The historic island of Tabarca is just an hour away from Torrevieja by boat, and after the cosmopolitan and vibrant modern ambience of the city, you will feel like you have stepped back in time.

Enjoy your journey over to the island from Torrevieja's port on a glass-bottomed boat, allowing you to view the amazing creatures and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea, including a chance to view dolphins in their natural environment.

The much-loved marine animals accompany the boats at least twice a week, and the Island of Tabarca and the surrounding inshore waters were declared a protected marine and bird reserve in 1986, the first of its kind in Spain.

Just 4 km away from Santa Pola's bleached white sandy beaches, the island of Tabarca has an interesting history, which is today reflected in the historic and weathered architecture.

The popular island boat service from Torrevieja to Tabarca

During the 18th century, the island became a refuge for Barbary pirates until King Charles III of Spain ordered the fortification of Tabarca to protect against them.

The remains of the wall and the fortress are still visible, and they are one of the first sights you will see as you arrive on the island.

In the heat of a Spanish summer, the milder climate of Tabarca will be a welcome relief for the day. The island is renowned for its fabulous, clear waters, sandy beaches, and the coves and cliffs that surround its periphery.

But the island shines in the autumn and spring seasons too, and visitors will find an oasis of Mediterranean tranquillity and a much slower, more authentic pace of life than you're likely to experience during the summer months.

Remember to pack your swimwear and beach gear, as Tabarca is perfect for water sports, snorkelling, and swimming in the beautiful, clear Mediterranean seawater.

Spanish culture, history, nature, and beautiful, warm waters

The village, which occupies the westernmost tip of the island, is laid out in a square pattern, with narrow streets lined with old fishing houses.

Take a visit to the lighthouse, observe the many rare species of birds that inhabit the island of Tabarca, and look at the amazing natural panoramic views on offer.

Find the historic buildings: the Baroque church of St Peter and Paul, the Casa del Gobernador (the old Governor's house), and explore the old fort and gatehouses. The museum is well worth a visit.

Whilst wandering around the village, stop at one of the many Barbary pirate-themed cafes, bars and restaurants to sample the traditional Spanish seafood on offer.

Local specialities include paellas and caldero (a type of Spanish fish stew). The cost of an average Menu del Dia is around 22€ per person, slightly more expensive than you'll find on the mainland.

The Island of Tabarca: great restaurants or take a picnic

Another option is to take a picnic and enjoy al-fresco dining alongside nature. The island is nearly 2 km long, and you'll always find a quiet location to lie down a blanket and open the cool box.

For those looking for a unique overnight stay, the Tabarca Boutique Hotel offers a memorable stay on the island. The 3-star hotel offers rooms with idyllic sea views, free WiFi, and private facilities. A complimentary buffet breakfast is included in the room price.

The rooms are bright and clean, and the hotel's restaurant features stone floors and details of the original structure of the 18th-century building. There's a bar, a courtyard terrace, landscaped gardens and a reading room.

In January 2022, Tabarca received the designation of a “Starlight Site”. The Starlight Foundation's astrotourism award recognises the islands' beautifully clear night skies, lack of light pollution, and the spectacular year-round views of neighbouring constellations and the galactic centre.

The first accolade to be bestowed upon any location in the Alicante Province, the award highlighted “Punta Falcón” at the easternmost end of the island, noting that from this location, it is possible to enjoy unobstructed starry skies during all seasons of the year.

Where does the boat from Torrevieja to Tabarca depart from?

Boats depart from Torrevieja's port adjacent to the old casino. Car parking is available in the port car park, and the vessel is adapted to meet the needs of persons with limited mobility and families with young children.

Tickets can be purchased from the port 30 minutes before the boat's departure or booked online. The cost is 29€ per adult, 19€ for children aged 3-10 years, and children 2 years old and under are free. Pets are welcome on board and travel free of charge, and food and drink are permitted.

Sailings take place every day during the spring, summer and autumn months. Boats depart Torrevieja port at 10:45 each morning and return to the port at 18:00. Visit the official website for more information or to buy your tickets.

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Photo credit: Marítimas Torrevieja / LaZenia.com

The local fair takes place each year, with traditional Spanish folk music, spectacular Sevillanas dancing performances, and a diverse assortment of gastronomic treats served under marquees (casetas) specially erected for the festival.

A program has been prepared with performances by local dance academies every night at 20:00 on a stage that will be mounted in the centre of the venue.

The musical atmosphere will be provided by a DJ who will entertain with the same music in all the booths.

The fair is organised by the Town Hall in association with local businesses, and, as with previous iterations of the Torrevieja Sevillanas Fair, the Council has been keen to promote the Fiesta to both residents and visitors to the Costa Blanca destination.

Torrevieja Sevillanas Fair, Thursday 7th May to Sunday 10th May 2026

The Torrevieja May Fair won't be able to take place in the usual venue due to the continuing (albeit almost complete) building works of the Paseo del Mar leisure and retail complex in the port.

Instead, the fiesta takes place in the Parque de Antonio Sòria adjacent to the market and Aquopolis water park. The fair promises to fill the Mediterranean city with the sounds of traditional Sevillanas music, and it's a cultural spectacle not to be missed.

Fifteen small booths decorated in an Andalusian style will be present, with the local groups that usually participate in the fair.

The Torrevieja Sevillanas Fair takes place from 21:00 on Thursday 7th May to Sunday 10th May 2026. Follow this link for more information from the official website.

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Photo credit: LaZenia.com

Our neighbouring Mediterranean coastal city of Torrevieja is no exception. This year, the Costa Blanca's southern capital is pulling out all the stops to provide a religious and cultural spectacle that will dazzle the crowds.

The Torrevieja Easter parades and the accompanying fiestas are a faithful tradition, with spectacular processions that encompass and showcase the enchanting magic of Spanish culture and Catholic religious mystery.

The processions are accompanied by religious music and chants, adding to the solemn and reflective atmosphere.

Easter Holy Week parades to take place in Torrevieja

The celebrations last one whole week, starting on Palm Sunday each year, and culminating with some genuinely sensational parades throughout the city the following weekend.

The Easter processions that wind their way through the bustling streets of Torrevieja's metropolis have their roots firmly in medieval Spain, with the adoption of widespread religious rituals popularised during the Baroque Period.

The processions are typified by solemn brotherhoods and religious fraternities of both men and women that dress in traditional robes known as the “Nazareno”.

The ancient penitential garment consists of a tunic, a cloak, and a foreboding hood with a conical tip that conceals the face of the wearer.

The type of garment worn depends on the particular procession, and the religious colours and crest of the brotherhood or fraternity determine the exact colour and form of the Nazareno.

Semana Santa in Torrevieja city during April 2026

The annual parade schedule kicks off on Sunday 29th March, with two Palm Sunday parades departing from the Plaza de Oriente in the city centre, one at 10:30, the other at 18:30.

Additional parades take place each day during the week, with two further processions scheduled for the evening of Thursday 2nd April. The first occurs at 22:00, with another following at midnight.

The largest procession of Holy Week takes place on Good Friday, 3rd April 2026. The “Procesión Viernes Santo” involves 15 local brotherhoods and an audience of thousands, who will watch the parade depart the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción at 19:00.

You'll need to be an early riser to catch Easter Sunday's procession, with the “Domingo de Resurreccion” starting at 08:00 on Sunday 5th April.

The parade begins at the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción and winds through Torrevieja's small streets surrounding the square.

Torrevieja's colourful Easter processions

Starting as a solemn march through the city's streets, the procession ends on an upbeat note, with rousing music, a shower of flower petals, ringing church bells, and fire-crackers thrown in the street.

Despite the early hour, the procession is well attended, with people coming to enjoy the infectious emotion that emerges from the passionate style in which Torrevieja celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

You can find full details of the Easter processions in Torrevieja, including detailed route maps, by visiting the official Torrevieja Tourist Office website.

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Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The festival will take place at Parque Antonio Soria, a venue already proven capable of hosting large-scale music events, and positions Torrevieja alongside cities such as Valencia, Sevilla and Pontevedra on the Bigsound Festival national tour.

The concert has quickly established itself as one of Spain’s leading urban music festivals. Originating in Valencia and held annually at the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, the event has grown year on year, attracting tens of thousands of fans and expanding into new locations across the country.

The event is one of the city's cornerstone summer festivals, while the Pontevedra edition reportedly welcomed more than 35,000 people over two days last year, and past events in Sevilla have drawn attendance figures exceeding 30,000 avid urban music lovers.

Bigsound Festival comes to Torrevieja for the summer of 2026

The chosen venue in our neighbouring city, Parque Antonio Soria, is located close to major access roads and has hosted other high-capacity festivals, including Reggaeton Beach Festival, which attracted over 24,000 people in 2025.

One of four major concerts to be held in the Mediterranean port city this summer, Bigsound Festival in Torrevieja will feature urban music artists, reggaeton and contemporary pop performers, alongside emerging acts and headliners.

In total, 12 acts are expected to take to the stage, including Maria Becerra, Ana Mena, Juan Magán, Omar Montes, Leire Martínez, and Paula Koops; with Puerto Rican rapper and singer, Myke Towers headlining the event.

Food zones, rest areas, and festival attractions are expected to provide a full-day concert experience.

One of the most unmissable summer music concerts in Spain

The concert promises to be one of the largest urban music events ever held in the city, combining an established music industry brand with a location already popular for large-scale entertainment.

Bigsound Festival will take place at Parque Antonio Soria in Torrevieja on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July 2026, offering an entire weekend of great music, urban culture, and summer festivities. Doors open at 16:00.

Admission is open to everyone aged 6 years or over (guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult), with dedicated attendance facilities for persons with limited mobility. General admission and stage-front tickets are on sale now from the official website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Bigsound Festival

For those unfamiliar with the event, Low Festival is a major Spanish summer concert renowned for its indie, pop, and electronic lineups. It offers a beach-and-sun atmosphere, featuring extensive green areas, VIP zones with pools, diverse food choices, and a focus on comfort and sustainability.

Low Festival first burst onto the Spanish music scene at the start of the last decade, with its inaugural edition launching in 2010. More than 65,000 people attended the 15th anniversary of Low Festival in Benidorm last year, a three-day event held at the Guillermo Amor Sports City.

Low Festival has become a defining fixture in Spain's cultural calendar. After 15 years delighting audiences in Benidorm, this dynamic event is embarking on an exciting new chapter with its move to Torrevieja for summer 2026.

Low Festival moves to Torrevieja for summer 2026

Torrevieja City Hall announced the acquisition of the landmark event in November 2025, heralding the festival as a new boost for tourism and culture in the city of salt.

Known for its golden sandy beaches and excellent Mediterranean climate, the city has become a key destination for summer tourism and large-scale cultural events. This strategic move reflects Low Festival's commitment to continued growth and offering a broader and more accessible experience.

Notable international artists such as Empire of the Sun, New Order, The Kooks, and Primal Scream have graced the stage in previous iterations of the festival, with Pet Shop Boys leading last year's concert.

This summer's festival is shaping up to be an unmissable event, with the English rock band, Kasabian, headlining a cast of 27 national and international artists.

One of the most unmissable summer music concerts in Spain

Kasabian will be joined by Editors, The Hives, Dani Fernández, Fangoria, Ultraligera, Natalia Lacunza, Rufus T Firefly, Repion, and a host of talent set to take to the stage.

Low Festival will take place at Parque Antonio Soria in Torrevieja from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August, offering three full days of music, culture, and summer festivities.

Admission is open to everyone aged 8 years or over, with facilities for people with reduced mobility, and food and drink options for celiac, vegan, or vegetarian guests. General admission and VIP tickets are available from the official website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Low Festival

The history of the Torrevieja Carnival dates back to the late 1980s, specifically to a small group named the “Friends of Carnival” who began holding small parades concentrated in a series of organised parties where neighbours spent time dancing to music in the streets.

Over the years, the Torrevieja Carnival developed into a much more elaborate affair involving officials from the Town Hall, local police, rigorous planning, local businesses, a colourful cast of thousands, and an audience that numbers in the tens of thousands.

Traditionally, the carnival is one of the most important, anticipated, and admired festivities in the city of Torrevieja's social calendar, and people travel from different countries around the world to attend the celebrated annual event.

The Torrevieja Carnival and the colourful street parade

Carnival organisers are promising a full spectrum of colour, dancing, and celebrations in the city streets with a cast numbering some 2,000 people.

Torrevieja's street parades take inspiration from traditional Brazilian festivals such as the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival that takes place toward the end of February. However, unlike Rio's celebrations that last just five days, the Costa Blanca city will keep the party spirit alive for more than three weeks.

It's big business for the participants too, with Torrevieja City Hall contributing thousands of Euros in prize money, and this year's carnival has been organised in association with Agamed, the Spanish water utility company that manages the complete water cycle in the municipality of Torrevieja.

But for most carnival visitors, the main attractions are the spectacular street parades that take place in Torrevieja. The first street event of the annual celebrations will see dancers and musicians parade through the centre of the Spanish city in spectacular fashion.

The Grand Carnival Parade takes place on Sunday 8th February at 16:00, departing from the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen and proceeding down Calle Ramón Gallud to Avenida Doctor Gregorio Marañon.

The contrasting day and night parades on the Costa Blanca

The almost month-long celebrations culminate in a magnificent and final street parade the following weekend on Saturday 14th February 2026.

The great Night Carnival Parade departs from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, and proceeds down Calle Ramón Gallud to Paseo Vistalegre, starting at 20:00.

For more information about the Torrevieja Carnival click here to visit the official website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com / Alexander Pichlmayr

The annual Vega Baja celebration, now in its twenty-sixth year, will see locals and visitors flock to a pretty plaza and the beach in Torrevieja's northernmost urbanisation to enjoy a midday barbecue.

The party attracts people from across the Torrevieja and Vega Baja regions, local residents, and visitors from colder climes in Northern Europe, who visit Torre La Mata for this special day.

Marking the feast of San Antón, partygoers attending this gastronomic celebration typically bring their own tables, chairs, barbecues, and supplementary food and drink, spilling from the picturesque plaza onto La Mata's resplendent golden sandy beach.

Completely free of charge, the event organisers provide more than 600 kg of exceptional quality pork produce, 150 kg of fresh bread, celery, and 150 litres of locally produced La Mata wine – a pale-straw hued fine white wine made from the grapes of Merseguera vines.

Pork meat, including fine ham, will be distributed as part of the meal, and pork chops will be cooked on portable barbecues in front of the “Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario” church.

International Day of the Pig, Torre La Mata's lunchtime fiesta

At the end of the celebrations, the organisers hold a ham raffle to raise funds for the next meal – due to be held in January 2027!

The public party is free to attend and requires no booking or registration, but participants are urged to arrive on time to collect their food. Local shops and café bars will be open to provide additional refreshments.

This International Day of the Pig fiesta takes place this weekend, Sunday 18th January 2026 from 12:00 midday, at Plaza de Encarnación Puchol in La Mata, Torrevieja. Click here for a Google Map with directions to this event from your location.

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Photo credit: LaZenia.com

Originally scheduled to take place from Wednesday 8th October, the organisers announced the cancellation of this initial date due to an inclement weather forecast, a day before the inauguration.

The festival brings together vintage food trucks, a DJ, live music from local performing artists, and family-friendly entertainment over the course of the weekend.

The classic specially adapted trucks will serve a selection of street food that embraces global flavours from around the world, including German hot dogs, French-style crepes, Belgian waffles, grilled Argentinian meats, Mexican specialities, and a selection of American, Spanish, and European burgers.

Torrevieja street food festival, a world of flavours

The festival kicks off at 18:00 on Friday 24th October, with the opening of the festival and a live outdoor concert by Seguridad Social at 21:30.

On Saturday, the fun starts earlier at 13:00, with local artists set to take to the stage during the day, and additional entertainment for children.

The Torrevieja street food festival continues on Sunday afternoon from 12:00 with performances from local musicians, live entertainment, and succulent street food delights throughout the day.

Particular musical highlights of the all-weekend festival include Queen tribute artists, Keeng, on Saturday afternoon from 14:30, and Rolling Stone tribute, Control Stone, taking to the stage live on Sunday afternoon from 13:00.

Live music and vintage food trucks in Torrevieja

Eight vintage food trucks will attend the event, with additional attractions including a vintage market area with fashion, art and design, and an outdoor dining terrace offering more than 100 tables.

The Torrevieja street food festival takes place at the Park of Nations in Torrevieja on Friday 24th October from 18:00, with entertainment scheduled for each day of the weekend and culminating on Sunday 26th October.

The Alacant Street Market Tour organises the festival, tickets are not required for this event, and entry is free. Rock and food? Come hungry! Follow this link for a Google Map with directions from your location.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Alacant Street Food Market

Originally announced by The Councillor for Festivals, Rosario Martínez, just last week, the event is expected to be a major attraction for visitors and local residents of Torrevieja alike.

The street parade, officially titled “The Summer Carnival Parade”, is reminiscent of the annual carnival customarily held in the coastal city in February each year.

Torrevieja’s winter street parades take inspiration from traditional Brazilian festivals such as the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival. However, unlike Rio's celebrations that last just five days, the Costa Blanca city keeps the party spirit alive for a full month.

Tonight's Summer Carnival lasts for just one evening, but Torrevieja City Council is promising a dazzling spectacle full of colour and dramatic choreography.

Torrevieja Summer Carnival, the Costa Blanca summer party

More than 200 people are expected to take part in the parade, including the carnival groups Ciudad del Mar, Escarcha-te, Osadía, Las Nikai, Los Gonfer, Bufa la gamba, Porque si, Jolgorio, Desafio, Mar de plata, Daimana, Soul Dance, Payas, QK, No ni ná, and Aquí hay tomate.

The main protagonists of the parade will be the Salt Court, who will greet all spectators from a float. The Salt Queen, Nuria Martí, will be joined by her ladies-in-waiting, Ana Vidal and Inés Martínez.

The Carnival Kings: Lucía Martínez, Pablo Hernández, and Mireya Ferrández, will also participate on floats, accompanied by their respective groups.

The parade will depart from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre and proceed along Calle Ramón Gallud to the intersection with Calle Clemente Gosalvez.

The colourful August parade in Torrevieja

The closing ceremony will take place on the iconic Paseo Vista Alegre, which will become the epicentre of the parade, with a large exhibition area where troupes and carnival groups can showcase their costumes and choreography to the public.

Security at the summer event is expected to be tight to ensure the safety of partygoers, and the downtown city streets will be cleared of vehicles and closed to traffic to ensure the parade can pass unencumbered.

The Torrevieja Summer Carnival takes place on Friday 15th August 2025, with the parade departing the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre at 21:00 (here's a Google Map) and proceeding through the city. The event is a public street parade and is free to attend.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

Created specifically for an unforgettable coastal dining experience, these quirky little Donut Boats have been riding a wave of success, appearing in lakes and seas across Europe and North America. And now you can find them locally in Torrevieja.

Step aboard for a memorable dining experience at sea, floating around the safe Mediterranean waters of Torrevieja's magnificent port area, or drop anchor and enjoy beautiful vistas of Playa del Acequión beach while you sit back with a cool beer or enjoy a glass of Spanish wine.

Each barbecue party boat offers seating for up to 10 passengers around a family-size table with a large covered charcoal barbecue integrated into the centre. Cup-holders and carefully crafted cut-outs ensure your dinner (and all-important choice of beverage) remains ship-shape during your cruise.

The unique circular design of the craft is unsinkable and exceptionally stable with a flat floor and plenty of storage space for cool boxes, food, drink, and seafaring essentials. A retractable parasol offers some welcome shade from the sun and covers the entire vessel.

Donut Boat hire in Torrevieja, a barbecue experience

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm Mediterranean Sea, and a swim ladder provides easy access to and from the water. Propulsion is provided by a small Yamaha outboard motor with enough power to navigate the spacious waterways.

Each boat comes equipped with a JBL Bluetooth speaker system, LED lights for nighttime navigation, and the symmetrical shape offers panoramic 360° sea views wherever your guests might be seated.

The private party boats are ideal for days out with friends, a memorable personal family dining experience at sea, or even corporate events. Immediately Instagrammable, Donut Boats promise some super holiday photos that will prove genuinely interesting to your friends and co-workers back home.

Two different boat sizes are available: a smaller vessel catering for a maximum of 6 people or a larger Donut Boat that accommodates up to 10 guests onboard. Boat rental is available every day throughout the spring and summer (from 1st May), either at lunchtime from 11:00 until 14:00 or for evening dinner sessions departing from the port from 17:00 until 20:00.

But the party doesn't stop once the summer ends, and Donut Boats are available for hire during the autumn and winter months too. From 1st October until 31st April lunchtime hire sessions take place from 11:00 until 14:00 every day of the week.

Lunch or dinner sessions cost €200 for the smaller boat and €250 for the larger craft. An additional hour can be added to a hire session for an extra €40. The boats are fully insured and completely family-friendly, but “El Capitán” must be at least 18 years old to pilot the craft.

Unique barbecue party boats at Torrevieja's Acequión beach

Essential safety equipment is provided on board, including a life jacket for each occupant, and a special assistance boat is always on hand to make sure your experience takes place in complete safety.

Prices include charcoal and fire starters for the barbecue, plates, cutlery and glasses, ice cubes, a fridge and rubbish bags. Just bring along your choice of succulent steaks, burgers, sausages, or vegetarian kebabs for the barbecue – and don't forget plenty of drinks for the ride.

What's more, Donut Boat has introduced a Pizza Party option for people who prefer a slice of heaven on the open seas. Download the pizza menu here.

You can find Donut Boat hire at Torrevieja's port adjacent to the Bacanal Chill Out bar. The company offers online reservations via their website, or simply call +34 665 418 484 to make a booking enquiry.

Please remember to follow the safety instructions provided by Donut Boat, treat the vessel with care, respect the environment, and refrain from littering the sea.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Donut Boat / LaZenia.com