Tabarca, Mediterranean beach in Tabarca Island, Spain
Tabarca is a golden sand beach on the southern shore of a small island off the coast of Alicante. The beach stretches roughly 200 meters with clear, calm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The island received fortifications in the 18th century under King Charles III to defend against pirate attacks along the coast. These defensive structures remain visible today and mark the island's former strategic importance.
The beach sits beside a traditional fishing village where locals repair boats and mend nets in the open air. The village shapes the island with simple white houses and a daily rhythm built around the fishing trade.
Ferries depart from Santa Pola and Alicante ports roughly every two hours in summer, carrying visitors to the island and its beach. Services may vary depending on weather and the season, so it is worth checking in advance.
The waters around the beach are part of Spain's first marine reserve, established in 1986 to protect fish species and underwater plants. These protections allow visitors to encounter intact coral formations and abundant schools of fish while snorkeling.
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