🏝Tabarca Island
If you're still wondering whether it's worth exploring Spain on your own, we have another reason to say YES! What if we told you that nestled in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea lies a small yet exceptionally charming island inhabited by only a few dozen people? Yes, this place really exists. And we guarantee that Tabarca, the island we're talking about, will delight you in every way possible!
Tabarca, a forgotten island in the Mediterranean. How to get there?
We went to Tabarca Island from the Port of Santa Pola, because from here the cruises are the shortest and most frequent.
From the very beginning of the journey, you can feel the true Spanish atmosphere! Loud calls come from the booths where you buy your cruise tickets: "Hurry up! We're leaving in less than 10 minutes!" But don't be fooled – cruises depart approximately every half hour, so there's sure to be plenty of room for everyone. 
The round-trip trip to this paradise cost us 10 euros per adult and took only 25 minutes. We chose the boat, but we also had the option of a catamaran or a motorboat. The trip was fantastic – the boat had a minibar and restrooms, and at the very end, we could go below deck and watch the fish swim by.
The waters around the island are known for their crystal clearness, and you can find beautiful corals, rare species of fish, crabs, and starfish here – so it's worth being a careful observer of the seabed!
Tabarca – a hidden Spanish paradise!
The island is wonderful – a bit raw, unspoiled by tourism, it wonderfully captures the atmosphere of real Spain.
Tabarca, though small, is divided into two parts, connected by a narrow isthmus where the port is located. Each part is worth seeing:
• the eastern part is uninhabited and contains the Isla de Tabarca lighthouse, a cemetery, the ruins of a fort, and a bird nesting site. The entire area is covered with beautiful dune vegetation and prickly pears.
• the western part is inhabited and occupied by the settlement of Isla Plana o Nueva Tabarca. The charming, old fishing architecture with a church and a charming market square immediately catches the eye.
But colorful Instagram views aren't everything! This atmospheric town also boasts local restaurants and cafes, where prices aren't exorbitant at all. We chose the Don Jerónimo restaurant and can wholeheartedly recommend it – the food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the service was exceptionally friendly! For 20 euros per person, we received a baguette with garlic butter as an appetizer, a delicious, fresh salad, seafood, paella for the main course, dessert, and a drink.
In short, Tabarca is the perfect place for a day trip from the city. You can walk the entire length and breadth of the island in two hours, and every part is picturesquely beautiful! We recommend bringing water shoes, as the beach is rocky, and an umbrella for some shade while exploring and sunbathing. We don't know anyone who wouldn't be enchanted by this paradise island, so if you're staying at Baju-Baju apartments, you absolutely must take a cruise to Tabarca.
