What do Ibiza, Tenerife, Majorca, Gran Canaria, and Minorca all have in common? They're all islands in Spain. Not only that, but they're also some of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean too! People are too focused on popular places like Barcelona and Madrid to realize just how enchanting these Spanish islands are. Many might not even know that the country of Spain goes beyond its mainland in Western Europe. But it's alright. It gives them a chance to discover these enchanting islands in Spain and why the country truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Ibiza
Ibiza is perhaps the most famous (some would argue infamous) among all the islands in Spain. One of the country's Balearic islands, it's become known for its massive nightlife scene. This is where people, mostly Europeans, travel when they want to let loose and have fun. In a way, it's almost as if Ibiza is the island version of Las Vegas or Atlantic City in the US. This is where people party, let go of their inhibitions, and perhaps do things that they won't normally do anywhere else. But it bears noting that Ibiza has more to offer than its party scene too.
Majorca
Though Ibiza is the most famous Balearic island, it's not the biggest. That title belongs to Majorca. Also referred to as “Mallorca,” this Spanish island boasts a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, magical forests, and charming provincial towns. It's also the ideal island in Spain for a family vacation. Majorca offers all sorts of activities that both the young and old can enjoy. Be it hiking or sunbathing, cycling or scenic road trips, there's a lot everyone can look forward to in Majorca. So it's no surprise that its tourism can almost rival that of Ibiza too!
Formentera
One look at Formentera and you'll be hooked! It's not an exaggeration to say that this island is one of the most magical destinations in Spain. Perhaps even in all of the Mediterranean! The
Greek Islands may be popular and paradisical, but even they are no match to the unspoiled glory of Formentera. Just take a look at its sparkling waters, for example. They glow with such a vibrant blue hue, they almost seem unreal. And you just know that this is the kind of natural beauty that
travel inspo Instagram accounts often post about.
Minorca
The last of the Balearic Islands on this list is Minorca, which is also often referred to as “Menorca.” Compared to the other islands in Spain, this one is among the least developed. This isn't to say that it's not a tourist-friendly destination. Minorca still has its fair share of resort towns, charming villages, and even a bustling nightlife scene. It's just the others, namely Ibiza and Majorca, are a lot busier than Minorca almost feels like a ghost town. And this is pretty apt too, considering that the island is also known for its pre-historic sites, ancient ruins, and the like.
Tenerife
Now, let's head on over to the Canary Islands, another famous archipelago in Spain. To start, there's Tenerife, the largest and most populous of this island group. In various ways, you could say that Tenerife rivals both Ibiza and Majorca. Ibiza in terms of its fame and popularity among travelers while Majorca is in terms of its overall tourism. Tenerife is the kind of place where people can have all sorts of fun. It has your usual bars, restaurants, cafes, luxury resorts, and more. One could even say that Tenerife is Spain's own slice of the
French Riviera's high-class towns.
Gran Canaria
Much like Tenerife, Gran Canaria is also a premium holiday spot. It might even be the busiest out of all the Spanish islands in that respect. Gran Canaria is the ultimate resort island in Spain in many ways. Its towns have a lot of hustle and bustle, offering up all sorts of activities and experiences that visitors can enjoy. The sweeping landscapes and natural wonders, on the other hand, serve as the perfect escape for those who just want to get away from it all. And of course, you can't leave out the island's sunny weather. It's Mediterranean magic at its finest!
La Palma
Just like how there are specific
Greek Islands for thrill-seekers, La Palma is one of those islands in Spain that’s perfect for adventurers. This isn't to say that any other type of tourist won't enjoy their time here. The island still has its fair share of resort towns, charming villages, and the like. But in truth, La Palma's true beauty lies in its mountain ranges, magnificent volcanos, lush valleys, and sunny coasts. The thrill-seeker in you won't help but want to explore the more untouched parts of the island, even when its most developed areas offer such luxurious comfort.
La Gomera
What's another Spanish island that suits all you globetrotters out there? La Gomera! This island is a treasure trove of treacherous terrains, massive fields, monstrous volcanos, and more. This is also where the famed explorer Christopher Columbus started his voyage. As if La Gomera's natural wonders weren't enough to unleash the adventurer in you, this fascinating piece of history certainly will. But it also bears noting that this island really is for the active traveler. Even if you're not a hiker, La Gomera also offers smaller but equally scenic trails that you can simply walk along.
Lanzarote
At a glance, Lanzarote of the Canary Islands looks like a remote island. As if human civilization—or at least, the modern world—never stepped foot on its shores. But that's hardly the truth. Lanzarote still has many tourist-friendly areas where you can relax and luxuriate with the finer things in life. It's just that the island looks the way it does now because of a past volcanic eruption. And this is what you should remember when you plan to travel here. At its core, Lanzarote is a volcanic island where Mother Nature reigns supreme. Its natural beauty is practically unmatched!
Some of the most enchanting places in the Mediterranean are islands in Spain. They're almost otherworldly with their sparkling seas, soft sandy shorelines, sunny weather, and more. Every single one of them defines paradise!
