Spain Islands
The Spanish Islands are a haven for tourists from around the world who are looking to experience the warmth of the Spanish sunshine, clear waters and unspoiled beaches.The most popular islands are divided between the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, and include a variety of activities, accommodation options and stunning landscapes. From the party capital island of the world, Ibiza, to the beautiful volcanoes of Tenerife, there is something to suit everyone.
CANARY ISLANDS
LA GOMERA
If you love a good walking holiday, the island of La Gomera has fantastic options with its beautiful forests, rock outcroppings and waterfalls. The island is not overrun with tourists and is one of the smallest islands in the Canary region. The highlight of the island is most certainly the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Garajonay National Park which has been referred to as “one of the best kept secrets” of the Spanish islands. It is an ancient forest that offers visitors a range of hiking trails.
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LANZAROTE
Lanzarote is the closest Canary Island to Africa and has breathtaking landscapes which are a mix between volcanic and beaches. With warm temperatures year round, it is often referred to as the Island of eternal spring, and is an ideal holiday destination for singles and families.
The Timanfaya National Park is a must visit with its “Fire Mountains” which were created when more than 100 volcanoes rose up and devastated the island. The park is popular for tours, though it is not possible to walk freely around the volcanoes. Popular beaches on Lanzarote include those around Arrecife, San Bartoleme, Tinajo, Haría and Puerto del Carmen.
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LA PALMA
La Palma, also known as San Miguel de La Palma and “The Beautiful Island” is the closest island to Morocco and has a spectacular landscape that is perfect for hiking. It is the most volcanically active of the Canary Islands and at the centre of the island you’ll find the largest crater in the world, the Caldera de Taburiente, which is certainly one of the best guided hikes you could ever take, and includes a visit to the very colorful Cascada Colorada waterfall.
Gran CanariaGran Canaria is actually the third-largest island in the Canaries' and has one of the largest cities in Spain, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The city is found on the north eastern coast of the island and is a popular and highly developed beach holiday destination for visitors from around the world. Aside from the island’s beaches, you will also find mountains, cave villages, sand dunes and a fantastic playground for watersports like diving and surfing. Other highlights include the rock formation Roque Nublo, Puerto De Mogan, the giant aquarium Playa De Las Canteras and the rolling sand dunes at Maspalomas.
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TENERIFE
Tenerife is one of the most popular of the Spanish islands and is also the busiest island, with locals and tourists flocking to enjoy the scenery and lifestyle. It has an exciting nightlife as well as fantastic opportunities for a range of watersports, including diving, surfing, wind surfing and jet-skiing. Throughout the year you will find some of the world’s largest carnivals, and the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife the 2nd most popular and best known carnival, after Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island and a must visit is El Teide, the highest point in Spain and the third largest volcano in the world.
BALERIC ISLANDS
MENORCA
Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and is a great place to visit if you want to escape the usual crowds. There are more beaches on Menorca than on any of Spain’s other islands so if you’re lucky, you might even find yourself a completely secluded beach to enjoy some relaxation on your own. The island itself has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in order to preserve some of the islands astounding landscapes, including the Parc Natural S’Albufera d’es Grau wetlands and the prehistoric monuments, dating back as far as 1300 BC.IbizaIbiza is often referred to as the party capital of the world and with its nightclubs, parties and beaches, it’s easy to see why. At night the island comes alive with the world’s top house DJs taking over the clubs, and during the day, you can visit the carnival-style market for a bit of shopping or enjoy a tour or walk through some of the island’s natural attractions, including the natural cave, Cova de Can Marca. In Ibiza Town, the island’s capital city, you can explore the cathedral of Santa Maria d'Eivissa, the Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins, and it’s just a short walk to some of the island’s best beaches.If you’re not interested in clubbing, the best time to visit is during winter (from October to May), where you will find just one club and a few bars open – creating a very different atmosphere for travellers.FormenteraThe island of Formentera is just south of Ibiza and an easy boat ride away. It is known as the last Mediterranean paradise and conservation of the island is extremely important to the locals. It is known for its sandy beaches and nude sunbathing, though it is far less crowded than its neighbour. There are more than 20 kilometres of beaches, with white sands and sparkling clear waters, and many of these are backed by protected sand dunes.
MALLORCA
Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is the largest of the Spanish islands and the best known island in the Balearic region. The island is best known for the popular beach resorts, sheltered coves, limestone mountains and the mix of both Roman and Moorish remains. Families and singles alike enjoy a holiday at Mallorca to explore the mountains and small mountain towns, the hidden monasteries and the beautiful beaches. The city of Palma is bustling and filled with history, including a Gothic cathedral and grand mansions.