The Med’s smallest inhabited island with only 50 residents – where temperatures hit 20C in mid-winter & hotels cost £50
EUROPE is home to hundreds of stunning little islands that you may not have heard of – but are great for avoiding the crowds.
One of those places is Tabarca – the only inhabited island in Valencia.
Located 11 miles off the coast of Alicante, Tabarca is actually part of a small archipelago consisting of tiny islets like Cantera, La Galera and La Nao.
Stretching for just 1,800m in length and measuring just 400m at its widest point, it’s not surprising that Tabarca is home to just 50 people.
The tiny Mediterranean island was used by pirates whenever they needed refuge until King Carlos III ordered the island to be fortified.
A town was then built on the island to house sailors who were being held prisoner in Tunisia.
The sailors were granted permission to live inside Tabarca’s walls alongside a Spanish garrison and barracks.
Both the island’s governor and garrison were removed in 1850, with the Tabarca’s population dwindling in the latter half of the 19th century.
Nowadays, the island has just 50 year-round residents, making it the smallest permanently inhabited island in Spain.
The fortified walls have been declared a Historical and Artistic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest and the Governor’s House remains on the island although it is now used as a hotel.
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Tabarca is home to secluded coves and sandy beaches.
Tarbaca Beach, also known as Platja de l’Illa or Central Beach, is the most popular beach on the island thanks to its proximity to the main town.
At the beach, visitors can rent parasols and umbrellas, with several restaurants lining the promenade.
Other beaches on the island include Platja Gran and Birros Cove, which is perfect for snorkelling.
The weather in Tabarca is fairly warm throughout the year, with temperatures reaching 20C even in mid-winter.
There are several other attractions on the island, including Museum Nueva Tabarca – a local museum detailing the history of Tabarca.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday throughout the winter, opening at 11am.
Given the island’s history, there are plenty of interesting buildings to visit on Tabarca.
One of those is St. Peter and Paul’s Church, an 18th century church with sea views.
There’s also the San Gabriel Gate (an ancient brick gate), San José Tower (an 18th-century garrison fortress) and Tabarca Lighthouse.
Local delicacies on the island include caldero – a two-course meal where both fish and rice are served.
Despite being a popular spot with day-trippers, visitors can actually stay overnight on the island, with accommodation options from £50 per night.
Direct ferries operate from Alicante to Tabarca, with return tickets from €23 (£19.10) per person.
There are also two other direct ferry routes from the Spanish mainland that operate from Santa Pola and Benidorm.
Other little-known Spanish towns to visit
HERE are two other little-known Spanish towns to visit.
The Spanish seaside town of Ribadesella is loved by locals and unknown to most British holidaymakers.
Located on the north coast of Spain, the town is a popular spot among Spanish holidaymakers.
Ribadesella was founded by King Alfonso X in the 13th century, and it is split into two distinct parts.
Meanwhile, Almodovar del Rio in Andalusia has been named as a “must-visit” destination in Spain.
Located between the Guadalquivir River and the Sierra de Hornachuelos Nature Reserve and mountain range, Almodovar del Rio is a Spanish hilltop town.
One of the town’s main attractions is its medieval castle, which had a starring role in the seventh season of the hit TV show Game of Thrones.