The first island settlers date the back to the 17th Century when Carlos III ordered the building of a fortress to shelter the ex prisoners freed from the King of Tunisia. All the characteristic buildings of Tabarca date from that time and have caused to be declared an official Place of Cultural Interest.
Tabarca itself is of volcanic origin and holds a special charm. Its sea has been declared natural reserve and is home to an abundance of fauna and flora. For this it is officially protected by the European Union.