With amazing cities, like Madrid and Barcelona; unique UNESCO Sites, like Sagrada Familia Church and Teide National Park, and great festivals, like Las Fallas and La Tomatina, Spain truly deserves to be considered one of the most beautiful European countries to visit. But what draws more and more tourists year after year to this fascinating land of adventures is its wide range of picturesque islands, with tons of beaches and great opportunities for fun-filled holidays.
Islands in Spain fall into two main clusters: the Canary Islands or the so-called Canaries, including (from largest to smallest) Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Graciosa, Alegranza, Isla de Lobos, Montañ Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste; and East of the Spanish mainland – the Balearic Islands, with the chief for being Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca, each with a strong personality of its own, and each offering much more than warm, clear waters and pristine beaches.
And no matter which island you’ll choose to spend your Spanish holidays, be sure to experience a crazy mix of spectacular scenery, from lush tropical forests and moon-like lava deserts, to giant sand dunes and black-sand coves; varied coastal resorts and delightful unspoiled villages; as well as noisy nightlife and a balmy sub-tropical climate with year round temperatures that hardly ever fall below 18°C during the day even in winter.
And here are some of the best Spanish Islands you should not miss out when planning your holidays to Spain.
Tenerife
A popular holiday destination not only in Europe but also all over the world, Tenerife receives on average 5 million tourists each year. There is a large choice of theme parks in Tenerife, including Loro Park, Siam Park, Aqualand and Jungle Park; numerous golden sandy beaches and natural black volcanic sand beaches, with the majority offering water sports, like scuba diving and snorkeling, jet-skiing and wind surfing, along with great boat trips to see dolphins and Pilot whales; as well as a large number of museums showcasing the island’s history, and many trendy shopping complexes and restaurants, where you can shop and dine at your heart’s content.
Ibiza
When thinking about Ibiza, or the ‘White Island,’ what comes first to mind is definitely NITGHTLIFE. Truly, this amazing island has some of the world’s best-known nightclubs and bars, where there is no end to fun and entertainment. Secondly, Ibiza appeals visitor with its long, beautiful coastline and endless selection of beaches to suit all tastes. In addition, Ibiza offers a wide range of hippy markets, where you can pick up trinkets, clothes, jewelry and keepsakes to remind you of your trip. Those looking for interesting festivals will find Ibiza on the move, as there is always something going on here, either a religious celebration, or a traditional Balearic party. As to water sports, diving and cliff jumping are highly recommended.
Majorca
The largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca or Mallorca, whatever you may prefer to spell it, offers visitors eventful holidays with an astonishing variety of things to see and do. For most travelers Majorca is the most interesting of the Balearic Islands, both historically and culturally. It is home to stylish cities and party towns, great museums and churches, picturesque, peaceful villages for those who just want to get away from it all, and fabulous beaches, where you can sunbath and indulge in a myriad of land and water sports. From enjoying non-stop parties in Magaluf, to walking the wide plains and experiencing the rolling countryside of Es Pla, to try long tapas lunches in cosmopolitan Palma, Majorca is this and much more.
La Palma
Set against a backdrop of volcanic landscape, La Palma is the getaway for a taste of the Canaries of old. This tiny, off-the-radar island is filled with quiet coves, cobbled streets and volcanic peaks and is an ideal destination for relaxing breaks. Perhaps the best way to experience the charm of the island is a hike through the spectacular Taburiente National Park, but if it’s sunbathing and cat napping is what you seek, you should head to the dark sands of Playa Nueva.
Fuerteventura, Formentera, Minorca, and La Gomera are also worth visiting. As to Lanzarote, you’ll find a few articles concerning it in our previous posts, including Lanzarote Travel Guide, Lanzarote’s Leading Attractions and Outdoor Adventures in Lanzarote.
Hardly anybody that has ever spent holidays in any of these amazing islands would not wish to return again and again; in fact many visitors have made the islands their ‘home away from home.’
