Spain's crumbling island beloved by locals with nothing to do but 'sunbathe and swim'
Spain's smallest inhabited island is facing an infrastructure crisis as it's overwhelmed by locals escaping the crowds
Every day, thousands of tourists flock to a tiny Spanish island that is crumbling into the sea. But for once, it is not the large numbers of visitors, many of whom are locals, who are causing the problem.
Despite being just a few kilometres off the coast of Alicante and technically part of the Spanish resort, which has long been a favourite with British holidaymaker s, the island of Nueva Tabarca is almost deserted.
At 1,800m long and 400m wide, and home to only 68 permanent residents, Tabarca is Spain's smallest inhabited island. It also boasts a colourful history, as the possible landing spot of St. Paul and a former haven for pirates.
In recent years, more visitors have been taking the Ferry Azul boats from the mainland, delighting in the shoals of small fish that gather around its glass sides during the journey.
Upon arrival, they are typically met with the same realisation. "It's a lot smaller than I thought. When they said it was a small island...it's like, tiny," remarked Sante, who recently visited Tabarca with his wife
This becomes a significant issue as up to 5,000 people descend on Tabarca each day during peak season, increasing the full-time population by 30 times. From 10am to 9pm, the island's single main street is teeming with visitors, who depart as swiftly as they arrived in the evening.
According to Carmen Martí, president of the neighbourhood association, "the problem isn't tourists," reports the Mirror. She explained that underlying infrastructural challenges pose a much greater concern.
She recounted her frustration with the facilities, or lack thereof: "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."
The island's medical facilities are scant, and risks are present due to the absence of lifeguards for much of the year and Tabarca's reputation for blistering heat. With its elevation barely 15 meters above sea level and a scarcity of trees, there's little respite from the relentless sun.
The local, Carmen, expressed frustration at the authorities' response. "We've presented plans for a rest area to the town hall so that young people don't have to eat and rest sitting on the town's sidewalks, but they've ignored it," she disclosed.
The root of these issues appears to stem from bureaucratic limbo, as Tabarca sits awkwardly between two administrative bodies, leaving several key roles unfilled for years. This, along with its offshore detachment, results in perceived neglect by the locals.
They highlight the deplorable state of municipal infrastructure, including offices, warehouses, and even the relatively new 20-year-old museum, where salt has damaged the roofs, leading to makeshift propping and eventual closure of the museum for safety.
Despite these challenges, including the presence of aggressive seagulls known to attack beachgoers, visitors continue to flock here. They are drawn by the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, safeguarded by Spain's first marine reserve, established in 1986.
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