6 Best Islands in Spain to Visit in 2024
If you’re looking for a vacation destination with something to offer everyone, consider a trip to one of the many beautiful Spanish islands.
While each island offers incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious food, each has its unique personality.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing time at the beach or an action-packed island adventure, there’s a Spanish holiday island waiting for you to explore.
Here are the 6 best islands in Spain to visit.
6 Best Islands in Spain to Visit 2023
1. Tenerife
Dubbed ‘The Island of Eternal Spring,’ Tenerife boasts a moderate climate that’s pleasant all year round and is one of the main islands that make up the Canary Islands and a very popular Spanish resort island.
Tenerife is located off the northwest coast of Africa and has plenty of gorgeous beaches, making it one of the top destinations for a beach holiday in Spain.
Aside from its moderate climate and lovely beaches, Tenerife offers cultural attractions and fun outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and windsurfing.
If you want spice up your beach holiday with a bit of adventure, you can spend a few days at the beach before hiking up Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain.
The island is also home to historical sites and museums, including the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (The Museum of Nature and Man), and the Auditorio de Tenerife.
Whatever it is that you’re looking for, Tenerife has something to offer you.
While the best time to visit Tenerife is in the summer, the island enjoys pleasant weather all year round, even during the winter months, and is certainly one of the best Spanish islands to visit.
2. Mallorca
Home to gorgeous bays perfect for swimming, Mallorca is another island suitable for a beach holiday in Spain.
When heading to Mallorca, most people often go to Alcudia or Puerto Pollensa.
These areas offer the perfect base for exploring the island, as they’re home to some great hotels.
As the largest of the Balearic Islands, you’ll find numerous things to enjoy in Mallorca, including vegan wellness retreats, wineries, and much more.
Mallorca boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the long stretches of golden sand beaches to secluded, shallow bays.
Almost wherever you stay on the island, whether in Alcudia or Puerto Pollensa, these gorgeous sandy bays will be at your doorstep.
Aside from its beaches, another claim to fame of Mallorca is its several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, one of the residences of Spain’s royal family.
Mallorca’s fantastic nightlife scene is another reason why Mallorca is one of the best islands in Spain to visit (if not the best island in Spain to visit!).
3. Ibiza
Ibiza almost always comes up on the lists of the best islands to visit in Spain.
Famous for its party scene, Ibiza is also home to spectacular sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, and stunning villages with pink bougainvillea hanging down whitewashed houses.
Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need to be a partygoer to love Ibiza.
There’s so more to the island than its bars and clubs.
For instance, if you’re fond of scenic walks, consider walking through the historic Ibiza Town, where you’ll learn more about the local culture.
Foodies will also delight in Ibiza’s vibrant dining scene. The island is home to some of the best restaurants in Spain, serving all sorts of dishes, including authentic Spanish cuisine like tapas and paella.
You will find plenty of luxury tours in Spain that will take you to Ibiza and many other Spanish holiday islands.
Something like this is the best option for those who want to see many places in the country in one visit.
4. Lanzarote
Known for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes created millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption, Lanzarote is one of the most stunning islands in Spain.
Visiting the island feels like you’ve stepped back on Mars!
Lanzarote is a UNESCO biosphere home to Timanfaya National Park, making it an ideal destination for those who love to hike.
When hiking in Lanzarote, you can visit some of the Lanzarote’s most popular attractions, such as the Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, and the Mirador del Rio.
Like most Spanish islands, Lanzarote is also home to beautiful beaches, such as the white sandy beach of Playa Blanca and the Playa de Papagayo, a lovely bay sheltered by a cliff.
If you are into surfing, you should visit the beach breaks along Famara Beach, a 5km-long beach with tide conditions suitable for surfers of all skill levels.
5. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the largest islands in the Canary Islands, offering a variety of things to see and do.
Over 40% of the island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as seen on the island’s lush woodlands and stunning beaches.
A haven for nature lovers and adventure travellers, it is popular with hikers and those who want to discover the island’s natural beauty.
One of the sites to see when visiting Gran Canaria is the stunning Maspalomas Dunes. These golden dunes occupy over 900 acres of land, and stepping on them feels like you are in the Sahara Desert.
Surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean, Gran Canaria is an ideal location to see fascinating marine life.
In fact, one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria is to hop on a boat for a dolphin-watching cruise. Numerous companies on the island can organise dolphin-spotting cruises starting from the island’s coastal towns.
Aside from dolphins, you can also spot whales and sea turtles, making Gran Canaria a great destination for adults and kids alike.
6. Menorca
As one of the most unspoiled islands in the Balearic, Menorca is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
The beauty of Menorca is that even though it’s not that touristy, there are still plenty of luxury accommodation options on Menorca, perfect for visitors who want to indulge during their stay on the island.
The local government of Menorca has halted the development of mass tourism on the island, which explains why it’s not as touristy as the other islands in the Balearic.
During your visit, you will find long stretches of quiet white sand beaches, and it almost feels like you have the entire beach to yourself!
Menorca is also packed with history, making it an ideal island for history buffs. As you explore the island, you’ll find charming old towns home to 13th-century architecture and ancient monuments scattered across the countryside, with some dating back to the Bronze Age!
Best Islands in Spain to Visit | Final Thoughts
So, which is the best island in Spain?!
As I’m sure you can tell by now, there are plenty of fantastic islands to choose from in Spain, making it impossible to list them all.
There also countless cities on mainland Spain that are worth a visit, including Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, and much more. For those visiting the Andalucia region, be sure to check out Seville, and if you want to get a bit more off the beaten path, Jaen is a great choice.
Whether you choose to adventure through the islands, or cities, there is something for all in Spain.
That’s it for today, but as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below!
Until next time,
XOXO
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