Major city · Spain
Tabarca
Go for a half-day trip from Alicante or Santa Pola: the ferry takes 30–45 minutes, and 3 hours on foot covers the whole island. Skip if you want beaches, nightlife or more than one meal.
Tabarca is a tiny, car-free island off the Costa Blanca, ringed by a protected marine reserve with clear water and the largest posidonia seagrass meadow in the Spanish Mediterranean. The only settlement is a walled village of white houses, a handful of seafood restaurants and a small beach. Most visitors come for a few hours; staying overnight is possible but unnecessary for the scale of the place.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowded, hot)
- Airport
- ALC
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Tabarca112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tabarca, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyTabarca is very safe; the main risks are sunburn, dehydration and slippery rocks near the water.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 General emergency (all services) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (About 20 km (12 mi) from Santa Pola ferry port; bus or taxi to Santa Pola, then ferry).ALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (About 12 mi (20 km) from Santa Pola ferry port; bus or taxi to Santa Pola, then ferry).
- Getting aroundOn foot only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedRental house (3 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6), a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedRental house (3 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6), a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedRental house (3 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6), a night, per room€300 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €30 (≈ US$35) · Mid €50 (≈ US$60) · High €80 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (About 20 km (12 mi) from Santa Pola ferry port; bus or taxi to Santa Pola, then ferry)ALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (About 12 mi (20 km) from Santa Pola ferry port; bus or taxi to Santa Pola, then ferry)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (4 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Tabarca: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
4 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot only. The island is about 1.8 km long and 0.4 km wide; walking the perimeter takes about 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace. No cars, no bikes.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Santa Pola
goDoor to door: 30 min
Ferry from Tabarca to Santa Pola, about 30 min
The main ferry port; explore the salt flats and castle if you have time.
Door to door: 1–1.5 h
Ferry to Santa Pola, then bus or taxi to Alicante (about 20 km (12 mi))Ferry to Santa Pola, then bus or taxi to Alicante (about 12 mi (20 km))
Combine Tabarca with a day in Alicante.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Walled village
The only area with accommodation; a handful of rental houses and one small hotel. Book ahead in summer.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €30–50 (≈ US$35–60) (ferry + picnic)
- Mid
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) (ferry + restaurant lunch)
- High
- €80 (≈ US$95)+ (ferry + fine seafood + overnight)
Trip budget
| Rental house (3 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6)1 × 1 night × €180 | €180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €50 | €100 |
| Trip total≈ €140 per person per day, bed included | €280≈ US$350 |
Check availability; only a few houses exist.
2026 estimate in euros; flights excluded. Day-trip only.
Prices of common things
| Return ferry Santa Pola–TabarcaVaries by season and operator. | €20–25 (≈ US$25–30) (check) |
| Lunch: seafood menu at a restaurant | €25–40 (≈ US$30–50) per person |
| Coffee | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Bottle of water (0.5 L) | €1.50–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Snorkel mask rental | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferry schedules change by season: check the operator's site before you go.
- No ATM on the island; bring cash for meals and any purchases.
- The marine reserve is protected: do not take any shells, sand or marine life.
- Sun protection is essential — there is almost no shade outside the village.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency (all services)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
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TabarcaTabarca
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- General emergency (all services)112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
US Consulate in Barcelona; most other embassies in Madrid.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Return ferry Santa Pola–Tabarca: €20–25 (≈ US$25–30) (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-thee-as (Spain) / GRAH-see-as (Latin America))
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el ferry? — Where is the ferry? (DON-deh es-TAH el FEH-ree)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tabarca. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowded, hot) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry schedule page with seasonal timetables and booking links.
- Snorkelling spots map with entry points and depth notes.
- Restaurant pages with catch-of-the-day pricing and reservation info.
Sources
Ask about Tabarca
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