TABARCA COSTA BLANCA

Boats run from several coastal towns to the Islote de la Cantera, a small group of islands where breezes blow even on the hottest days and the crystal-clear waters tempt snorkelers and divers. The main island is Tabarca, fortified and settled by Carlos III in the 18th century as a prison island for Genoese captives. The original walled town survives, with its stately entrance gate and church, but most summer visitors come here for the beaches, swimming and wonderful fish restaurants. The waters round the archipelago are a designated marine reserve, with some of the most interesting underwater life along the whole of the Costa Blanca. The shore base is in the old lighthouse, which you can visit on an island walk. It's best in the late afternoon when most visitors have gone.