Marina
- Village Centre: with the old square at the heart, a few quaint 'streets' originate from here.
- Old Fort: the walls and three of the gates houses still survive for you to wander around.
- Church: this proudly guards the small harbour and successfully dwarfs all the other buildings.
- Museum: for more information about the history of the island and its roll as a marine reserve.
- Lighthouse: sitting on the uninhabited tip of the island it keeps watch over the sea.
- Beaches and Coves: found all around the island, some are completely covered in seaweed, others are pebbled and few of the larger ones have sunbeds and sun umbrellas for hire.
- Snorkelling: the sea around the island offers great snorkeling, so remember your snorkel & flippers!
- Restaurants, Cafes and Bars: there is a vast array to choose from, they are slightly more expensive than usual about 20€ for a menu del dia, so you might want bring your own picnic.
