Island of Tabarca
This is the only inhabited island in the Valencian community, and is a much sort after holiday home location. No vehicles are allowed on the island which help to make this truly "a paradise island". The area surrounding Tabarca was declared an underwater nature reserve in 1986. A regular boat service connects Tabarca to Alicante and Santa Pola.
The island is renowned for its selection of fine seafood restaurants. Tabarca also has a very romantic and stylish hotel.
In the 18th century, the original settlers of Tabarca were Genovese families, formerly prisoners on the Tabarka peninsula in North Africa. One of their original tasks was to fortify the island and offer resistance to the Barbary pirates from Africa.
The island has a hospital helicopter service and the major shops in Alicante and Santa Pola offer a delivery service.