A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Tabarca: The Only Inhabited Island of the Valencian Community

Introduction

Tabarca is a small island located off the coast of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is the only inhabited island in the region and is famous for its rich history, natural beauty, and unique charm. Despite its small size, Tabarca has a lot to offer visitors, from beautiful beaches to impressive historical architecture.

History of Tabarca

Tabarca has a fascinating history that dates back to antiquity. It was used as a base by Berber pirates in the 18th century, before being fortified by Carlos III. Today, visitors can explore the island's walls and its old fortress, which offer a fascinating insight into its past.

Nature and Beaches

Tabarca is famous for its natural beauty. The island is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling thanks to its crystal clear waters and rich marine life. The island also boasts several beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun.

Gastronomy

Gastronomy is another of Tabarca's major attractions. The island is famous for its delicious seafood, and there are a large number of restaurants where visitors can try local dishes such as lobster stew. It is also an excellent place to try paella, the most famous dish of the Valencian Community.

Visiting Tabarca

Visiting Tabarca is easy thanks to the numerous boats that depart from Alicante and Santa Pola. The island is small and can be easily explored on foot, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty at their own pace. In addition, there are a number of accommodations available on the island for those who wish to spend the night.

Nearby Attractions

In addition to everything Tabarca has to offer, there are a number of nearby attractions that visitors can explore. Alicante, with its castle, old town and beautiful beaches, is a short boat ride away. There is also the city of Elche, famous for its palm grove, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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Gastronomic Products of Tabarca

Tabarquino Caldero

The Tabarquino Caldero is the most emblematic dish of the island of Tabarca. This fish stew is prepared with a variety of rock fish and rice. The broth is seasoned with ñora and garlic, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's a dish you can't miss if you visit Tabarca.
Fresh Seafood

Like other coastal areas of Valencia, Tabarca is famous for its fresh seafood. The island's restaurants offer a wide variety of seafood, such as lobsters, prawns, clams, and mussels. The seafood is caught daily and served fresh, ensuring its quality and taste.
Valencian Paella

Although paella is originally from Valencia, in Tabarca you can enjoy an excellent version of this dish. Valencian paella is prepared with rice, rabbit, chicken, green beans, garrofó, and saffron. It's a dish you can't miss if you visit the island.

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Highlighted Gastronomic Places of Tabarca

Tabarca, the only inhabited island of the Valencian Community, is famous for its rich gastronomy based on sea products. Here we present some of the most outstanding places to enjoy Tabarcan cuisine:

Restaurant Casa Gloria

This family restaurant, located in the heart of Tabarca, is famous for its Tabarcan cauldron, a fish stew typical of the island. In addition to this star dish, Casa Gloria offers a wide variety of seafood and fresh fish, all of them cooked with mastery and served in a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

Restaurant Don Jerónimo

Located in an old fisherman's house, Restaurant Don Jerónimo is another must-see for lovers of marine gastronomy. Its specialty is the rice a banda, a traditional dish made with rock fish and served with aioli. In addition, its terrace with sea views is the perfect place to enjoy a meal in the sun.

Tavern El Rincón de Pedro

This small tavern is a meeting place for locals and a popular destination for visitors seeking authentic Tabarcan cuisine. El Rincón de Pedro is famous for its seafood tapas, especially the red prawns and mussels. In addition, its selection of local wines is excellent, making this place a perfect option for a casual meal.

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Sports Activities in Tabarca

Diving

Tabarca is famous for its crystal clear waters and rich marine life, making it an ideal place for diving. There are several diving schools that offer courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced.

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Swimming

The beaches of Tabarca are perfect for swimming. The island has several fine sandy beaches and calm waters, ideal for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Boat Tours

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the island. Many local companies offer boat tours that will allow you to appreciate the beauty of Tabarca from the water.

Hiking

Explore the island on foot through its trails. You can walk around the wall, visit the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning sea views.

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Places near Tabarca

If you are in Tabarca and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Santa Pola

Santa Pola, a charming coastal destination in Spain, is famous for its beautiful beaches, historic castle-fortress, and vibrant fish market. Visitors can enjoy delicious fresh seafood and traditional paella in its numerous restaurants and bars.

Alicante

Alicante, jewel of the Mediterranean, offers dazzling beaches, a vibrant old town and exceptional cuisine, highlighting paella, fresh seafood and local wines. A perfect destination for lovers of culture, food and sun.

Elche

Elche, a Spanish gem, offers an impressive historical heritage with its World Heritage Palm Grove, and a unique gastronomy, highlighting the delicious rice with crust and the famous Mollar pomegranates. A must-visit destination for lovers of culture and good food.