Visit the island of Tabarca or Isla Tabarqueras as it is known locally in Spain and enjoy a day out for a meal, some exploring and good snorkelling.
The biggest inhabited island near the Costa Calida coast Tabarca is around 2km long and 360 metres wide and can be accessed from a number of the regions mainland ports including Alicante, Santa Pola, Guadamar and Torrevieja in around half an hour by boat (some of which have glass bottoms so you can watch the fish).
The Spanish island of Tabarca has a charming old square, a lighthouse and the remains of an old fortification along with a decent choice of bars and restaurants which serve locally caught fish. There are a number of paths crisscrossing the island which you can meander at your leisure.
One of the attractions of the island is the snorkelling and amongst other things it is an excellent way to cool off as it can get pretty hot in the height of summer. So it's worth taking along your snorkelling equipment and a picnic if you prefer, so you can get the most out of your visit.
Our number one tip for visiting any offshore island like Tabarca is get on the first ferry in the morning so you have a good period of relative peace and quiet before the rest of the day trippers arrive.
Whilst it is great to enjoy relaxing at your Costa Calida villa with the privacy of your own pool, or exploring the many long sandy beaches there is something extra special about a trip out to an island.