You’ve heard of party islands such as Ibiza, Mykonos and Zante, where you can enjoy a vibrant – but hectic – night life.
Then there are islands known for their culture – Sicily, perhaps, or Rhodes.
And many of us are seeking one thing when jetting off for an island getaway: to relax and enjoy the sunshine and beaches.
But there’s one island in the Mediterranean that promises that – and that alone.
Spain’s smallest permanently inhabited island, Nueva Tabarca, stretches just 1,800 metres.
The flat, tiny island spans only 400 meters at its widest point – and around 50 people live here year-round.
Yet there’s nothing to do here – except for sunbathe and swim.
There’s very little in the way of entertainment there either.
Spain ‘s smallest permanently inhabited island, Nueva Tabarca, stretches just 1,800 metres
Carmen Martí, the head of the local neighbourhood association, told the Mirror: ‘There are no public restrooms, no shaded areas, tourist attractions, such as the church or the vaults of the wall, are closed, the tower is in ruins.’
But it’s not gone entirely unnoticed by tourists.
María del Mar Valera, a Tabarca restaurateur and president of APEHA, an association of Alicante hospitality businesses, told CNN that international visitors can make up to 80 to 90 per cent of arrivals.
Around 20 small-scale businesses cater to roughly 200 to 250 people, though business is strictly seasonal, despite the year-round mild climate.
She said no one visits the island in winter.
But the allure of Tabarca brings as many as 5,000 daily visitors during peak season.
Tabarca is easy to reach. Officially part of Alicante, it lies just a couple of miles offshore.
Several times a day, ferries shuttle visitors from the mainland fishing port of Santa Pola.
Yet there’s nothing to do here – except for sunbathe and swim
It has even been reported that the island is home to more cats than people.
Locals have said the island struggles when tourists depart.
And attempts have been made to maintain the island and its heritage.
In May 2025, the city of Alicante passed new legislation seeking to further protect Tarbarca’s architectural heritage.
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Inside the smallest Mediterranean island where all you can do is ‘sunbathe and swim’
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