It’s no secret that for many travelers, an island getaway represents the ideal vacation. Generally, the best Spanish islands can be divided by location: the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. Additionally, although not described here… for nature lovers, consider the Cíes Islands and a few other islands in Galicia, Northern Spain. While these islands offer a completely different travel experience – without the summer heat, resorts, Wi-Fi, or nightlife – they deserve a place on the list of the best Spanish islands due to their unmatched natural beauty.
Balearics or Canaries?
Choose the Canary Islands for their exotic landscapes and numerous adventurous activities. However, the Balearic Islands, with their warm waters and charming beaches, better match the expectations of many international visitors. The Canary Islands are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and even during the peak summer season, the water tends to be quite refreshing. The Canary Islands are better suited for adventure travelers, while the Balearic Islands are more popular as a Mediterranean beach destination.
The Balearic Islands
Located in the Mediterranean, this Spanish archipelago consists of four main islands – Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera – and three smaller isles – Dragonera, Cabrera, and Espalmador. One of the biggest attractions of the Balearic Islands is the warm and calm sea. During the summer months, the archipelago is full of trendy restaurants, fancy clubs, and boats and yachts, making it a great destination for those who enjoy a lively social scene.
The Balearics are also popular with celebrities during peak season. The archipelago is renowned for some of the best beaches in Spain, often featuring white sands and turquoise waters. In July and August, the sea temperature can reach up to 27°C, making it perfect for swimming enthusiasts. The best months to visit the Balearic Islands are May, June, September, and October, when the weather is still warm but the islands are much less crowded than during the peak summer season.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are one of Spain’s most unique territories and are absolutely worth visiting. Located in the Atlantic, closer to Africa than Europe, these islands offer the exotic appeal of a far-off destination with the perks of European safety and infrastructure. Despite an ancient local legend about a ninth island, the Canary Islands officially consist of eight: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa.
Unlike the Balearic Islands, the Canaries are a popular destination for winter sun, attracting visitors all year round. With average winter temperatures of 20°C and 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, the islands provide unmatched weather conditions for an epic getaway at any time of year. If you love spending time in the water, keep in mind that the Canary Islands don’t offer the warmest temperatures. Depending on the island and season, water temperatures range from 18°C to 22°C. El Hierro and Tenerife are known for having the warmest waters, while Lanzarote and Fuerteventura tend to have cooler waters. Although many claim that swimming in the Canary Islands is possible year-round when it’s sunny.