11 Best Spanish Islands

Spain’s islands beckon with their unique concoction of serene beauty and lively culture, offering an escape for every traveler. Wherever you land, the promise of sun-drenched coasts and delectable cuisine awaits. Whether you’re drawn to the humbling panoramas atop volcanic ridges in the Canary Islands or the Mediterranean’s tranquil embrace that cradles the Balearics, you’re guaranteed an experience steeped in natural wonder and local charm.

As you chart your course through these storied isles, each unfolds like a well-kept secret, revealing more than just a beachgoer’s paradise. From Tenerife’s moon-like terrain to Ibiza’s rhythmic pulse under the night sky, your Spanish island adventure will be as diverse as it is unforgettable. Embrace the distinct identity and allure each island holds, ready to uncover the narratives etched into their landscapes and the vivacious spirit that animates their shores.

11. El Hierro: The Jewel at the Edge of the Canaries

As you journey to the westernmost frontier of the Canary Islands, El Hierro emerges as an enclave of solitude. Its landscapes, a tapestry of unblemished volcanic terrain and verdant forests, invite explorers to unearth its wonders.

Often hailed as the ‘Edge of the World’, this island was once the boundary of the known map. Civility took its time to embrace the island’s coasts, which are now adorned with quaint villages and historic lighthouses. Discover isolated beaches and natural pools sculpted by the forces of the sea, offering serene spots for contemplation.

Paths that wind through highland mist lead to Pico de Malpaso and the enchanting Mencafete forest. Designated as a biosphere reserve, almost every view in El Hierro is a gateway to the pristine. The landscape unfolds with deep ravines, expansive plateaus, and the relics of volcanic fury.

Whether hiking the serene heights, diving into the rich marine life, or soaring above the island on a paraglide, El Hierro invites with a quieter call. This is your refuge for an escape, where adventure and solace blend seamlessly under the vast Atlantic sky.

10. La Gomera

As a cherished destination for avid hikers, La Gomera presents a marvel of nature with its deep valleys, towering summits, and luxuriant rainforests. A quick forty-minute journey across the sea from Tenerife brings you to this less trodden but historically significant isle.

It was from La Gomera that Christopher Columbus set sail on his monumental transatlantic voyage. Exploring the island’s capital, San Sebastian immerses you in history, with its stunning volcanic sand coastlines and commanding views over to Tenerife and Mount Teide.

Despite the stark beauty of its coastal regions, the heart of La Gomera conceals Earth’s most extensive laurel rainforest. The High Garajonay’s misty reaches act as a sanctuary for unique wildlife and flora, now safeguarded within a national park.

Your adventure here spans across 600 kilometers of trails, meandering through woods and volcanic terrain, leading to impressive rocky formations and secluded waterfalls. With every step, La Gomera unwraps its secrets, letting you discover its soul, one breathtaking view at a time.

9. Minorca

Discover the serene splendor of Minorca, an island exuding authenticity and boasting an abundance of beaches eclipsing its Balearic siblings. The allure of Minorca lies in its unspoiled shores and tranquil atmosphere.

Main Towns:

• Mahon: Nestled at the island’s eastern edge, offering waterfront views and exquisite seafood.
• Ciutadella: Sits on the opposite western side, another picturesque port city, replete with dining options.

Natural Attractions:

• Beaches: More plentiful here than any other Balearic island, they invite relaxation under the sun.
• Archaeological Sites: The inland is dotted with enigmatic stone formations from bygone millennia, perfect for historical exploration.

Unique Experiences:

• Lithica Quarry: Step into a world of stone with labyrinths, lovely gardens, and an adjoining animal sanctuary.
• Cami de Cavalls: Embark on a coastal trail spanning 185 kilometers, offering panoramic views and coastal beauty.

As your feet sink into the golden sands and your eyes soak in the azure waters, the simple joy of tranquility surrounds you. The island’s quieter pace invites you to savor each moment, from the historic towns to the ancient, monumental ‘taulas’ that beckon your curiosity. Minorca is not just a destination, but a rich, cultural tapestry woven with the threads of history, nature, and the day-to-day joy of island life.

8. La Palma

Renowned for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and luxuriant jungles, La Palma captivates with its natural splendor. Affectionately known as ‘the Beautiful Island,’ this enigmatic locale beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

At the island’s heart lies an awe-inspiring crater, considered the largest in the world. Spanning nine kilometers wide, this natural marvel is encased within a biosphere reserve, promising a plethora of outdoor adventures. Ascending to the summit of Roque de los Muchachos, 2,423 meters above sea level, rewards with panoramic vistas and stellar rock climbing opportunities.

Beyond its rugged core, the island boasts:

• Pristine Beaches: Unwind on secluded stretches of sand.
• Majestic Cliffs: Gaze over dramatic coastal precipices.
• Historic Capital: Stroll the charming streets of Santa Cruz de la Palma.

For the nocturnal explorer, La Palma’s dark skies offer premier stargazing—a cosmic voyage not to be missed. Its diverse terrain ensures that every step can unveil a new discovery, from sparse lava fields to verdant woodlands.

7. Formentera

Nestled just south of the pulsating rhythms of Ibiza, Formentera invites you to an oasis of tranquility. A swift thirty-minute ferry ride transcends the party ambiance, delivering you to serene shores.

Historic Roots: Once a crossroads of civilizations, Formentera’s history weaves through multiple eras, from Carthaginian traders to Roman settlers. While ancient remnants are scarce, the island’s rich tapestry of cultures can be felt throughout.

Sant Francesc Xavier: At the island’s cultural heart, encounter a chapel adorned with art, emblematic of Formentera’s quaint capital.

Natural Wonders:

• Pristine lagoons
• Secluded birdwatching havens
• The iconic La Mola lighthouse, standing solitary against the skyline

Leisurely Pursuits:

• Sink your toes into sandy beaches rivalling the Caribbean
• Embrace the free-spirited legacy with a spot of nude sunbathing
• Glide across waters by kayak, or delve under the surface while snorkeling

Formentera offers a gentle pace of life where the sun kisses your skin and the breeze carries tales of bygone days. Here, the untouched beauty of the Balearics awaits your discovery.

6. Fuerteventura

A treasure trove of golden sand extends over 200 kilometers along Fuerteventura, setting the stage for some of the most highly regarded water sports in Spain. Here, the generous breezes of the Atlantic are your ally, perfect for cutting through the sea with a windsurf or kiteboard in hand.

• Location: Situated amongst the Canary Islands, it occupies the space between Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
• Proximity: A mere stone’s throw away, less than 100 kilometers from the northwestern African coastline.
• Landscape: Birthed from ancient volcanic fury, it now basks in the status of a biosphere reserve.

Your quest for the sun leads to the “island of eternal spring,” basking in temperate climes all year. In the embrace of welcoming towns sprinkled along the coast, the postcard-perfect Corralejo beckons in the northeast with its famed Corralejo Natural Park.

• Highlights:
  • Dunes: Wander amidst imposing dunes, sculpted meticulously by nature.
  • Beaches: Unwind on pristine white sands, untouched by time.
  • Watersports: Embrace the thrill of kitesurfing or windsurfing, powered by the ever-present sea breeze.

In Corralejo, nature crafts landscapes that enrapture the eyes and invigorate the soul; it’s a marvel where the wild ocean meets serene sands, inviting you to partake in the elemental dance of land and sea.

5. Lanzarote

Barely northeast from Fuerteventura, Lanzarote emerges with its stark lava landscapes – a remarkable testament to nature’s raw power. Despite its rugged, moon-like terrain, it’s the flattest of the Canaries, inviting not with peaks, but with the allure of otherworldly plains.

Timanfaya National Park rises from a quarter of Lanzarote, encompassing the vibrant warmth of the island’s active geology. Here, you can meander on camelback or by bus, weaving through a dramatic tapestry of cones, craters, and calderas, each whispering tales of ancient eruptions.

Outside this volcanic wonder, Lanzarote cradles you in its resort towns:

• Puerto del Carmen: Bask in vibrant nightlife
• Costa Teguise: Family-friendly bliss

Seeking thrills? Famara’s north coast brings together surfers, kiteboarders, and windsurfers against the backdrop of stunning cliffs.

Traveling across Lanzarote offers stark contrasts as white-washed towns stand as luminous beacons against the darkened earth. A highlight is Museo Lagomar. Nestled in a labyrinth of caves, this house, born from Cezar Manrique’s imaginative mind, dazzles with its pristine white against the red Lanzarote soil, adorned by turquoise accents of water and scattered green cacti.

For those yearning for a beach experience with a twist, Lanzarote’s black sand shores promise a unique seaside escape. The island’s waters are a siren call for enthusiasts eager to plunge into exceptional swimming, surfing, and scuba diving adventures.

4. Gran Canaria

As you journey through Gran Canaria, marvel at the striking contrasts of this island’s terrain. Often likened to a microcosm of a continent, the island offers everything from verdant valleys and monumental volcanoes to vast beaches and serene sand dunes—each corner revealing something unique for every type of adventurer.

Landscapes to Discover:

• Verdant Ravines & Volcanic Vistas: Traverse the island’s interior to experience its dramatic shifts in scenery.
• Endless Beaches: Sunseekers can bask on sandy stretches, such as the paradise found in Maspalomas with its iconic dunes.
• Flora & Fauna: Native species thrive in nature reserves, providing a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts.

Exploring the rugged terrain, you’ll uncover shimmering lakes and forests that whisper the island’s secrets. The mountains conceal relics of the past, like atmospheric cave dwellings that once housed ancient islanders.

Balance the excitement of outdoor conquests with the relaxation offered by Gran Canaria’s beaches. In particular, Maspalomas invites you to unwind with its azure waters and soft sands, while Aguimes offers a glimpse into traditional island life.

For a taste of urban energy, Las Palmas melds cultural heritage with vibrant nightlife. The capital’s historic Vegueta district is home to a Gothic cathedral, a grand governor’s mansion, and Columbus’s legacy, while boutiques and restaurants invite leisurely exploration.

With Gran Canaria, you’re never far from a pristine stretch of coast, making it effortless to combine culture with coastal leisure, where sunbathing, snorkeling, or riding the waves are the day’s most pressing decisions.

See Related: Most Amazing Destinations in Northern Spain

3. Ibiza

In Ibiza, the juxtaposition of tranquil retreats and vibrant nightlife carves out a niche for every traveler. Nestled between Majorca and the Spanish mainland, this Balearic gem offers a dynamic social scene focused in the bustling areas of Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni. Prestigious DJs and pulsating music spill out from celebrated clubs such as Amnesia and Pacha, captivating party-goers until daylight.

• Nightlife Hotspots: Amnesia, Eden, Pacha, Ushuaïa
• Central Hubs: Ibiza Town, Sant Antoni

Venture beyond these lively spots to discover the island’s other face—a serene haven. With its untouched countryside, Ibiza is a tapestry of fishing villages and family-friendly beaches.

• Family-Friendly Activities: Watersports, cove exploration, historical excursions
• Tranquil Experiences: Yoga, meditation retreats in the island’s serene landscape

Ibiza, more than just a nocturnal playground, is a mosaic of experiences. Here, you’re as likely to find hidden bays to indulge in a solitary swim as you are to encounter bustling bars where the island’s effervescence is tangible.

2. Tenerife

As you wander through the bustling towns and absorb the vibrant nightlife of Tenerife, you’re participating in the same timeless traditions that have attracted travelers for ages. The heart of the island pulsates with life amidst the warm allure of the sun-drenched shores.

Mount Teide commands the landscape, Spain’s grandest peak, stretching to an impressive 3,715 meters. Here, a tapestry of flora and otherworldly rock formations unfolds before your eyes—a haven for both adventurous hikers and those seeking the serenity from a lofty perch via cable car.

Beaches Galore:

• Man-Made Marvels: Golden sands tailored for your sunbathing pleasure.
• Natural Delights: The unique allure of volcanic black sand and pebbled coves.
• Water Sports: Surfing, jet-skiing, and kiteboarding spots dot the coastline, with tours readily available.

In the realm of relaxation, Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas, and Los Cristianos offer resort comforts alongside spirited seaside escapades. Yet, if the call of history beckons, the ancient pyramids of Guimar stand as a testament to the island’s enigmatic past, while the colonial architecture in Santa Cruz de Tenerife—castles, cathedrals, and more—tells a story of an era steeped in cultural richness.

Discovering Majorca

Guide to Spain’s Enchanting Isles

Majorca basks in the glory of being a sun seeker’s paradise nestled within the Balearic archipelago. Its 340 miles of coastline are adorned with approximately 260 beaches, each tucked away in serene bays or beneath rugged cliffs. As you traverse through quaint fishing hamlets or bustling towns, you’re greeted with a symphony of fragrant seafood, set under an ever-present sun.

In contrast to the bustling hubs found along the southern and eastern shores, the island’s heart offers a peaceful retreat within its mountainous landscape. Venture beyond the coast and Palma, the capital, summons with its majestic Gothic cathedral and labyrinthine Old Town. Refresh in the shade with a local café con leche before exploring the Joan March art oasis. Conclude your day with an evening saunter along Paseo Maritimo, where the harbor’s twinkle dances in harmony with the cathedral’s nocturnal glow.

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