Which Islands in Spain Are Worth Visiting? Here’s the Full List

Among all the European countries, Spain has the most diverse choice of islands to visit. Low-cost airlines allow you to fly around hassle-free and get the best of both worlds. Turquoise coves, party beaches, spectacular mountainous landscapes, and well-known nightclubs await you in Ibiza. Other Balearic islands—Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera—invite you to explore some of the most sublime beaches in the world. Off the coast of northwestern Africa, the Canary Islands captivate with a unique microclimate, year-round holiday potential, and landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else. Discover the best islands to visit in Spain and the top things to do there:

Best for breathtaking panoramas

The largest island of the Canaries is a treasure trove of dramatic views. A stunning Telde volcano— Spain’s tallest mountain—rises over Tenerife’s biodiverse landscapes. There’s the southern coast filled with package holiday-ready resorts, and the north, which mesmerizes with black cliffs and infinite ocean vistas. Apart from awe-inspiring nature, Tenerife’s historic towns are delightful. UNESCO-protected San Cristóbal de La Laguna enchants with a well-preserved Old Town—the first Spanish planned colony and a model for Latin American capitals. Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s capital, is a mid-sized, vibrant city with energetic nightlife and one of the world’s largest carnivals (taking place in February and March). With so many attractions, Tenerife is ideal for car trips, where every turn on twisty roads takes you to a new, spectacular scene. Don’t miss the Masca Valley: it’s among the island’s most striking landscapes.

Best for surfing beaches and an eternal spring

Gran Canaria is my favorite island in Spain. Distances are small here, the views are otherworldly and some attractions can’t be found anywhere else. You can start the day sipping coffee with porras on Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, go on a scenic hike among the calderas and rocky mountains of the interior during the day, and admire the sunset from the Sahara-like high dunes of Maspalomas Desert in the evening. Speaking of Maspalomas, it’s absolutely magical: a resort town neighboring a 1,000-acre desert with a long Atlantic beach. It’s my happy place, where you witness the pure grandeur of Mother Nature. But Gran Canaria is also about history—the La Vegueta neighborhood in Las Palmas is a picturesque area with centuries-old cathedrals and elegant mansions next to the Atlantic coast. Don’t miss Casa-Museo de Colón, a museum that immerses you in the American voyages of Columbus.

Best for white sand beaches and a bohemian vibe

Unpaved roads, bohemian bars, and some of the most spectacular sandy beaches in Europe: welcome to Formentera. Located south of Ibiza, it’s the smallest of Spain’s inhabited islands (just 32 square miles). But if you’re looking for a care-free beach paradise, it’s the one. In the island’s north, Platja de Ses Illetes and Platja de Llevant offer Caribbean-like scenery of white sand meeting the shallow turquoise sea. Formentera is a perfect destination for a blissful Balearic escape—lounging on the beach the whole day and relaxed seaside partying in the beach clubs in the evening. Hire a boat to sail to Espalmador, a small island between Formentera and Ibiza with an enchanting (and rarely crowded) white sand Platja de S’Alga beach.

For beachside parties and a hedonist lifestyle

Ibiza’s reputation as the world’s premier party island is totally warranted. This Balearic destination offers clubbing with top DJs at the iconic venues like Pacha, Amnesia, Ushuaia, and Hï. A typical Ibiza holiday includes eating well at upscale restaurants, exploring ancient medieval towns, cove-hopping for turquoise waters, and touring the island in search of the best pre and after-parties. But there’s also a tale of two Ibizas. While the main town and legendary Platja d’en Bossa beach are the epicenters of the nightlife, the rest of the island is a Mediterranean dream. Sleepy centuries-old villages, rich local traditions, and many secret beaches with crystal-clear waters await. History lovers shouldn’t miss the UNESCO-protected Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town’s hilltop Old Town with atmospheric cobblestone streets.    

Best for resorts and outdoor adventures

Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearics, and a destination of contrasts. Its capital, Palma de Mallorca, isn’t just a small beach town, it’s a vibrant city with over 400 thousand inhabitants. Beachside La Seu, or Palma Cathedral, is among the most striking religious monuments in the country, and the Old Town is as alluring as the historic cores of Barcelona or Valencia. To the west are stereotypical mega-resorts, such as Magaluf and Santa Ponça, with high-rise hotels, a tourism-first mentality and raucous nightlife. But Mallorca is also about the spectacular outdoors. Visit the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range for breathtaking panoramas and scenic hikes. Of course, this island packs some of the Mediterranean’s best turquoise beaches. Formentor is a magnificent crescent-shaped sandy bay, Caló del Moro is a photogenic blue cove and Platja de Santanyí is a family-friendly beach with superb snorkeling.

For rural escapes and secret coves

If Ibiza is for non-stop partying and Mallorca for classic tourism, Menorca’s offer is tranquility and peace. Still largely undiscovered by mass tourism, this island is an untouched Balearic with endless fields in the interior, postcard-perfect fishing towns, and spellbinding beaches. Speaking of the beaches, they are heavenly on Menorca. If you’re looking for uncrowded Mediterranean coves with translucent waters and sky-blue color, that’s the island to choose. The best ones to visit are Cala Macarella, Platja de Son Bou, Cala Algaiarens, and Platja de Cavalleria. Mahón and Ciutadella de Menorca are two enticing port towns with pretty historic cores, cozy Balearic restaurants, and a fascinating mix of Spanish and British architecture (during the 18th century, Menorca was under British rule).

For a volcanic landscape and wild beaches

Arriving in Lanzarote feels like leaving Planet Earth behind. This Canary Island is a captivating land of volcanoes—you will see hundreds of cones dotting the lunar landscape. Visit Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO-protected natural reserve, for hiking trails through black ash fields and dormant craters. The island’s modern culture is closely tied to the artistic heritage of César Manrique, the Arrecife-born sculptor and nature activist. Take a tour of his La Casa del Volcan residence, marvel at the expansive vistas from Mirador del Río and visit the phantasmagoric Jameos del Agua complex, which includes an underground concert hall, a subterranean salt lake, and a restaurant. Wild Playa de Papagayo on the south coast is among Spain’s most stunning beaches. And be sure to try Lanzarote wine, created from Malvasia grapes that grow in volcanic soil. 

Best for long Atlantic beaches, water sports, and stargazing

Winds blow a little stronger on Fuerteventura. This Canary Island between Lanzarote and Gran Canaria has long been the surfer’s favorite. Its specialty is long, white sand beaches set against the breathtaking, barren mountainous landscape. The island is a year-round destination—Fuerteventura is at the same altitude as Florida, so it rarely gets colder than 64 degrees. The beaches in Fuerteventura are absolutely spellbinding. La Concha is a crescent-shaped bay with silky white sand. Get to the remote and expansive Playa de Cofete for a one-on-one with the untamed Atlantic coast. Playa del Matorral is a family-friendly sandy stretch of Fuerteventura’s premier resort, Morro Jable. A car is a must, as many attractions aren’t serviced by public transport. A vehicle also helps you find the best spot for watching the starry sky: Fuerteventura’s light pollution is minimal, so you’ll have quite a show. 

Best for biodiversity and hiking

Laurel rainforests, deep ravines, lush valleys, volcanic calderas, secluded coves, and tall mountains—La Gomera fascinates with its diverse landscapes. Still a secret destination, the orange-shaped island west of Tenerife has no fancy resorts or tourist crowds. It might be the most adventurous and enigmatic of all the Canary Islands. The must-visit here is Garajonay National Park, where you’ll see the prehistoric Canarian laurisilva forest, or the closest you can get to the jungle within the EU. La Gomera’s beaches are mostly made of volcanic black sand and backed by the dramatic cliffs. Valle Gran Rey is the main resort hotspot with the longest beach. The most beautiful stretch is Playa del Ingles, surrounded by giant rocks. La Gomera has a small airport with flights to Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Also, you can reach it by ferry from the nearby islands.

For dramatic views and black sand beaches

The greenest of all the Canary Islands, La Palma is one large stunning biosphere reserve. You may have seen it on the news in 2021, when Cumbre Vieja—an active volcanic ridge in the island’s center—erupted and lava poured over to the ocean. Volcanoes are sleeping now, and you can safely explore the many fantastic natural sites of La Palma. Caldera de Taburiente National Park should be the first stop. Shaped by the lava flow, it’s a breathtaking area of lush forests, steep cliffs and multicolored waterfalls (check out the Cascada de los Colores). It’s here that you find Roque de los Muchachos, or the second-biggest mountain in the Canaries. It’s home to the astronomical observatory, which is the top spot for stargazing. Similar to La Gomera, the beaches of La Palma come with black sand. The best ones are Charco Verde, Nogales and Cancajos, all with perfect surfing conditions.