The island of tabarca is the only inhabited island of the Valencia community, located of the coast of Alicante approximately eleven nautical miles away, near the cape of santa pola. Its shores once served as a refuge for barbary pirates. In the 18th century, charles iii ordered the fortification and establishment of a village to house several genoese fishing families who had been held captive in the tunisian city of tabarka. The walls surrounding its urban core have been declared a historic-artistic site and a cultural heritage asset. Tabarca today is home to around 10 permanent residents and attracts thousands of tourists each year to bathe in its crystalline waters and wanger its curious little streets. What to expect: once everyone is onboard, accompanied by an english-speaking representative, we head south taking the mediterranean motorway to Alicante, passing the airport of Alicante-elche to our first destination at the port of santa pola. From santa pola, we will take to the seas on one of the passenger vessels of transtabarca for our 25-minute crossing to the island of tabarca. Once on tabarca, you will have 3 hours free time to explore the island. There are plenty of beaches and coves to relax on, restaurants and bars to eat (please bear in mind that these can be busy in the summer months). There is a museum on the island, which is free to visit, and you are free to wander both the populated part of the island as well as the uninhabited side. This excursion is suitable for all ages and abilities, but the natural state of the island may impose restrictions to those with walking difficulties. Beach shoes are recommended. We aim to be back for around 18:30 includes: tour escort/host pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points transport by air-conditioned coach return ferry to the island. Excludes: lunch what to take: sun cream swimwear towel beach shoes (not flip flops) camera