In 1986 Tabarca Island was recognized as the first marine reserve in Spain and declared a Historical-Artistic Site in 1964. It is the largest island of the Valencian Community and the only inhabited one. Its coves, cliffs and secret corners make it the jewel of the Mediterranean.
Officially, it is called Isla Plana or Nueva Tabarca, although we all know it as Tabarca Island. This small island in the Mediterranean Sea is 22 kilometers from Alicante and about 8 kilometers from the port of Santa Pola.
Although it is considered an “island”, it is really an archipelago composed of Tabarca, the islets La Galera, La Cantera and La Nao, along with several reefs such as Negre, Cap del Moro, Sabata or Roig.
In 2023, National Geographic chose it as one of the best 25 beaches in Spain to enjoy the summer. Its size is so small that there are no roads and hardly any vehicles. It has a length of 1,800 meters and a width of 400 meters.
It is perfect for diving and water sports, although the most incredible thing about the island are its beaches with crystal clear water nestled in coves and cliffs surrounding the island.
Since 2022 this Valencian island is also one of the best destinations for stargazing according to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) and the Consultora Corporación 5. From here you can observe phenomena as common in summer as the star shower or Perseids, which occurs every year between July and August.
It has a walled village, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, better known as Sant Pau. The origin of this municipality dates back to the times of Charles III, when the first settlers of Genoese origin colonized this island. The wall surrounding the town has three entrances: Alicante or San Miguel, Levante or San Rafael and Trencada or San Gabriel.
Highlights of San Pedro y San Pablo include its small chapel, the Governor’s House, the Guard Corps and the defensive tower of San José.
You can also visit the Nueva Tabarca Museum, which opened in 2004 in the Almadraba building. Thanks to it, you can better understand the history of the island. In addition, admission is free.
It is possible to reach the island easily from Alicante via cruise ships or from Santa Pola by catamaran with underwater viewing. That said, what are you waiting for to get to know the jewel of the Mediterranean?
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