Isla de Tabarca

About

Isla de Tabarca, a small Mediterranean islet just off the coast of Santa Pola, is Spain’s largest island and its smallest permanently inhabited one. The island’s history is dominated by its Genoese roots: the current residents are descendants of 18th‑century Genoese sailors who were brought to the island after being rescued near Tunisian Tabarka. Today the island’s 680‑metre stretch is home to a quaint town, a historic fortified chapel and the Governor’s House‑turned-hotel. Tabarca’s most celebrated feature is its marine reserve, declared in 1986 and now protected as a Zone of Special Protection for Birds. The crystal‑clear waters surrounding the island are a haven for sea bass, grouper, conger eel and the once‑rare Mediterranean monk seal. For eco‑tourists and diving enthusiasts, the reserve offers world‑class snorkeling and scuba diving, with abundant marine life and an extensive posidonia seagrass meadow. Tourism peaks during the summer months, especially July and August, when ferry services from Santa Pola, Alicante and Torrevieja run at higher frequencies. Visitors can stroll the preserved Genoese streets, visit the 18th‑century church of St Peter and St Paul and enjoy fresh seafood in the island’s waterfront taverns. Despite its limited size, Tabarca offers a quiet, intimate escape from the mainland while showcasing a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

Highlights

• Marine Reserve
• Genoese Fortifications
• Mediterranean Monk Seal History
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

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