Are you considering taking a vacation to an island in Spain but unsure about where to go? We’ve put together a list of the top islands in Spain to visit for your next getaway as a couple, family, or unforgettable group of friends.
Over 60 islands call Spain home, many of which are abandoned or utterly unknown to even the most frequent tourists. However, we’ve selected the top 9 Spanish islands for you to visit on your upcoming vacation or weekend trip.
The archipelago of islands in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain that are closest to the mainland are known as the Balearic Islands.
They are the most sought-after set of islands for vacations in Spain as a result. While the Canary Islands are situated off the coast of Morocco, a little distant from the continent.
A few breathtaking, little-known islands known as the Galician Islands are located off the northwest coast of Spain, close to Portugal.
Also Read: 30+ Japan’s Hidden Gems: The Best Places in Japan
Which Spanish Island Should You Visit For Your Vacation?
MOST ROMANTIC ISLANDS FOR COUPLES OR HONEYMOONERS IN SPAIN:
Ibiza, La Palma, Formentera, Tenerife, and Mallorca
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ISLANDS OFF THE SPANISH COAST:
Tenerife, Mallorca, Menorca, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura,
THE BEST BEACH ISLANDS IN SPAIN:
Ibiza, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Formentera, Fuerteventura, and the Cés Islands
THE BEST ADVENTURE ISLANDS IN SPAIN:
La Palma, Tenerife, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and the Cés Islands
FOR FOOD LOVERS, THE BEST SPANISH ISLANDS ARE:
Menorca, Lanzarote, and Ibiza
SPAIN’S QUIETEST ISLANDS:
Menorca, El Hierro, Formentera, La Gomera
The Best Islands In Spain For Views
La Gomera, Tenerife, Mallorca, Fuerteventura, and
Spain’s Best Party Islands
Mallorca, Gran Canaria, and Ibiza
BEST ISLANDS FOR LUXURY OFF SPAIN:
Ibiza, Tenerife, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria
SPANISH ISLANDS COMPLETELY UNDERRATED
Formentera, the Cés islands, and Il Hierro
The Top 9 Islands In Spain For Vacation
The majority of tourists to Spain have either been to or at least heard about Ibiza. renowned for its unending party vibes, yoga retreats, and sandy beaches.
But we happen to think that these nine islands off the coast of Spain have a lot more to offer than Ibiza, whether you’re looking for food, beaches, outdoor recreation, or nightlife.
We say, “You be the judge.”
Spain’s Top Balearic Islands
#1 | Mallorca (Majorca)
Mallorca is an island in the Mediterranean Sea located off the southeast coast of Spain.
Palma, a charming Spanish city renowned for its illustrious cultural legacy, gothic architecture, and resort-like atmosphere, is the country’s capital and largest city.
With a total size of 3,640 square kilometres (1,405 square miles) and a population of over 1 million, Mallorca is one of the largest islands off the coast of Spain.
With few flat sections in the north and south, the topography is largely hilly and mountainous. Off the coast of Mallorca, there are a number of small islands, including Cabrera, Dragonera, and Formentera.
The Palau de l’Almudaina, the Bellver Castle, and the Lluc monastery are just a few of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are located on the island.
The nightlife in Mallorca is also well-known, particularly in the tourist areas of Magaluf and Palma nova.
Mallorca is regarded as one of the best Spanish islands for vacations. As a result of its beaches, Mediterranean temperature, and varied environment, it has long been a well-liked tourist destination.
And because it’s so near to the mainland, it’s a fantastic location for weekend getaways!
How to Travel: Mallorca is reachable by air, with frequent service from places in Europe like Barcelona, Madrid, London, and Berlin.
Ferries connect the island with the Spanish mainland and the other Balearic Islands.
Ideal Season to Visit: The ideal seasons to visit Mallorca are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). There are less tourists and nice weather.
Places to Stay: Blue House Mallorca; Terreno Studios; Pleta de Mar (5 Stars) (3 Star)
#2 | Menorca (Minorca)
Off the coast of Spain, in the Mediterranean Sea, is the island of Menorca, one of the Balearics. Following Mallorca, it is the largest island in the archipelago.
The island experiences warm summers and mild winters typical of the Mediterranean region. The average temperature ranges from 14 °C in January to 26 °C in August.
Menorca is a well-liked vacation spot because of its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back environment. The island is renowned for its illustrious past, conventional architecture, cuisine, and wine.
The capital city of Mahon, the Cova d’en Xoroi caverns, the beaches of Cala’n Bosch and Cala’n Forcat, and the archaeological site of Naveta des Tudons are a few of Menorca’s most well-known tourist destinations.
How to Travel: One of the islands off of Spain with the easiest access is Menorca. To get there, a plane is the best option.
The island’s airport is 4 kilometres from Mahon, the island’s capital. Many significant airports in Europe, including Barcelona, Madrid, London, and Paris, offer direct flights to Menorca.
Ideal Season to Visit: The months of May through October are the warmest and busiest for travel to Menorca because of the weather.
Places to Stay: Menorca Experimental (4 Star), Lago Resort (5 Star), and Hotel Bahia (3 Star)
#3 | Formentera
Formentera, a picture-perfect island in the Spanish Balearic Islands immediately south of Ibiza, is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, magnificent white sand beaches, and turquoise waters.
It’s a less well-known vacation destination than its Balearic sister islands, Mallorca and Ibiza. But as a result, it ranks as one of Spain’s least popular islands for vacations.
Despite its modest size, Formentera has a lot to offer, from discovering hidden coves and bays to taking advantage of the many restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
Water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and kayaking are also available. However, Formentera’s laid-back vibe and pristine surroundings are what really set it apart.
Since there are no high-rise structures or massive hotels on the island and a strong commitment to environmental preservation, it has been able to maintain its unique beauty.
Formentera is the ideal location if you’re looking for the best Spanish island to genuinely unwind and rest.
How to Travel: The neighboring islands of Ibiza and Mallorca offer frequent boat connection to Formentera. In such a case, you can fly to an airport in Mallorca or Ibiza and then board a ship.
Ideal Season to Visit: Between May through October, when it’s pleasant and sunny, is the ideal time to visit Formentera.
However, the island can get crowded in July and August, which are the busiest months of the year.
Places to Stay: Hotel Club Sunway Punta Prima, Hotel Es Marès, and Five Flowers Hotel & Spa are all rated five stars (3 Star)
Best Canary Islands in Spain
Also Read: 15 Epic Couples Road Trips Around The World
#4 | Tenerife
One of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a Spanish island that is situated close to Africa’s northwest coast. With more than 900,000 residents, it is the largest and most populated island of the Canaries.
The island is made up primarily of mountains and has a volcanic origin. The volcano on Mount Teide, which is also the highest point in Spain, serves as its highest point.
Tenerife is a well-liked vacation spot because of its beaches, warm weather, and cultural attractions. The most popular pursuits include windsurfing, swimming, hiking, and sunbathing.
The Museum of Nature and Man, Museo de la Naturalize y el Hombre, and Auditorio de Tenerife are only a few of the island’s museums and cultural attractions. In conclusion, Tenerife is the ideal vacation spot because it offers everything for everyone.
How to Travel: The majority of the main airports in Europe and Africa have direct flights to Tenerife. Regular ferry connections are also available from the Spanish mainland and the other Canary Islands.
Ideal Season to Visit: The best time to visit Tenerife is from November to April because of the pleasant temperatures and sunny days.
Booking your lodging and flights in advance is advised because this is a busy period for travellers on the island.
Places to Stay: Dreams Jardin Tropical Resort & Spa (4 Star), The Ritz-Carlton, Abama (5 Star), and Beverly Hills Heights (3 Star)
#5 | La Palma
One of the Canary Islands is La Palma, which is part of an archipelago off the coast of Africa. It is well-known for its volcanic activity, black-sand beaches, and lush, green scenery.
La Palma offers a wide variety of pursuits to keep you occupied. The island’s volcanic landscapes are perfect for trekking and mountain biking, while its black-sand beaches are perfect for swimming and surfing. You can also take a boat tour to see the island’s animals.
There are many restaurants and bars, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene, to enjoy. La Palma is the ideal location if you want to visit a tranquil and lovely island.
How to Travel: Direct flights are available to La Palma from a number of international airports, or you can take a ferry from Tenerife.
Ideal Season to Visit: The months of May through October offer the most pleasant weather for visiting La Palma.
Places to Stay: Hacienda San Jorge, Sol La Palma, and Villa Guadalupe all have four stars (3 Star)
#6 | Lanzarote
An island in the eastern Canary Islands is called Lanzarote. The island has the fourth-highest population in the archipelago. The island is renowned for its pleasant weather, stunning beaches, and distinctive volcanic topography.
Swimming, tanning, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, fishing, climbing, and biking are just a few of the activities available on the island.
The Cueva de los Verdes, the Jameos del Agua, and the Mirador del Rio are just a few of the island’s tourist attractions. One of the best Spanish islands for relaxation and taking in the landscape is Lanzarote.
How to Travel: Flying is the quickest way to reach Lanzarote. From numerous European cities, including London, Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona, there are direct flights. From London, the flight takes roughly four hours.
Ideal Season to Visit: From May through September, when it is pleasant and sunny, is the ideal season to visit Lanzarote.
It is advisable to reserve lodging and activities in advance because the island gets busy in the summer.
Places to Stay: Royal Marina Suites Boutique Hotel (4 Star), Meliá Salinas (5 Star), and Hotel Club Siroco (3 Star)
#7 | Fuerteventura
A member of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is renowned for its white sand beaches, azure oceans, and constant sunshine.
A well-liked location for windsurfing and kiteboarding is Fuerteventura. Additionally, there are many chances to go bicycling, hiking, and bird viewing. A museum, as well as a variety of eateries and pubs, can be found in Puerto del Rosario, the island’s capital.
Other significant settlements include Caleta de Fuste, a tourist destination with a golf course, and Corralejo, which is known for its sand beaches and dunes.
For those seeking a sunny getaway, Fuerteventura is a well-liked vacation spot, but in our opinion, it is one of Spain’s least-appreciated islands.
How to Travel: From several locations in Europe, one may fly to Fuerteventura. The island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, is where the airport is situated.
Ideal Season to Visit: From several locations in Europe, one may fly to Fuerteventura. The island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, is where the airport is situated.
Places to Stay: Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa (5 Star) | Sol Fuerteventura Jandia (4 Star) | Dunas Club (3 Star)
#8 | La Gomera
La Gomera is one of the most tranquil islands to visit in Spain and is renowned for its lush, green scenery and towering cliffs. San Sebastian, the island’s capital, is a lovely community with houses painted in soft hues and a bustling harbour.
Visitors to La Gomera have the opportunity to take in both the natural beauty of the Canary Islands and the vibrant culture of its cities and villages, making it a special place to visit.
There are numerous routes that go through the island’s forests and along its shoreline, making La Gomera one of the best Spanish islands for trekking.
Additionally, visitors can go on boat excursions to explore the island’s marine fauna, such as dolphins and whales. La Gomera is the ideal place to travel if you want to unwind and explore.
How to Travel: London-Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester have direct flights from the UK to La Gomera Airport (GMZ) (MAN). As an alternative, you can fly to Tenerife South Airport (TFS), where you can then take a quick ferry to La Gomera.
Ideal Season to Visit: The months of May to June or September to October are ideal for travel to La Gomera. These months provide the ideal balance of pleasant weather and sparse visitors.
Places to Stay: Villas La Gomera (4 Star), Parador de La Gomera (4 Star), and Los Telares Apartments (3 Star)
#9 | Gran Canaria
Because of its natural beauty, variety of activities, and unique characteristics, Gran Canaria is one of the most visited islands in Spain.
It is the third largest island in terms of land area in the Canaries, after Fuerteventura and Tenerife, and the second most populous island after Tenerife.
Gran Canaria is 1,560 square kilometres in size and has volcanic origins. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the largest city on the island, serves as the capital.
The island is the most populated of the Canaries, with a population of about 850 000. Gran Canaria Airport, the biggest airport serving the Canary Islands, is located on the island.
The Gran Canaria is one of the most popular islands in Spain for vacations because of its diverse environment, which has something to offer everyone.
Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts, ranging from the vibrant, global city of Las Palmas to the peaceful, white-sand beaches in the south.
The Parque Nacional de las Palmas (National Park of the Palms), which is home to the island’s native population of Canarian palm trees, is one of the protected places on the island.
How to Travel: Flying into Gran Canaria Airport is the simplest way to reach Gran Canaria. About 20 kilometres from Las Palmas, the airport is situated in the southern part of the island.
Major European cities like London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, and Frankfurt all have direct flights to Gran Canaria.
Ideal Season to Visit: The months of November through March are ideal for travel to Gran Canaria. It is during this time that the weather is more pleasant and there is less rain. Nevertheless, the island is a year-round vacation spot, so there is always plenty to do whenever you go.
Places to Stay: Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses (4 Star), Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity (5 Star), and Hotel Riosol (3 Star)
Ready To Reserve Your Spanish Island Vacation?
Everyone should put a trip to Spain high on their travel wish list because it has some absolutely incredible islands and vacation spots. We really hope that our list of the top Spanish islands has aided in the planning of your upcoming vacation.
Visit the official Spanish Tourism website to aid in planning your trip. Additionally, keep reading our other posts on our travel blog on Spain for helpful advice and pointers on how to get the most out of your trip:
- 11 Picture Perfect Places for a Weekend in Spain (that’s not Barcelona or Madrid)
- 9 of the Best Islands in Spain for Holidays (that’s not Ibiza!)
ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A PLACE TO STAY IN SPAIN?
Take advantage of Booking.com’s Best Price Guarantee and the lowest rates on lodging in Spain by using the search box below.
FAQS
What Are The 9 Best Islands In Spain For Holidays?
The 9 best islands in Spain for holidays are Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, La Gomera and El Hierro.
What Activities Can I Do On The Spanish Islands?
There are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed on the Spanish islands, including sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, fishing and cycling.
What Type Of Accommodation Is Available On The Islands?
Accommodation is available for all types of travelers, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels.
How Do I Get To The Islands?
The islands can be reached via flights from major cities in Europe or by ferry from mainland Spain.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit The Islands?
The best time of year to visit the islands is between April and October.
