Last summer my family and I spent the day on the island of Tabarca. We took a boat from Santa Pola, which I believe leaves every hour, for around ten euros. The ferry also leaves from other marinas in the Costa Blanca including Alicante (although it costs more from there).
The boat trip there was a highlight for me; it had a glass bottom which the children thoroughly enjoyed going below deck and seeing the marine life, which is plentiful. Also standing outside enjoying the breeze was great in the hot August heat. The boat is pretty big (you should not get sea sick) with tables and chairs inside with a café selling refreshments. The journey took around half an hour.
When we arrived we stopped at the café which overlooks the marina and had a bite to eat, waiting for the rest of the family who missed the ferry! After meeting up with everyone, and settling the bill, we took a long walk around the island.
Tabarca island is rocky and dusty, and not too big (there aren’t any homes, or roads; it is simply a tourist attraction). There are however many ruins which I believe date back to the 18th century. After walking off our food, we found a great little secluded rocky beach, which we had to ourselves for the whole day.
The heat was intensive, so I my advice would be to go to Tabarca with supplies. We had umbrellas, sun cream, plenty of water, and a picnic. We also took snorkeling gear, and had lots of fun spotting the local marina life; there are plenty of beautiful fish.
Tabarca Island is a relaxing day trip, there is very little to do which in my opinion on holiday is a good thing. It can also be an inexpensive day out, if you pack a picnic. The restaurant we went to was not great so this is what I would do next time we go there.
On the ferry trip back to Santa Pola most of the tourists were burnt, the heat was exhaustive bouncing off the rocks all day without the option of popping indoors, although thankfully I was not. We sat inside the ferry with salty frazzled hair, and enjoy a chilled diet coke! When we got back to Santa Pola we stopped on the way back to the apartment for some Spanish Tapas, deep fried squid, olives, prawns, and a jug of beer, a perfect end to a perfect day.
Tabarca Island is a wonderful alternative to the swimming pool for a day in your summer holiday to Alicante, Costa Blanca, Spain.
