THINGS TO DO IN TABARCA: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND
In Tabarca, you can explore its 18th-century walled town, go snorkeling or kayaking in Spain’s first marine reserve, swim in coves with crystal-clear water, climb the lighthouse and the Torre de San José, peek into the Cova del Llop Marí, and end the day with a traditional Tabarca stew overlooking the sea. It’s the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, and you can see it all in a single day—though it’s definitely worth a return visit.
The island is 1,850 meters long by 450 meters wide and is just 9 kilometers from Santa Pola, so in a single day you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy history, the beach, and the sea. The key is deciding what you want to do: if you’re looking for the beach and the town, half a day is plenty; if you want to experience the marine reserve up close, it’s worth booking a guided activity—such as a kayak tour with underwater viewing —and saving the rest of your time for exploring on foot.
This guide has everything you need to plan your visit: what to see in the town, what water activities to do, how to get there, how much time you’ll need, where to eat, and the best time to go.
What to See in the Town of Tabarca
The historic center of Tabarca is a walled fishing village that Charles III ordered to be fortified in the 18th century to protect the island from Barbary pirates who used it as a base. You can walk through it in a short time, and it is the most photographed part of the island.
Here are the points you shouldn’t skip:
- The walls and the three gates. The walled enclosure is well-preserved, especially the San Rafael, San Gabriel, and San Miguel gates, which provide access to the old town.
- Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The town’s main church, dating from the 18th century, is austere on the outside and plays a significant role in the life of the island.
- Nueva Tabarca Museum. Located in the former almadraba warehouse, it tells the story of the island and its relationship with the sea. Admission is affordable and helps you understand what you’re seeing.
- Tabarca Lighthouse. Dating from the 19th century, it stands in the uninhabited part of the island. The walk to it takes you through the Tabarca countryside and offers the best views of the surrounding area.
- San José Tower. An 18th-century defensive fortification located outside the town center, another of the island’s landmarks.
- Cova del Llop Marí. A sea cave with two entrances connected underwater. Legend has it that monk seals used to live there and that they swim through it from one side of the island to the other. You can see it from the water while swimming or paddling.
Tabarca is so flat (its highest point is barely 15 meters) that on foggy days it almost disappears from the horizon. It is this flatness that makes it possible to explore the entire island effortlessly and experience a change of scenery in just a few minutes—from the bustle of the harbor to the tranquility of the countryside.
The Best Beaches and Coves on Tabarca Island
The main beach, Playa de Tabarca, is next to the harbor. It is a sandy, sheltered beach with shallow waters, making it ideal for families. From there, almost the entire coastline consists of rocky coves with crystal-clear water where you can see the seabed several meters below the surface.
Here’s a practical tip you’ll appreciate: bring water shoes or sandals. Many of the best swimming spots are rocky, and going in barefoot is uncomfortable. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high SPF, since there’s very little shade on the island, and some cash, as many businesses don’t accept credit cards.
The Best Water Activities in Tabarca
Here’s what sets a typical visit to Tabarca apart from one you’ll remember for years to come. The island has been a protected marine reserve since 1986, which means it has been free of fishing pressure for decades. The result is well-preserved Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds, groupers, white seabream, snappers, octopuses, and visibility exceeding 10 meters on calm days. Few places in the Spanish Mediterranean offer anything like this so close to the coast.
You can explore on your own if you have your own gear and are familiar with the area, but on an island like Tabarca—with its unique logistics—and especially if it’s your first time, going out with a company that knows the best dive sites completely transforms the experience. Here are three ways to experience it from the water.
Snorkeling in the Tabarca Marine Reserve
It’s the star activity and the most accessible one: you don’t need advanced swimming skills or any experience. With a mask and snorkel, you can observe the seabed from the surface, and in Tabarca that means seeing schools of fish, Posidonia seagrass, and, with any luck, a turtle or two. The most recommended areas are the waters near the city walls, Cala del Francés, and the areas around islets such as La Galera or L’Escull Negre.
If you want to go beyond just taking a dip, a guided snorkeling tour of the Tabarca Marine Reserve takes you to spots that almost no one knows about, with a professional guide and equipment included. The tour consists of two sessions, each lasting about an hour, exploring different areas of the island, including its famous caves with crystal-clear water.
Kayak with underwater vision
Paddling along the coast of Tabarca is the best way to discover coves that can’t be reached on foot. And there’s a unique twist you’ll only find here: kayaks with transparent hulls, which let you see the seabed as you paddle without having to get in the water. It’s a particularly great experience for families with children ages 8 and up and for anyone who wants to explore the marine reserve without getting wet.
The practical difference between providers lies in the departure point. Most depart from Santa Pola and row across, whereas departing from a location on the island itself saves you the crossing and gives you more time to enjoy the best coves. It’s a detail that makes a big difference in how you spend your day.
Paddleboarding along the island’s coast
Paddleboarding works really well in Tabarca because the Mediterranean has minimal tides, and within the reserve, the currents are almost nonexistent. That makes it an ideal setting for beginners and a very rewarding activity for those who already know how to handle the board. Standing on the crystal-clear water, you can see the seabed passing beneath your feet as you paddle around the island.
No prior experience is necessary. All you need is a desire to paddle—and, if it’s your first time, the peace of mind that comes from having someone watching over you in the water. The season runs from April to October, with water temperatures above 20 degrees for more than six months a year.
How to Get to Tabarca
Tabarca is accessible only by boat. The main options are the Tabarqueras ferry from Santa Pola, which takes about 30 minutes and is the fastest and most economical option, and the tourist catamaran from the port of Alicante, which takes about an hour. During peak season, there are also departures from Torrevieja and Benidorm.
In the summer, it’s a good idea to buy your ticket in advance, because seats sell out quickly. If you want complete details on schedules, prices, and departure points, you’ll find them in this guide on where Tabarca Island is located and how to get there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabarca Island
Is it worth going to Tabarca?
Yes. It combines an 18th-century walled town, Spain’s first marine reserve, and a size that can be explored in a single day. The only downside is the crowds in the summer, so if you have a choice, go in May, June, or September.
How long does it take to see Tabarca?
One day is enough to do the essentials: explore the town in the morning, go on a water activity mid-morning, have lunch on the island, and spend the afternoon at the beach. If you want to take your time or enjoy it when it’s less crowded, you can stay overnight.
What water activities can you do in Tabarca?
Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in a marine reserve with visibility of more than 10 meters. You can go on your own or join guided tours with equipment included. A unique option on the island is the transparent-hulled kayak, which lets you see the seabed without getting in the water.
Do you need to know how to swim or have experience?
Not suitable for beginners in snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Life jackets are required; the two-person kayak is very stable, and these activities are suitable for families with children ages 8 and up.
What should you bring to Tabarca?
Water shoes or sandals, since many coves have rocky shores; strong sunscreen, since there is very little shade on the island; and some cash, since quite a few businesses don’t accept credit cards.
Experience Tabarca from the water with Pura Aventura
You can visit Tabarca as a typical ferry tourist, or you can experience it from within its marine reserve—which is where the island truly reveals what makes it unique. At Pura Aventura, we’ve been organizing activities in Tabarca for years with professional guides, equipment included, and small groups—and we have the advantage of having our own facility right on the island.
Choose how you want to explore it: on a stand-up paddleboarding trip along the Tabarca coast, paddling in a see-through kayak over the best seabeds, or exploring marine life on a snorkeling tour. Whatever you choose, you’ll take home more than just photos of the boat. Check availability and reserve your spot before weekends fill up.
