Search hotels in Tabarca

Tabarca is a small island (only 1800m by 400 and some 22km from Alicante, but a 25 minute boat ride from Santa Pola (there are many boats offering cheap tickets to the island). A one-night stay would be the best for most people but it's a great place to relax and take short walks for those who want to spend more time there. The islet is a marine reserve with clean transparent water surrounding it. There are no cars so the air is clean (apart from when the boats arrive in the port). It's not a place for serious trekkers because it is very small and even children walk round the entire island. The sights are mainly of the flora and fauna (loads of seagulls defending their territory and much biodiversity and the odd dolphin can be spotted), coves, a church, a museum, a small fortification, a light house and and a cemetery (all, apart from the church, divided from the zone where the hotels and restaurants are). There are also a series of smaller islets and the remains of the old military walls (built as part of the coastal defence of Alicante). It has many bars and restaurants and the general level of the cuisine is very good. The larger and better known restaurants are on the expensive side but it is possible to find smaller places with good daily menus at a fair price. If there are no clouds, the skies are very clear at night, which make Tabarca an attractive option for anyone interested in astronomy (once you are away from the more built up area). At weekends and holidays the island really fills up but most tourists return to the mainland before nightfall, which makes evening very pleasant if you plan to stay over. The people who live on the island and serve the public are also very friendly. It's very easy to get around on this island so no special plans are necessary. Sun rises and sunsets are highlights as well and the fresh air and views of the coves and sea.

Just a lovely island with history. If you are going for a beach day take swimming shoes as it is very rocky and slippery. Lovely bar in the square which we really enjoyed. Not to many restuarants open on a night.

Beautiful simple island, no fuss, All rules kept regarding COVID Loved the walk around the Island. Found a lovely restaurant, with a Pirate 🏴‍☠️ out front. A lot of restaurants were closed for evening meal, we presumed this was due to COVID restrictions.

Unfortunately the covid crisis has hit the island , was very quiet and finding something to eat is a challenge after 6 clock , also is expensive to eat and drink. I totally understand that the island has everything brought in on boat but 8.50e for a beer and a small tonic water is steep ! My last visit was 3 years ago and the cost of the return ticket had increased 50% . 10e to 15e. Still if you go for the day and take comfy chairs and some refreshments, which you see others do , it is a good day out . There is a beach area and small sandy coves to stay all day.

If you want to chill, switch off, get back to nature...then this is the place for you. I wouldnt go in peak times personally, October is fabulous. The snorkeling is amazing! The fish are friendly and huge!!!! I feel it is a bit of a rip off, but that’s to be expected as it’s an island! So just be sensible! Also I feel that they should do more about cleaning up the place after the tourists have left for the day and maybe make it clear that they should take their rubbish with them!!! More signs not to litter, look after the environment etc. the cats are also a problem near the restaurants. If you like cats, this is the island for you!!!! All in all, I love Tabarca and I want it to remain the beautiful island that it is!!! Keep the oceans clean and take your plastic home with you! ps...I cleaned the entire beach shoreline this morning....it took me 25 mins to collect a small bag of plastic waste. Why don’t the islanders do the same??? The sunbed guy? He could get off his butt and do that every morning??!

Great when the day trippers leave the island - not too many places to eat but that’s part of the charm - it is more expensive than the rest of Spain probably because everything is brought in to the island - 1 coffee + 1 Coke Zero no glass =€5.50