Conveuropean

I had the chance to visit the stunning island of Tabarca, just a short ferry ride from Alicante. Although it can be reached in about 20 minutes from Santa Pola, the journey from Alicante is only about an hour and absolutely worth it.

Tabarca may be tiny, but it’s breathtakingly beautiful. The entire island is a designated marine reserve, teeming with vibrant aquatic life and surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. One of my favorite moments was walking from the port through the quaint village streets to the end of the main road, which leads to the historic “Porta de la Trancada.”

There, I dropped my clothes and slipped on my goggles, diving into the refreshing water to explore the rich marine life just offshore. For over an hour, I swam among schools of colorful fish and even ventured to the nearby “Ilot de la Cantera” (Quarry Islet), where I found myself completely alone, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Mediterranean.

Later, I wandered through the labyrinthine alleyways of the town, eventually stumbling upon an authentic little restaurant. I treated myself to their ‘Menu del Día,’ featuring a fresh salad, crispy fried sardines and shrimp, and a traditional Valencian paella that was so delicious it kept me full for hours.