Swept away from the main coast there is a secret place, populated by Italian slaves brought by King Charles III in early 18th century to defend the coast against pirates attacks .
Currently this small island (just 1800 lenght m), a protecting area of Alicante, remains those old legends which inspired differents artists along the last century. Tabarca is compound by its amazing wall, a charming church and coloured-facade houses surrounded of palms and lovely beaches .
The main attraction in Tabarca are submarinism and seafood spots. Under its crystal waters (you should ask for official permission) you could find plenty of different aquatic species such as sea bass or gilthead. After all, Tabarca is property of the EU’s Zone of Special Protection due the rich fauna and flora, ensuring a perfect spot for ecotourism lovers.
Seafood is another quality of Tabarca due its fresh fish specialities. The “Caldero Alicantino” is one of the most typical dishes of Tabarca, a delicious rice served with fish and all-i-oli (garlic sauce), a different concept of famous “paella”. Fresh prawns or lobsters are quite typical and fished by the residents.
The best way to reach Tabarca is taking a boat (known as catamarán) since differents sea points: itself Alicante or Santa Pola, the nearest harbour to the island and just a 30 minute-trip with schedules since 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Tabarca seems to be a haunted island knocked by the waves and loneliness so could be interesting to profite those last “summer” days (even if we are reaching Halloween) to discover this misterious paradise still natural and almost unknown by the multitude.
Further information is available from Tourist Info offices
- Phone: +34 96 514 70 38
- Phone: +34 96 512 56 33
- mail: turismo@alicanteturismo.com
