Spain’s various islands provide a refreshing change of pace from the country’s mainland sights and activities. Spain’s Atlantic, Balearic, and Canary Islands have unique charm and attractions.
Two primary groups of islands make up Spain: the Mediterranean Sea’s Balearic Islands, which include the famous Ibiza and Mallorca (also called Majorca), and the Atlantic Ocean’s Canary Islands, which include Menorca and Formentera.
You’ll find the Canary Islands far out in the Atlantic, near where Morocco touches the coast of Africa. Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are the most well known of the Canary Islands.
Plan on visiting any of Spain’s islands. To experience the island’s unique culture and breathtaking scenery, you must go inland, away from the beach resorts. Use our recommended Spanish islands to plan your next vacation.
8 Most Amazing Spanish Islands
Formentera:
Formentera is the Balearics’ smallest populated island. It is only a boat ride away from its more famous and boisterous cousin, Ibiza. The Manhattan-sized island, a renowned hippie vacation, now serves mainly as a getaway location from Ibiza or as a destination for yachts. A well-developed tourist industry caters to yacht charter guests, magnificent beaches, and a far lower population density than competing islands.
Try the Es Mares Hotel & Spa if you’re looking for a touch of luxury on Formentera. Located in the heart of Sant Francesc, this hotel is the only luxury option on the island. There’s a lot to do, and tourists may use complimentary bicycles and beach umbrellas. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean fare and, on the weekends, a legendary burger.
Majorca:
It is the most prominent Spanish Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and goes by the name Mallorca. Palma, the capital, is where the island’s millions of annual visitors begin their exploration. Palma de Mallorca’s beachfront is dotted with hotels offering cheap, all-inclusive holiday packages to the crowds of Europeans that go there every summer.
Visit the magnificent 26-room Posada Terra Santa boutique hotel in the heart of historic Palma instead of the nearby Palma Nova beach resort area. It is a short walk from the city’s impressive 13th-century cathedral.
It is housed in a renovated Gothic palace with a similar feel. The hotel has a small spa, an indoor heated pool, and one of Palma’s finest dining establishments, La Despensa Del Baron. The tapas and family-style dinners at this restaurant are legendary.
Despite its ancient 16th-century origins, the hotel’s owners have updated it with every conceivable convenience for its guests (like super-fast Wi-Fi and a wellness program). Instead of relaxing on the beach, you may learn about the island’s fascinating history throughout your visit.
Tenerife:
Tenerife, the most extensive and populous island in the Canary Islands, is a famous tourist destination. Beautiful beaches and a great natural environment, including a dormant volcano (Spain’s highest point), may be found on this island in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa.
The Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is an excellent resort in Tenerife that serves only adults. Costa Adeje is located in the southwest corner of the island, near the town of La Caleta. The resort has a huge fitness center, a spa, and a hydrotherapy circuit pool.
The accommodations at this five-star resort are more than just a place to sleep and relax; most come equipped with spacious patios that look out over the ocean and spa-like baths.
The Alabama Golf resort is an excellent place for golfers of all skill levels. Almost every hole on the championship course west of the Tiede Volcano offers breathtaking ocean views.
Ibiza:
The most well-known island of the Balearics has much more to offer than just its electronic dance music (EDM) nightclubs. Go a little distance from Ibiza Town. You will come across pristine beaches, rocky dunes, and pine woods, as well as a rich history reaching back 3,000 years to the period of the Phoenicians.
You may find restaurants, cafes, and even some enormous dance clubs in the island’s main tiny town and along the seaside areas. You can’t go anywhere without hearing music provided by a DJ.
Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza, located in the quieter neighboring town of Santa Eulalia, is a fantastic beach resort choice. With its section of s’Argamassa Beach, countless entertainment options, and delicious cuisine, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort provides the best of what a trip to Ibiza offers. Ibiza Town is just a short drive away if you’re seeking other nightlife.
Gran Canaria:
Gran Canaria is a popular Canary Island resort because it has some of the few black-sand beaches on the Spanish islands. Simply by taking a short drive outside the city, you will reach a rugged, mountainous region primed for adventure travelers.
One of the island’s beaches, Playa de la Garita, is notable for its black sand. You may spend the morning participating in activities like mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and more, and then spend the afternoon relaxing on some of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Vacation at the beach and then relax at a boutique hotel in Las Palmas, the capital. Located in the shadow of the cathedral, the Veintiuno is a well-regarded and popular hotel. This hotel, located in a restored 18th-century house, is known for its high-quality accommodations, friendly staff, and delicious meals.
The hotel is conveniently located next to CAAM, the Atlantic Center for the Arts Museum, the premier contemporary art institution on the island. After a morning at the beach, you may cool down by seeing the works of modern masters like Dali, Kandinsky, and Klee.
Menorca:
Menorca, a Balearic Island, is nearly the best complement to the constant electronic rhythms of Ibiza and the crowds of tourists in Mallorca. In contrast to its more urbanized neighbors, it has preserved much of its rural past, with whitewashed villages and a markedly slower pace of life.
The Cami de Cavalls is a route that spans the entire island and is ideal for hikers and horseback riders. It is 185 kilometers (115 miles) in length. Initially built in 1330 so residents could ride horses to protect the island, the path now consists of 20 well-marked sections. You may trek each section separately or do them all for the whole Menorcan experience. Along the way, you may stay at various establishments, from tent sites to charming resorts.
The Artiem Carlos is a small hotel with views of the port of Mahon. The beaches of Punta Prima and Cala Mesquida are within a 10-minute drive from this adults-only hotel. In addition, the airport is just approximately 15 minutes away, simplifying your transfers.
Lanzarote:
Lanzarote is an essential addition to any list of Spanish islands. Miles of picture-perfect beaches lapped by warm, blue sea continue to wow tourists despite the island’s reputation as the home of budget-friendly package holidays.
These stunning beaches complement equally stunning natural beauty, most of which was formed by volcanic eruptions as recently as the 18th century. Mountaineering and cave exploring are both possible due to lava rivers.
All the hotels and motels are painted one of three bright colors—white, green, or blue—and there are no skyscrapers on the island. Pass on Playa Blanca and visit Puerto del Carmen, a destination well-suited for families and scuba divers.
The Aqua Suites is the best choice for a family vacation in Puerto del Carmen. Accommodations are offered on a half-board basis, including breakfast and supper. The large units each have their furnished patio. The brilliant white resort is located about ten minutes from the beach and the historic downtown district.
La Palma:
Remember that Las Palmas, the capital of nearby Gran Canaria, is on a different island than La Palma, which is part of the Canary Islands. It is the most isolated of the Canary Islands since it is both the northernmost and westernmost of the archipelago. It has several observatories, making it a favorite spot for stargazers, and has stringent regulations on artificial lighting.
The island has stunning scenery, including breathtaking mountains, woods, and beaches. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, meaning that development prohibits almost all of it.
The Hotel Hacienda de Abajo was formerly a sugar plantation. Still, now it has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel. The hotel is located in the old Tazacorte neighborhood. It is a convenient home base for exploring the rest of the island.
Each of the 32 guest rooms and suites has its distinct style. There are four buildings inside the walled property, and they all surround a central garden area. It used to be an orchard for the estate, but now it’s complete with tropical flora and animals.
Conclusion:
Islands off the coast of Spain are among Europe’s prettiest. It’s about even between the Balearics and the Canaries regarding the most famous Spanish islands.
In addition to the warm, clear sea and pristine beaches, each has unique qualities. The islands of Spain provide a wide variety of attractions, from the flash and glamour of Ibiza to the barren landscape of the mountains of Tenerife.
