Tabarca is the excursion that sets Alicante apart. The smallest inhabited island in Spain is also a marine reserve (the country's first), with crystal-clear water for snorkelling, an 18th-century walled town and rice dishes by the sea. This guide explains how to get there, what to do and how to organise the day to make the most of it.
The key: it's a half-day or full-day plan, and it depends on the boat. Choose the right departure port and always check the sea conditions.
Getting there
| Departure | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| From Alicante (port) | ~1 hour | More touristy; a lovely ride across the bay |
| From Santa Pola | ~25 min | Faster and cheaper; the nearest port |
| From Benidorm / Guardamar | Seasonal | High season only |
⚠️ Warning: the boats depend on the sea. With swell they're cancelled; check the forecast and the ferry company's site before going, especially outside summer.
What to see and do
- The walled town. The 18th-century walls (Charles III resettled the island with Genoese families), the church of San Pedro y San Pablo, the San José tower and the lighthouse.
- The beach. The sandy stretch between the town and the rest of the island, with calm water.
- Snorkelling in the marine reserve. The big draw: posidonia meadows and fish in transparent water. Bring a mask and snorkel.
- A walk around. The island is tiny (1.8 km); you can walk it all, with rocky coves on the wild side.
When to go
May to October for swimming and snorkelling. July and August fill up (take the first boat). In spring and autumn it's calmer but some services close. There are no cars; everything is done on foot.
What to bring
- Mask and snorkel (the water is worth it).
- Water, hat and sunscreen: there's little shade.
- Water shoes for the rocky coves.
- Cash: not everywhere takes cards.
Where to eat
The typical dish is the caldero (soupy rice with rockfish and all i oli). There are restaurants in the town; in high season, book. We link it as a beach day in what to see in Alicante.
What we don't recommend
- Going without checking the sea. With swell the boat is cancelled and you're stuck on land.
- Arriving at midday in August. The town and beach get saturated; take the first boat.
- Forgetting the snorkel. It's a marine reserve: the water is the best of Tabarca.
- Counting on shade. There's little; bring your own.
Common mistakes
⚠️ Warning: the slip-ups we see most.
- Booking only half a day in summer. With the boat queues, a full day is more rewarding.
- Not bringing cash. Some places don't take cards.
- Underestimating the sun. With no shade and the water's reflection, it burns twice as fast.
In one sentence
Tabarca is a walled town, crystal-clear water and snorkelling in a marine reserve a boat ride from Alicante: the excursion that sets the city apart from any beach destination. Its natural place is the second day of what to see in Alicante.