Audio Guide of Tabarca Island

The island is open year-round, but ferries from Santa Pola or Alicante mainly operate from April to October, with frequent departures between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, depending on the season. You can book your ticket on the official Alicante Tourism website or directly at the port of Santa Pola (phone: +34 965 31 00 02), and the journey takes about 30–45 minutes.

Admission to the island is free, but you do need to pay for the ferry, which costs around €20–25 for a round trip in high season. Children and groups usually get discounts; check updated prices at Santa Pola Tourism to avoid surprises.

It is recommended to spend at least 4–6 hours exploring the island on foot, enjoying the beaches, and having lunch, although a full day is ideal if you want to go snorkeling. If you are traveling by ferry, plan your schedule around the last return trip, which is usually around 6:00 pm.

Tabarca is a former Phoenician and Roman fishing settlement, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1935 for its 18th-century walls and its role in Alicante’s maritime history. It is a cultural treasure thanks to its traditional fishing harbor and its designation as a protected marine reserve since 1986.

Summer (June to September) is ideal for enjoying the beaches and swimming, but spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and have more time on the island before the tours arrive.

Ferry access is generally accessible, but once on the island, the cobbled terrain and slopes make it challenging for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility; there is no internal transport. I recommend contacting the ferry operator for assistance options, such as those listed at Alicante Tourism.

Nearby, in Santa Pola, you can visit the Santa Pola Lighthouse or the Salt Flats, and in Alicante, Santa Bárbara Castle is just 20 km away. A great combination is to explore Alicante’s harbor before taking the ferry; more info at Visit Costa Blanca.

Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for walking the trails; book the ferry in advance during high season through Tabarca Ferry. Try the local lobster stew at a local restaurant and respect the marine reserve rules by avoiding plastics on the beach.