Far de Tabarca

The Isla de Tabarca Lighthouse stands on the eastern tip of Tabarca island, a small speck of land in the Mediterranean that falls administratively under Alicante. It's one of the island's most recognizable landmarks — a white tower visible from a distance as boats approach from the Spanish mainland.

How do you get to the lighthouse?

Tabarca has no road connection to the mainland — the only way to reach it is by boat. Passenger boats leave from Alicante and follow a route along the Costa Blanca coastline before docking on the island. Once ashore, the lighthouse sits on the eastern end of Tabarca, some distance from the island's built-up centre, so getting there means a calm walk across the island — there's no traffic to worry about, since cars simply don't exist here.

It's worth planning your visit with some time to spare, since boat schedules shift with the season and weather conditions, and the island itself is small enough that you can easily fit a walk to the lighthouse around your return crossing.

What will you see at the lighthouse?

The Tabarca lighthouse occupies a quiet, exposed spot at the very edge of the island, where the land meets the open sea directly. Positioned on the outermost point of the coastline, it has long served as a landmark for ships navigating this stretch of the Mediterranean. The surrounding shore is rocky and rugged, a clear contrast to the sandy coves found on the opposite side of the island.

This corner of Tabarca appeals to anyone looking for quiet and open sea views — unlike the island's centre, where most visitors gather, the area around the lighthouse is noticeably calmer. The clear water and rocky seabed nearby also draw snorkelers, though the uneven coastal terrain calls for a bit of caution.

Tabarca itself is administratively part of the city of Alicante, meaning that despite sitting apart in the sea, it's formally a district of the mainland city — a detail that often surprises first-time visitors.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer are the best months to visit, when Costa Blanca weather is stable and boat crossings run regularly. On these days, the area around the lighthouse offers ideal conditions for walking along the shore and taking in views of the open sea in a calm, sunny setting. Outside the summer season, sailings tend to be less frequent, so it's worth checking the current boat schedule from Alicante before setting out.

Because the lighthouse sits in a fully exposed, unshaded location, sun protection and comfortable footwear are recommended — the coastal ground in this part of the island can be uneven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? The lighthouse is a working navigational aid and a technical structure, so visits are limited to viewing it from the outside.

How long does it take to walk to the lighthouse from the island's harbour? The lighthouse sits on the eastern end of the island, away from the main settlement, so reaching it involves a calm walk on foot across Tabarca.

Is Tabarca island crowded with tourists? The main part of the island can get busy in summer, but the area around the lighthouse on the eastern tip is usually much quieter.

Is Tabarca part of Alicante? Yes, the island is administratively part of the city of Alicante, even though it sits some distance offshore from the mainland coast.