Tabarca Island Guided Walking Tour

This guided exploration of Tabarca takes you through the streets of the only inhabited isle in the Valencian Community, where you'll delve into the seafaring heritage of the Alicante coastline while enjoying the gentle Mediterranean winds.

Tour Specifications

At the specified meeting point, which is in front of the CEAM, our guided exploration of Tabarca will commence. This quaint island once served as a haven for Barbary pirates before it was fortified as per the directives of Charles III. We will embark on an intriguing journey through its rich history as we enter the town.

Our initial stop will be the San Gabriel gate, a principal entryway to the walled village. Here, we can admire the niche dedicated to the Virgen del Esclavo and uncover Tabarca's intriguing connection with Carloforte, located on the Italian island of San Pietro.

In close proximity, we will examine the stone quarry that supplied the materials for the robust defensive wall, designated as a Site of Cultural Interest today.

Our next destination is Plaza Baillencourt. As we stand before the historic artillery storages, we will discuss the role of these structures and share stories regarding archaeological discoveries made in the vicinity. Following this, we will visit the Church of San Pedro y San Pablo, a fortified place of worship that has been pivotal in the social fabric of Tabarca for many years.

Our journey will also cover local customs. We will head towards the harbor to elaborate on the significance of fishing for the island's community and its primary fishing technique: the almadraba.

Continuing our exploration, we will pass through the San Miguel gate, where the image of San Pedro, the island's patron, can be found, and Plaza Pou del Pal. Beneath the tamarisk tree's shade, we will discuss the ongoing difficulties regarding the scarcity of fresh water in this region.

Upon crossing the San Rafael gate, we will arrive at Plaza Grande to appreciate the unique urban layout from the 18th century. We will also observe the Governor's House, presently functioning as a hotel, while overlooking the Cova del Llop Marí, which once housed the last monk seals of the Mediterranean.

To conclude, we will stroll along the southern coast of the island to the beach. This stretch will allow us to view the Torre de San José and the lighthouse, as we explore the reasons that make the Tabarca Marine Reserve a critical ecological asset for the Mediterranean region.

After a duration of 1.5 hours, we will return to our initial meeting location, wrapping up the tour.

Highlights of the Guided Exploration of Tabarca

During our tour of the island, expect a thorough route that captures its pivotal sites:

• Walled enclosure and its entry points: we will examine the fortifications and three notable gates (San Gabriel, San Miguel, and San Rafael) that secured the settlement.
• Cultural and religious heritage: you will discover the history surrounding the fortified church, the Governor's House, and the historic military warehouses.
• Maritime traditions: insights into the practice of the almadraba and how fishing influences the identity of this charming Alicante destination.
• Surroundings of the Tabarca Marine Reserve: we will walk scenic paths offering views of the Torre de San José and the lighthouse, all amidst pristine waters.