Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe with exotic islands, spectacular beaches, coast, cities, warm weather, tasty food and a relaxed lifestyle.
Spain has 48 inhabited islands, each is different and cater to all kinds of travellers.
We have put together this guide because we really wanted to clearly answer one of the most common questions we get about Spain: what Spanish island should I visit?
If you are wondering what are the most popular or beautiful Spanish islands, view our recommendations for solo travellers, couples and families.
Canary vs Balearic islands
Spain’s islands are primarily in two areas: The Balearic Islands are in the Mediterranean Sea, and the main islands include the well-known Ibiza and Mallorca (also called Majorca), as well as Menorca and Formentera.
The Canary Islands are out in the Atlantic Ocean, closest to the African coast of Morocco. The main Canary Islands are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
In the Canary Islands, you’ll find volcanic vistas with every shade of sand and subtropical flora. Whereas in the Balearic islands you’ll find beautiful historic towns, turquoise seas, and golden beaches.
When you visit any of Spain’s islands, make sure you venture off the beach, outside the resort areas, and into the island’s real local culture and natural beauty.
Spanish Islands You Need to Visit
1. Ibiza
Ibiza is famous for its nightclubs, parties and beaches. Ibiza Town and San Antonio are the most popular places for nightlife. Most bars don’t get started until after 7 p.m. and stay open until early morning.
During the day, there are beaches, carnival-style markets where fresh food and handicrafts can be purchased as well as lots of sightseeing excursions to go see beautiful natural scenery. The Cova de Can Marca is a huge natural cave worth seeing and visitors can take a boat to the nearby stunning island of Formentera.
Although Ibiza is world known for being a lively party destination, it is still possible to avoid the wild side and enjoy a relaxing family holiday. There are lots of things to do in Ibiza other than clubbing, and lots of hotels and resorts are perfect for holidaymakers with waterparks and children’s activities.
For anyone seeking relaxation and to reenergise, there are lots of yoga retreats in Ibiza in spectacular settings.
2. Formentera
Most people have heard of Ibiza and Mallorca, but not everyone has heard of Formentera. This is one of the hidden gems of Europe with scenery which makes it look like it is in the Caribbean.
Formentera is a small island south of Ibiza and well known for nude sunbathing on many of its pristine, white sand beaches. It can be reached from Ibiza by boat and there is regular passenger service from mainland Spain.
Formentera is popular with famous celebrities, sports stars, families and nature lovers who go for a relatively isolated beach holiday. This island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, however, in the peak season of July-August, the island draws huge numbers of tourists. There is a dramatic cliff, La Mola with a lighthouse that is worth seeing.
Boat trips pop over from sister island Ibiza, so it’s easy to experience Formentera for a day. It has a few small villages and lots of upscale accommodation if you’re interested in staying longer.
3. Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is famous for its strong winds and is a popular place for kite surfing and wind surfing.
Parts of the island are well developed for beach holidays and other places are untouched. It is also famous for its broad sand dunes and over 150 beaches.
Corralejo, a town on the northern tip of the island, is considered to have the best beaches. Be sure to check out some of the best restaurants Fuerteventura to sample the tasty local cuisine.
4. Lanzarote
Lanzarote has a stark volcanic landscape on a quarter of the island from a volcanic eruption in 1730, which is the Timanfaya National Park. The park has a bar and restaurant where the meat is cooked over underground heat. Other attractions include the Whales and Dolphins Museum, Manrique’s architecture including the Mirador del Rio – a lookout point with a spectacular view.
Related Article: How to spend 7 days in Lanzarote.
5. La Palma
La Palma is called ‘The Beautiful Island’ and is the closest to Morocco of the Canary islands. It has an international airport and ferry connections to nearby Tenerife. La Palma is a unique destination with spectacular countryside and is also one of the best islands for walking tours and hiking.
The largest crater in the world is located in the center of the island and guided hikes are available to climb to the summit for really breathtaking view. There are lots of walking trails with stunning volcanic scenery and forests.
6. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has one of the largest cities in Spain. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is on the northeastern coast of the island and is a well-developed beach holiday destination.
The island has many different types of landscapes including majestic sand dunes, mountains with biking trails, beaches and a densely populated underwater world.
There are excellent diving spots, golf, surfing schools and hiking to the remarkable cave villages in the center of the island.
Related Article: Gran Canaria 1 week itinerary.
7. Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest of the Spanish islands. It is well developed for beach tourism on the southern shores, but also has some magnificent scenery in the northern part of the island. Here you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.
The Alcudia area has beach resorts, mainly for families, and beautiful biking trails along the cliffs and mountain paths. There is an annual Jazz Festival on the east coast as well as smaller beaches and golf courses.
The small mountain towns and hidden monasteries in the northern Tramuntana Mountains are charming and surrounded by spectacular scenery and views. This area is home to some of the best walks and hikes in Mallorca.
Related Article: Mallorca one week holiday itinerary.
8. Tenerife
There are so many reasons to book a holiday to Tenerife, this is largest of the Canary Islands and one of the most popular.
Tenerife is developed for tourism and is a very popular summer beach holiday destination. It is renowned for it exciting nightlife and excellent dive sites. There are also many watersports available including surfing, wind surfing, parascending and jet-skiing. Tenerife is also home to some of the most popular water parks in Spain – fun for all the family.
For those who love mountains, there are scenic drives along rocky cliffs and a cable car to the top of the highest peak in Spain. Hikers can also climb the mountain, but it is a challenging adventure.
Start planning your next trip to Spain today and if you visit any of the islands on our list you won’t be disappointed.
