FORGET Tenerife and Lanzarote – there is a tiny island off the coast of Valencia that is often overlooked.
Tabarca is one of Europe‘s smallest inhabited islands, with around 50 locals still living there.
One of Spain’s smallest islands is often overlooked as a holiday destination[/caption]
Tabarca is off the coast of Alicante[/caption]
The island can attract thousands of tourists a day in summer[/caption]
While the island becomes more popular in the summer months, it still only attracts some thousand of tourists (compared to Ibiza‘s 2million in summer alone).
Getting to the island is easy, with boats from Santa Pola taking as little as 15 minutes, although cheaper boats are closer to 45 minutes each way.
Once home to the Barbary Pirates, it then became home to a number of fishing families in the 18th century, who were held prisoner in Tabarka in Tunisia – hence the island’s name.
Now, it is a popular spot in the summer months for snorkelling and swimming, as well as exploring the island’s coves.
Otherwise you can rent umbrellas and sunloungers on the small Playa Grande beach.
There is also an island museum, explaining more of its history, as well as the island lighthouse.
While tiny, the main town centre is where you will find the bars and cafes as well as shops built within the multicoloured houses.
For the local dish, ask for caldero which is a fish and rice stew.
Most people visit the island for the day, although there are a number of small locally-run hotels on the island.
Just don’t expect to be able to explore Tabarca off season.
Tourists have praised the island’s untouched nature[/caption]
Local María del Mar Valera told CNN that the lack of ferry crossings means most people struggle to get to and from the island in winter.
She explained: “It is very hard to live a normal life when you can barely make it to the mainland and back on the same day.”
But tourists have still raved about the island – one said: ” The island coves lapped by an inviting clear sea and unpretentious restaurants that serve a bit of everything at reasonable prices
“If you are looking for a bit of tranquility this is the right place.”
Boats cost around £20 return[/caption]
Another said: “An absolutely sublime island! The landscapes are beautiful, the island is wild and unspoilt, you can swim without too many people by going off the beaten track and reaching small coves.
“The sea is a superb and warm color. The small village is absolutely adorable every house is charming.”
Ferries from Alicante to Tabarca cost around £20 return per person.
Accommodation can be found for as little as £50 a night as well.
Here are some other Spanish islands you should visit.
Still want to do the popular Spanish islands? We also explain how to find the quieter sides to them.
Make sure to visit in the summer or you might struggle to find a ferry crossing[/caption]
