The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is spearheading efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Tabarca Island, focusing on its cultural significance.
Casa Mediterráneo, along with Alicante City Council, is leading a joint candidacy with Italy and Tunisia, aiming to promote the shared Mediterranean heritage of Tabarca, which spans across various Mediterranean regions, including the islands of Pegli (Italy), San Pietro and Sant’Antioco (Sardinia), Tabarka (Tunisia), and Nueva Tabarca in Alicante.
The campaign, still in its early stages, aims to compile and present the necessary documentation, building on previous efforts from 2008, 2014, and 2018.
Coordination with Tunisia and Genoa is underway, with plans to resume discussions with both nations. A key focus is highlighting the unique cultural identity of “tabarquinidad,” which is central to Mediterranean culture and strengthening the candidacy’s chances with UNESCO.
Alongside this international effort, Alicante is also progressing with urban planning and tourism regulations for Tabarca Island. The island’s Special Plan, currently in draft form, will limit urban growth and protect traditional townhouses.
Additionally, a future Master Plan will regulate tourism management and explore potential access control measures, although no concrete decisions have been made yet regarding visitor capacity.
The focus is on preserving the island’s heritage while balancing tourism development.
