Tabarca is a Spanish islet located in the Mediterranean Sea, close to the town of Santa Pola, in the Alicante province. Tabarca is the smallest permanently inhabited islet in Spain and it is currently known for its marine reserve. Despite being much more socially and economically related to the fishing port of Santa Pola, the island of Tabarca is a part of the city of Alicante. The islet is 1,750 metres long, with a maximum breadth of 300 metres and absolutely flat. It lies approximately eight nautical miles south east from Alicante and 5 nautical miles north west from Santa Pola. Tourism is the main economical activity, especially during the summer, with its quite fishing viillage offering an old fort, several fresh seafood restaurants, a rocky beach with clear turquoise water, several coves and tidal pools ideal for bathing.