Tabarca: frequently asked questions

It depends on the departure port: from Santa Pola it's 15-20 minutes (the shortest route), from Alicante roughly 1 hour, and from Torrevieja it's the longest crossing, on a glass-bottom boat.

Santa Pola for speed, frequency and the best price; Alicante if you're staying in the city or arriving by train or plane; Torrevieja if you're in the south of the province or fancy the glass-bottom crossing. All three arrive at the same island jetty.

It varies by season and operator: in summer the last departures are usually mid-to-late afternoon, earlier in winter. Check the return time for your exact date on the schedules page and be at the jetty with margin — the boat won't wait.

In rough seas operators may delay or cancel departures for safety. If you booked online, you'll typically be moved to another departure or refunded. You can check live wind and sea conditions on our Tabarca weather page.

Most people arrive by car and park by the departure port. In Santa Pola the Parking del Port is right by the jetty; in Alicante and Torrevieja there are several car parks a few minutes' walk away. In summer they fill up in the morning, so arrive early. They're all listed, with Google Maps links, on the parking page.

Per adult, return: from €15 from Santa Pola, from €21 from Alicante and from €27 from Torrevieja (glass-bottom). Children get discounts: from Santa Pola, under-3s free and ages 3-10 pay €10; from Alicante, under-4s free. The final price is confirmed at booking; more detail on the prices page.

In July, August and on June/September weekends, yes: seats sell out and booking online spares you queues and surprises. Off-season there's usually space at the ticket booth, but booking secures your seat and gets you notified if the sea forces changes.

No. Setting foot on the island, the beach and the village is free, and swimming or snorkelling in the Marine Reserve costs nothing either. You only pay for the boat and whatever you consume there. Fishing, however, is prohibited as it's a protected area.

Four to six hours cover the walled village, a swim, unhurried snorkelling and a "caldero" lunch. The island is about 1,800 metres end to end, so a full day exhausts it; staying overnight is how you see it without the crowds.

Yes. Tabarca has been a Marine Reserve since 1986 and snorkelling from the beach or coves is free (fishing is not — it's prohibited). If you want gear and a guide, there's a trip with a snorkel stop departing from Santa Pola.

The main beach is a sand-and-gravel cove next to the village with remarkably clear water; the rest of the shoreline is rocky coves ideal for snorkelling. In mid-August the central beach fills early: go in the morning or head for the coves near the lighthouse.

There are a couple of small shops and several restaurants, but the choice is limited and pricier than on the mainland. You can bring your own food and water for a beach day. Bring sun protection and a hat too — there's little natural shade.

The caldero — rockfish rice, the island's signature dish — is served by the village restaurants, most of them around the beach and the main street. Advice repeated by everyone who visits: in high season book a table several days in advance, and the rest of the year at least as soon as you step off the boat.

It depends on the boat operator: several allow pets (sometimes requiring a carrier or muzzle, on deck). Check when booking. On the island dogs must be leashed, and access to the main beach is usually restricted for them in high season.

Don't count on it: Tabarca is a small village with no bank branches. Most restaurants and shops take cards, but carry some cash for small purchases, just in case.

No cars: everything is on foot. The walk from the jetty to the village and beach is short and mostly flat, though some stretches are uneven stone. Strollers manage fine; wheelchair users should ask the boat operator about boarding conditions before booking.

Yes, but the offer is very scarce: a few small hotels and guesthouses (Hotel Boutique, La Trancada, Hostal Masín) plus the odd whole house like Vila Tabarca. In summer they sell out weeks ahead. Comparison at where to stay in Tabarca.

No. The island and its waters are protected areas and free camping is prohibited. If you want to experience Tabarca by night, the way to do it is one of the island's accommodations.

June and September are the sweet spot: warm water, everything open and far fewer people than peak August. July and August guarantee atmosphere (and queues); spring and autumn give you the island almost empty, with fewer boat frequencies. Check the weather before picking your day.