What to see in Tabarca — the guide from the people who've spent 50 years on the island
If you're wondering what to see in Tabarca, the short answer is: more than you'd expect in under 2 kilometres. Tabarca Island is the smallest inhabited island in Spain and one of the least known gems of the Costa Blanca. Packed into it are 18th-century walls, the first marine reserve in Spain and water so clear you can see the bottom from the boat.
At Viajes Isla Tabarca we've been sailing the route from Santa Pola for over 50 years. We've watched the island grow, we know its 60 residents and we know exactly what every visitor asks before boarding. These guides come out of that experience: real information, no filler, written by people who are on the island every day of the season.
What you'll find here: what to do in Tabarca in a day, where to eat authentic caldero tabarquino, how to plan the day trip from Santa Pola, whether you can bring pets, and everything happening on the island in 2026 — festivals, events and local news included.
Latest posts
Free Pola Park tickets with your trip to Tabarca from Santa Pola
Book your boat to Tabarca and redeem your QR code at the desk: you'll get a flyer with 6 tickets for Pola Park, 1 per booking. The perfect plan for a day in Santa Pola with kids.
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Evening boat cruise around Santa Pola — Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
A 45-minute cruise around the bay of Santa Pola under the moon, from 17 July to 30 August. 5€ per person, available only at the ticket desk and subject to sea conditions: call before you come.
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Virgen del Carmen procession in Tabarca 2026 — experience the night from the sea
On 16 July the Virgen del Carmen leaves the church in Tabarca and sails around the island in a maritime procession. A place on board costs 10€ per person, 100% donated to the Dravet Foundation. Tickets only at the orange desk.
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Tabarca festival 2026: San Pedro and San Pablo (27–30 June)
Seafaring procession, music and festive nights on the island. Here's the San Pedro and San Pablo 2026 programme and the practical details behind one of Tabarca's most important celebrations.
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Beaches of Tabarca: a complete guide to the island's coves and beaches
Playa de Levante, Playa del Esparto, Cala del Francés and La Poera. The definitive guide to choosing the best beach in Tabarca for what you're after — written by people who've been here 50 years.
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Tabarca calls for independence from Alicante — what changes for visitors?
Residents have started the process of managing their own budget. We've been on the island since 1972 and we explain what this means and whether it affects your visit this summer.
Read the article → Tabarca at Easter — the perfect getaway from Alicante
Spending Easter on the Costa Blanca? Here's why Tabarca is the perfect day out for the holidays.
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What to do in Tabarca in a day — complete guide
Beaches, snorkelling, the old town and caldero tabarquino. Everything you can fit into a full day on the island.
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What to eat in Tabarca — local food and restaurants
Caldero tabarquino, fresh fish and the best restaurants on the island. Don't leave without trying the local cooking.
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Travel to Tabarca with your pet — pets go free on the boat
Pets travel free on the Catamarán Nueva Tabarca. Everything you need to know about taking your dog to the smallest inhabited island in Spain.
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How to get the boat to Tabarca from Santa Pola — 2026 guide
Everything you need to know: prices, timetable, where to buy your ticket and a step-by-step plan for your day trip.
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How to reach the port of Santa Pola to go to Tabarca
From Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja or Guardamar. Parking, the exact address and everything you need to arrive without any fuss.
Read the article →Tabarca in numbers — what to see and what to expect
50 years on the Santa Pola–Tabarca route: the oldest source on the island
We are Viajes Isla Tabarca, the ferry company based in the port of Santa Pola since 1972. Our captains and crew have spent decades crossing the 11 kilometres of sea between Santa Pola and Tabarca Island. We know its 60 permanent residents, we've watched the marine reserve evolve and we carry more than 50,000 visitors a year on our three glass-bottom boats.
What this blog covers: practical guides on what to see and do on Tabarca Island, the island's beaches and coves, food and restaurants, how to get there from Santa Pola, boat timetables and fares, local news and island updates. All written by people who are physically on the island every day of the season.
- Company founded in 1972 — the oldest on the Santa Pola–Tabarca route
- Three boats with underwater views, combined capacity of 750 passengers
- Tabarca has been Spain's first marine reserve for 40 years (since 1986)
- Smallest inhabited island in Spain: 2 km² and 60 permanent residents
- Crossing time: 25 minutes from the port of Santa Pola
- Pets travel free — a policy unique on this route
- Summer water temperature: 26–28 °C, visibility up to 20 metres
- Ferry fare: from 9€ online (12€ at the desk)
The information on this blog is updated before every season. If you have any doubts about current times, fares or conditions, check the timetable page or the frequently asked questions.
Ready to go to Tabarca?
25 minutes from Santa Pola · underwater views included · from 9€
🎫 Book a ticket — from 9€Instant confirmation · flexible ticket · pets travel free · pioneers since 1972
