Surrounded by a marine reserve, Tabarca lies just off the coast of Alicante and is the largest island in Valencia. It once served as a refuge for Berber pirates before being fortified by King Carlos III in the 18th century. Today, Tabarca is the smallest permanently inhabited isle in Spain, with tourism and fishing supporting its community.
Things to do in Tabarca
Occupying a former fishery warehouse is the Museum of the Island of Tabarca, which explores the cultural heritage of the island. It lies alongside the Reloj de Sol de Tabarca, an attractive sundial made from metal and stone. In front of the museum and sundial are the golden sands of Platja de Tabarca, a crescent-shaped beach with shallow waters that are ideal for swimming.
Ringing the town of Tabarca are the remnants of 18th-century walls, which were built to protect the island from pirate attacks. On the eastern side is the Puerta de Levante, while to the west is the Puerta de la Trancada. Among the town’s most impressive buildings is the Casa del Governador, which was originally constructed as a castle in 1780.
Don’t miss the Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo, a Catholic house of worship that rises above Tabarca’s north shore. It was constructed in the 1770s in a Baroque style and remains the only church on the island. Dominating the east of the island is the Faro de Tabarca, a Neoclassical-style lighthouse that rises above a squat keepers’ residence.
Getting around Tabarca
Regular ferries connect to Tabarca from the port of Alicante, which is around 10 minutes’ drive from Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport. Boats also travel from Torrevieja and Benidorm to Tabarca. Due to its compact size, walking is the main means of getting around the island.