Tabarca Island

Tabarca Island is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community: 1,800 metres long by 400 wide, 22 km south of Alicante. In 1986 it became Spain's first Marine Reserve, protecting crystal-clear waters where grouper, sea turtles and starfish are regularly spotted — ideal for snorkelling and diving.

The western half holds an 18th-century walled town founded by Charles III for Genoese families rescued from captivity in Tunisia. The baroque Church of San Pedro y San Pablo, the governor's house and sections of the ramparts survive. Local gastronomy centres on the caldero tabarcino, a rice and fish stew. The ferry from Santa Pola takes 25 minutes.