{
  "id": 4817105,
  "title": "Tabarca celebrates double honour as one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/tabarca-celebrates-double-honour-as-one-of-spains-most-beautiful",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T08:04:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/09/01/tabarca-celebrates-double-honour-as-one-of-spains-most-beautiful-beaches/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tabarca, a small island off Santa Pola on Spain's Costa Blanca, is celebrating two major achievements in 2026. The island has been named one of Spain's 25 most beautiful beaches by National Geographic, alongside some of the country's most celebrated beaches and coves. This recognition highlights Tabarca's clear Mediterranean waters, natural character, and Posidonia oceanica meadows, which support a rich marine ecosystem.\n\nBeyond its stunning coastline, Tabarca has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when King Carlos III ordered the construction of a fortified town. The island was once used by pirates before permanently settling in the 18th century, with its first settlers including Genovese families rescued from captivity in Algiers. These settlers' heritage remains an integral part of the island's identity today.\n\nIn 1986, Tabarca established one of Spain's first marine fishing reserves, becoming a protected area covering 1,754 hectares. This environmental milestone, coupled with the island's historic buildings and distinctive Mediterranean landscape, further contributes to its unique appeal. The protection of the waters surrounding Tabarca has become an essential aspect of the island's identity, alongside its historic structures and natural beauty.\n\nThe island's 40 years of protection has played a significant role in preserving its remarkable character. As a result, Tabarca's inclusion in National Geographic's list of Spain's 25 most beautiful beaches is a testament to the harmony between its historic charm and protected marine environment. For the island's residents, this accolade serves as a reminder of the treasure that lies just offshore Santa Pola, showcasing the remarkable 40 years of preservation efforts that have made the island one of the most distinctive destinations along the Costa Blanca.",
  "summary": "Tabarca has double reason to celebrate after being named among Spain’s 25 most beautiful beaches for 2026 while marking 40 […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Tabarca named one of Spain’s 25 most beautiful beaches by National Geographic.",
    "Island boasts clear Mediterranean waters and Posidonia oceanica meadows.",
    "Established marine fishing reserve in 1986 covering 1,754 hectares."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}