Islands of Spain: how to choose between the Balearics and the Canaries

The list of islands in Spain is long: the Balearics, the Canaries, the islands of Galicia, and dozens of resorts. Some islands live on nightclubs, others on volcanoes and silence. It's easy to get it wrong: you book a hotel in Mallorca when what you actually wanted was the wild beaches of Formentera.

We've broken down fifteen Spanish islands that people actually travel to for vacation: the Balearics in the Mediterranean, the Canaries in the Atlantic, and the Cies archipelago in Galicia. For each island, you'll see who it's for, what to see, and what the catch is. Cies and Lobos require a free permit, and you can't stay overnight on Cabrera.

The short answer: choose the Balearics for beaches and a short flight, the Canaries for warm winters and volcanoes.

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Our picks: fifteen islands of Spain

💡 In short:

• The Balearics in the Mediterranean are all about beaches, clubs, and a short flight.
• The Canaries in the Atlantic offer warmth in winter, volcanoes, and a distinct landscape on each island.
• Lobos requires a free Cabildo permit; Cies requires free authorization from the Xunta de Galicia.
• Tickets and visiting rules: as of 09/2026, verified on the official website of the Islas Atlanticas park

1. Mallorca

© Pierre Markuse from Hamm, Germany · CC BYPhoto: Pierre Markuse from Hamm, Germany, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, combines club districts, well-kept sandy beaches, and a rocky coastline. Modern hotels and Moorish palaces stand side by side here. The shoreline stretches for hundreds of kilometers, so there's room for both diving and sailing.

You can see the main sights in a couple of days: the Gothic Cathedral of Palma, the Spanish Village in Son Espanyol, and the Carthusian monastery in Valldemossa. Art lovers should stop by the Joan Miro Foundation, where the artist's studio has been preserved.

Every summer, the Spanish royal family comes to the island. They stay at Marivent Palace, whose gardens are open to visitors, and in August the annual regatta is timed to coincide with the monarch's vacation.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine beach time, sightseeing, and nightlife without moving around.
• Not for: if you need a secluded getaway, choose Formentera or Menorca instead.

Hotels in Mallorca on Trip.com

2. Menorca

© SentinelHub · CC BYPhoto: SentinelHub, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Menorca, Mallorca's little sibling, is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. High-rise hotels are banned here, so even at the height of the season the island isn't crowded. People come here for a laid-back vacation far from city noise.

You'll find a jagged coastline with cliffs, heather thickets, secluded coves, and wide sandy beaches with playgrounds. Adults should head down into the caves and visit the wineries of the capital, Mahon, where Xoriguer gin is made according to an old recipe.

The island is popular with equestrians: horseback riding routes through the reserve are laid out for guests. Divers head to the resort of Cala Blanca, where the water is so clear you can see marine life at depth.

• Who it's for: families with children and anyone who wants beaches without crowds.
• Not for: if you're looking for clubs and nightlife, Ibiza is a better fit.
• The catch: the choice of accommodation is more limited than in Mallorca due to the ban on high-rise construction.

Hotels in Menorca on Trip.com

3. Ibiza

© anibal amaro · CC BYPhoto: anibal amaro, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Ibiza lives to the rhythm of music. The island's resorts are packed with restaurants, colorful houses, and monuments from Carthaginian and Phoenician times. Hotels, shops, and round-the-clock bars line the waterfronts, and the clubs Amnesia, Privilege, Ushuaia, and Pacha are known far beyond the island.

If your friends came back from vacation without a tan, they probably spent it here: sunbathing is the last reason people come to Ibiza. The island is interesting during the day too: golden sand beaches, diving schools, and the Ses Salines natural park.

On a day off from partying, check out the Taules fortress gate, the Cathedral, and the ancient necropolis of Puig des Molins. Couples and families choose the quiet coves in the north of the island.

• Who it's for: those who come for music, clubs, and nightlife.
• Not for: if you want a quiet beach vacation, Formentera or Menorca will suit you better.
• The catch: don't expect quiet mornings here, the music only stops at dawn.

Hotels in Ibiza on Trip.com

4. Formentera

© Fabian Hurst · CC BY-SAPhoto: Fabian Hurst, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Formentera is the complete opposite of noisy Ibiza. It's a tiny plateau island covering less than a hundred square kilometers, where guests are greeted by peace and quiet. The vacation isn't for everyone: club lovers will be disappointed by the absence of nightlife.

You won't find parks, shopping, or a social scene here either. What you will find are long beaches with snow-white sand, spots for meditation and yoga, diving centers, and cycling routes through fishing villages and fig groves.

Another reason to come to Formentera: the local cuisine. Restaurants serve grilled lobster prepared according to a special recipe that draws people even from the mainland.

• Who it's for: couples, solo travelers, and anyone who values silence.
• Not for: families with small children and entertainment seekers, many beaches are clothing-optional.
• The catch: there's almost no infrastructure, and looking for entertainment here is pointless.

Hotels in Formentera on Trip.com

5. Cabrera

© Asurnipal · CC BY-SAPhoto: Asurnipal, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Cabrera is Spain's only combined marine and terrestrial nature reserve. There are no hotels, restaurants, or entertainment centers here: the archipelago has long been ruled by endemic plants, Balearic lizards, and colonies of gulls, cormorants, and shearwaters.

The island's man-made landmarks include the ruins of a Byzantine necropolis, the remains of barracks used by Napoleonic soldiers, and a stone castle built to defend against pirates. The crystal-clear water of Sa Platgeta beach hides giant seaweed, corals, caves, and tunnels, which is why divers come here.

Bring your own water and food: the island only has a canteen serving drinks, and you'll have to take your trash back to Mallorca. Staying overnight is not allowed, and the last boat leaves in the afternoon.

• Who it's for: divers, nature lovers, and day-trippers.
• Not for: those who want a beach hotel and evening entertainment.
• The catch: you can only go ashore at the main pier, and staying overnight is prohibited (as of 09/2026, national park).

Boat tours to Cabrera on GetYourGuide

6. Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria gets almost no rain, but the landscapes change every hour. A mountain range runs across the entire island, dividing it into microclimatic zones: you will see subtropical forests, snow-capped peaks, extinct volcanoes, and green valleys.

Families with children will like the gently sloping coast of the Maspalomas resort and the wind-protected Puerto Rico beach. At Palmitos Park, kids can see exotic butterflies and birds. Adventure seekers can head to deep ravines and remote mountain villages reachable only by winding switchback roads.

Those who do not want to give up city life should stay in the capital, Las Palmas: it has shops, museums, and restaurants. There is plenty of accommodation, from expensive hotels to apartments and guesthouses.

• Who it's for: those who want beach, mountains, and city in one trip.
• Not for: if you want flat greenery without elevation changes, you will not find it here.
• The catch: it is difficult without a car, public transport in the mountains is infrequent, and the roads are nothing but switchbacks.

Gran Canaria hotels on Trip.com

7. Tenerife

© European Space Agency · CC BY-SAPhoto: European Space Agency, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/igo/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

Tenerife offers more variety than any other Canary Island: sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, mountain ranges, fertile fields, and colonial towns. Above it all rises Spain's highest peak, the Teide volcano.

The beaches even differ in sand color. Near Santa Cruz the shore is bright yellow, while in Los Gigantes there is black volcanic sand. Families will like Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje with its calm waves. El Medano is a different picture: the trade winds barely let up, which is why windsurfers train here.

Do not limit your vacation to the beach: take a trip to the Guimar desert with its ancient pyramids, whose origin scientists still cannot explain. The island's other notable spot is the Siam Park water park with slides and the "Tower of Power."

• Who it's for: those who want to see a volcano, swim, and entertain the kids in one trip.
• The catch: do not expect calm, windless water in El Medano, the trade winds blow almost constantly.

Tenerife hotels on Trip.com

8. Fuerteventura

© Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany · CC BY-SAPhoto: Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Do not be alarmed when you drive from the airport to your hotel: the first few kilometers may disappoint with a landscape resembling a lifeless Martian valley. That is how it should be. A little further down the road, you will see the ocean, which will make you forget the barren scenery.

The land here is truly infertile, but the beaches are endless: fine light sand stretches to the horizon along the entire coast. The second-largest island of the Canary archipelago is loved by fans of waves, sunbathing, windsurfing, and fishing.

You can add variety to a beach vacation with a trip to Oasis Park, home to giraffes, flamingos, and sea lion shows. Further on, you will find the village of Las Playitas with white houses decorated in blue patterns and the old town of Antigua with working windmills.

• Who it's for: windsurfers, lovers of long beaches and quiet villages.
• Not for: those coming for tropical greenery, the island has little vegetation.
• The catch: there is almost no greenery, and around the airport you will be greeted by a desert plain.

Fuerteventura hotels on Trip.com

9. Lanzarote

Lanzarote, the most "fiery" island in the Canaries. Several centuries ago, almost a quarter of its territory was buried under lava and ash. The once green land turned into something resembling lunar craters, and the ground underfoot is still hot. In Timanfaya National Park, staff demonstrate this to tourists: water poured into a pipe shoots out as a fountain of steam a couple of seconds later.

Visitors come to see the volcanoes: you can only go down the ash-covered slopes on a guided tour, and the boldest explore the park on camelback.

The coastline here is just as impressive as the craters. El Papagayo beach in the south stands out in particular: the quiet bay is sheltered by rocks, so nothing will disturb you while you sunbathe on the golden sand.

• Who it's for: those interested in volcanoes, lava fields, and unusual landscapes.
• Not for: those looking for green landscapes instead of lava fields.
• The catch: infrastructure is underdeveloped, with few hotels and restaurants between villages.

Hotels in Lanzarote on Trip.com

10. La Palma

La Palma attracts those seeking peace and nature. Dense laurel and pine forests cover the mountain ridges, and a huge volcanic crater lies at the center of the island. Hiking enthusiasts and anyone wanting to disconnect from city life come here.

There are plenty of trails. You can climb to the crater of the Teneguía volcano. After your walk, try the local drink barraquito at a restaurant in the Charco Azul resort.

La Palma's coast is mostly rocky, so there are few places for swimming. For a beach, head to the west of the island: there you'll find Puerto Naos with gray volcanic sand, loungers, showers, and bars.

• Who it's for: hikers and lovers of quiet nature getaways.
• Not for: those who want a long sandy shore and plenty of swimming spots.
• The catch: beaches are few, and most of the coast is sheer cliffs.

Hotels in La Palma on Trip.com

11. La Gomera

© O.V.E.R.V.I.E.W. · CC BYPhoto: O.V.E.R.V.I.E.W., CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

You won't find luxury hotels on La Gomera: for lodging you'll have to choose between hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. The island has an airport, and a ferry runs here from Tenerife.

Basalt columns, steep passes, terraced fields, and palm groves create a distinctive landscape. The island is essentially one large mountain massif, so every walk turns into a long journey. Trails lead through banana plantations, wild ravines, and green valleys to the Garajonay rock, the island's highest point.

La Gomera's main attraction is a national park with relict laurel trees that grew on Earth millions of years ago. Beaches are few: the most popular, Playa de Santiago, stretches along the coast, while the quiet lagoon of Charco del Conde is better suited for children.

• Who it's for: hikers, lovers of laurel forests, and secluded getaways.
• Not for: those who want a beach resort and luxury hotels.
• The catch: there are no luxury hotels, and accommodation options are modest.

Hotels in La Gomera on Trip.com

12. El Hierro

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El Hierro, the smallest island in the Canary archipelago. Time seems to have stopped here: on this land at the edge of Europe there are no large cities, water parks, or shopping centers, and phone signal drops out. People who thrive on big-city energy will find a vacation here boring.

But El Hierro's nature is impressive. You'll see the rugged beauty of volcanoes, petroglyphs carved into rocks by ancient inhabitants, the labyrinths of the Don Justo lava cave, and the village of Casas de Guinea, where descendants of the first islanders still live.

Divers choose El Hierro's coast. The ocean here is clean and exceptionally calm, which is unusual for the Atlantic. Underwater you'll encounter angel sharks, rays, cuttlefish, turtles, and moray eels that let people get close.

• Who it's for: divers, wildlife lovers, and those seeking solitude.
• Not for: those who need entertainment, shopping, and reliable internet.
• The catch: phone signal drops out on the island, and there are no entertainment options or large cities.

Hotels in El Hierro on Trip.com

13. La Graciosa

This island rarely appears in travel agency catalogs. But the red-brown mountains against the blue ocean stay with you long after. Life here is concentrated in two villages: the port of Caleta del Sebo and the fishing village of Pedro Barba.

Infrastructure is minimal: a post office, a bank branch, a small supermarket, bike rentals, and a couple of guesthouses. That's it. But the shores will delight you with white sand mixed with quartz and basalt, with no loungers or drink vendors in sight.

La Graciosa is chosen by anglers and divers: the local waters yield tuna, sea bream, hake, and marlin. The catch is photographed and always released, as required by local rules.

• Who it's for: those who want quiet beaches, fishing, and minimal infrastructure.
• Not for: comfort lovers, as there are almost no hotels or entertainment here.
• The catch: you can only stay in a couple of guesthouses.

Accommodation in La Graciosa on Trip.com

14. Lobos

© Bengt Nyman · CC BYPhoto: Bengt Nyman, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

"Wolf island" is how the name Lobos translates. Gray predators have nothing to do with it: monk seals that once lived on these shores used to be called wolves. They were hunted to extinction for meat and blubber, but local authorities hope to bring the population back.

No one has lived on Lobos for several decades. You can get here by sightseeing boat from the town of Corralejo on Fuerteventura. Already from the sea you can see the island's main attraction, the extinct Montaña de la Caldera volcano.

Vegetation here is sparse. Rocks, dry grass, moss, and half-dried trees, that's the whole landscape. If you love wild terrain without lush greenery, this is the place for you. Everyone else will find the island monotonous.

• Who it's for: those who appreciate volcanoes, quiet, and short walks in nature.
• Not for: fans of greenery, beach vacations, and infrastructure.
• The catch: there is almost no vegetation, just rocks and dry grass all around.

Lobos Island trips on GetYourGuide

15. Cíes

The Cíes archipelago consists of three islands, San Martiño, Monteagudo, and Faro, and belongs to Galicia. This is where Rodas Beach is located, often called one of the most beautiful in the world: white sand, dunes, and pine trees on the Atlantic shore.

Plan your trip to Cíes in advance. In high season the islands accept a limited number of guests per day, so you need a free authorization from Xunta de Galicia. Without a permit you cannot buy a ferry ticket from the port of Vigo (as of 09/2026, official portal).

The permit season in 2026: from March 27 to April 5 and from May 15 to September 15 (as of 09/2026, Xunta de Galicia). After registering, you have two hours to buy a ticket from a licensed carrier, otherwise the reservation expires. You can only stay overnight at the official campsite.

• Who it's for: those willing to plan the trip and walk the trails on foot.
• Not for: those traveling spontaneously, you cannot get to the islands without a permit.
• The catch: there is a daily guest limit, and in high season permits are snapped up in advance.

Ferry tickets and excursions on GetYourGuide

Best time to visit

© Paucabot · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paucabot, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

On the Balearic Islands the season starts in late May: the air and water are already warm, and the crowds have not arrived yet. In the height of summer it gets hot, but a fresh sea breeze saves the day. For a sightseeing trip, spring is the better choice, when the islands are in bloom and the heat does not interfere with long walks.

The Canaries are called the islands of eternal spring, and the name is accurate. The average annual temperature here is comfortable, rain is rare, and the mountains protect the islands from hurricanes. This climate is shaped by humid trade winds and the proximity of the African Sahara.

The water is warmest from June through late October, but you can sunbathe on the beaches year-round. If you are traveling in winter, pack a light jacket: it is warm on the Canaries during the day, but noticeably cooler in the evening. A warm winter remains the main argument for the Canaries for those tired of the cold.

• Tip: for a beach vacation, book late spring or early fall, when the heat is milder and there are more hotels available.
• As of: seasonality and climate references checked 09/2026 on the official tourism portal of Spain.

Which island to choose with kids

The Balearic Islands are the most convenient with kids: a short flight, mild climate, and developed infrastructure. Menorca is the best fit for a family: sandy beaches, shallow sea, and entertainment. Little ones will love the Aquarock and Aqua Center water parks, older kids will enjoy the nature reserve and horseback riding at the Menorca a Caballo center.

Mallorca works too. Book a hotel at the Alcúdia resort, and you will be right next to the long Playa d'Alcúdia beach with clean water, a gentle entry into the sea, and playgrounds.

The Canaries are trickier. The Atlantic here is unpredictable: in winter the water can be cold and the waves high. If you do go to the archipelago with a child, get accommodation with a pool and choose Tenerife. There, kids will be kept busy by amusement parks, the largest of which is Loro Park with a botanical garden, aquarium, zoo, and parrot and dolphin shows.

• Who it's for: families who want a warm sea and entertainment close to the hotel.
• Not for: those heading to the Canaries in winter, swimming with kids will mostly be in the pool.

Spain's islands on the map

Most of the islands in this selection belong to two archipelagos. The Balearics lie in the Mediterranean Sea near the coast of Valencia and Catalonia, so you will get there faster. The Canaries are in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa: it is warmer here in winter, and the volcanic landscapes resemble other planets. Cíes lies separately, off the Atlantic coast of Galicia.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many Spanish islands are worth considering for a vacation?

We covered fifteen islands: five Balearic, nine Canary, and the Cíes archipelago in Galicia. That is enough to choose between a beach, volcanic, and quiet vacation. If you are going for the first time, start with the Balearics: the flight is shorter and the infrastructure is simpler.

When is it better to go to the Canaries, and when to the Balearics?

The Balearics open up from late May through September: the sea is warm, and in spring and fall it is pleasant to walk around the towns. The Canaries are good year-round: the water is warmest through late October, and in winter it is noticeably warmer here than in Europe. If you need a beach in February, choose the Canaries.

Which islands require a permit?

A free permit is required for the Cíes archipelago in Galicia and for Lobos Island. For Cíes, authorization is issued by Xunta de Galicia, and without it a ferry ticket will not be sold. For Lobos, the permit is issued by the Cabildo.

Where to vacation with kids on Spain's islands?

Menorca and Mallorca are the best fit: a gentle entry into the sea, sandy beaches, and entertainment near the hotels. On the Canaries in winter the water is colder and the waves are higher, so swimming with little ones will mostly be in the pool. For a trip with kids, choose Tenerife with its parks.

Can you stay overnight on Cabrera or Cíes?

On Cabrera overnight stays are prohibited, the island is only visited during the day. On Cíes you can stay overnight, but only at the official campsite.

In short: what to book

The selection matrix is simple. If you have a week and you are flying for the first time, take Mallorca or Tenerife: beaches, excursions, and infrastructure are all in one place. If you are traveling with kids, choose Menorca or Alcúdia on Mallorca. For quiet and wild nature, head to Formentera, La Gomera, or El Hierro.

Those ready for a ferry and a permit will like Cíes with Rodas Beach. In winter, skip the Balearics and take the Canaries, where it is warm year-round.

Compare prices in advance to understand your trip budget: Find a hotel on Trip.com and tours on GetYourGuide.