Every day, thousands of tourists gather on small Spanish islands that struggle to prevent them from collapsing into the ocean. If you're just visiting, it's easy to miss it and it's popular with locals too.
Located just a few kilometres from the coast of Alicante, it is technically part of a Spanish resort, has long been popular with British holiday makers, and Nuevata Barca is largely abandoned.
Tabarca is 1,800m long and 400m wide, home to just 68 permanent residents, and is the smallest residential island in Spain. It also boasts a colorful history as a landing site at St. Paul and the potential for the Pirates' former heaven.
In recent years, more and more people have been taking ferry azul boats from the mainland, rejoicing in the shallow waters of small fish that gather on the sides of the glass during their journey. But unlike other parts of Spain, it is not a tourist causing problems with small islands.
Upon arrival, they are often struck by the same realization. “It's way smaller than I thought. When they said it was a small island…it's like a small one,” said Sante, who recently visited Tabarka with his wife.
This becomes a critical issue as up to 5,000 people descend on Tabaka every day during the peak season, increasing the full-time population by 30 times.
From 10am to 9pm, the island's only major high avenue is attacked by guests, but their stay is usually short-lived as an evening approach.
Carmen Marti, head of the local neighbourhood association, has insisted that “the problem is not tourists,” Miller reports. She explained that the underlying infrastructure challenges pose far greater concern.
She spoke of her frustration with the facility, or lack of it. “Tourist attractions such as public toilets, shaded areas, churches and vaulted walls are closed, and the tower is abandoned.”
The island's medical facilities are scarce, and risks exist due to the lack of lifeguards for most of the year and Tabarka's reputation for the heat. The altitude is 15 meters above sea level, with a rare tree, with little rest from the merciless sun.
Carmen said their efforts have been largely overlooked, despite locals urging authorities to strengthen the situation on the island. “We presented a plan for a rest area at City Hall so that young people don't have to sit and rest on the town's sidewalk, but they ignored it.”
The root of these issues lies in island governance, divided into two administrations, leaving them vacant for many years in several roles. Residents say this situation, along with isolated places, leads to the island being ignored.
Locals report that city buildings, including offices, warehouses and even museums that have been under 20 years, are in misery. The corrosive effect of salt damaged the roof and forced the museum to close as a safety measure.
Despite these challenges, including aggressive seagulls known to attack beach fans, visitors continue to flock here. They are depicted on stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, protected by Spain's first marine sanctuary, founded in 1986.
