Best islands to visit in Spain | Our top picks

Spain islands – from volcanic Canaries to sun-soaked Balearics – have long been magnets for beach lovers, hikers, and hedonists. And while the big names still draw the crowds, not every island has to be packed with resorts and partygoers. If you're craving something a little different, Spain trips with Rough Guides skip the clichés and show you the best islands in Spain – from well-known favorites worth the hype to wild, remote escapes you won’t find on every list. Here’s where to go, and why. Just maybe keep a few of them to yourself.

What are the best islands to visit in Spain?

From wild volcanic peaks to perfect white-sand beaches, Spain’s islands are as diverse as they are unforgettable. Whether you're planning a full-on Spain itinerary or just looking for a lazy escape, the islands deliver big – and not just the obvious ones.

The best islands in Spain include more than just Ibiza and Tenerife. Sure, those names draw crowds, but there’s a whole range of spots that offer something different – quieter beaches, better hiking, fewer tourist traps. You’ve got the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, where black-sand beaches meet Mars-like landscapes. Then there’s the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, where you’ll find everything from party towns to hidden calas and hilltop villages.

If you're wondering where to go, the best Balearic islands like Mallorca and Menorca deliver big on natural beauty and culture, while Lanzarote and La Palma in the Canaries are unbeatable for landscapes and stargazing. Some islands are great for a long weekend, others deserve a full week. Either way, they’re easily added to any list of the best places to visit in Spain.

In short, the islands are a key part of any good Spain trip – and you don’t have to follow the crowds to enjoy them.

1. Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Mallorca is the island that has it all – and doesn’t need to shout about it. You can spend the morning hiking through limestone cliffs, the afternoon swimming in turquoise coves, and the evening sipping wine in a medieval town square. It’s the largest of the Balearics, but also one of the most varied – and that’s what keeps people coming back.

The best beaches in Spain? A lot of them are here. Cala Mondragó is framed by pine forests. Caló des Moro is small, wild, and photogenic (if you get there early). For quieter shores, head to the east coast or the far north. And if you’d rather avoid the beach altogether, the inland towns and mountain villages are some of the island’s most rewarding spots, with good food, cool air, and barely a souvenir shop in sight.

If you’re planning where to base yourself, the best areas to stay in Mallorca depend on your priorities. Go west for hiking, north for laid-back beach towns, and south for easy access and coves. The island also ranks high on the romance scale – the best places to stay in Mallorca for couples include old fincas turned boutique hotels and sea-facing spots in postcard villages like Deià and Sóller.

How to get to Mallorca

There are direct flights to Palma de Mallorca from most major European cities, including year-round connections from Madrid and Barcelona. Ferries also run from mainland Spain (Barcelona, Valencia, and Dénia), but flying is usually faster and cheaper.

When to visit Mallorca

• Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. You’ll skip the worst of the crowds and still get warm sea temps and great hiking weather. July and August are hot, busy, and expensive – though the beach scene is in full swing if that’s what you’re after.

2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote looks like it was dropped straight from Mars – and that’s a big part of its appeal. Blackened lava fields, rust-red craters, and strange volcanic cones make this one of the most surreal landscapes in Europe. But it’s not all rocks and craters – you’ll also find golden beaches, stylish whitewashed villages, and a strong creative streak thanks to the island’s adopted son, artist-architect César Manrique.

This is one of the best islands in Spain for travelers who want something different: less built-up than its Canary siblings, and more focused on design and natural beauty. The beaches on the south coast are ideal for relaxing (Playa de Papagayo is the classic), while the rugged north feels untouched. You can hike through lava tunnels, surf Atlantic swells, and visit wineries growing grapes in volcanic ash.

If you're planning a trip to Spain and want to escape the mainland crowds, Lanzarote should be near the top of your list. It’s easy to explore by car, compact enough to cover in a few days, and full of places that still feel undiscovered.

How to get to Lanzarote

There are direct flights to Lanzarote (Arrecife Airport) from most major cities in Spain and northern Europe. If you're already in the Canary Islands, ferries and short flights connect Lanzarote with Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.

When to visit Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a year-round destination. Winter (November to March) brings mild weather and fewer crowds, perfect for hiking or road-tripping. Summer is warmer but rarely too hot, thanks to trade winds. Spring and autumn offer a balance of warmth and space, with great conditions for beachgoers and outdoor explorers alike.

3. Ibiza, Balearic Islands

Ibiza has a reputation – and it’s earned. The beach clubs, all-night parties, and superyachts aren’t going anywhere. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a very different island. Think sleepy inland villages, quiet pine-backed coves, and clifftop hiking trails with sea views and no sound but cicadas. It’s this contrast that makes Ibiza one of the best islands in Spain – you can party hard, sure, but you can also completely check out.

The north is where you’ll find peace and space. The beaches are smaller, the roads quieter, and the food scene leans more local. For a proper recharge, stay in the hills above San Juan or head to the yoga retreats hidden around Santa Agnès. Down south, you’ve got the classic beach clubs and iconic sunsets. But even there, you’ll still stumble across tiny coves and rustic chiringuitos if you avoid the obvious spots.

If you’re listing off things to do in Spain that go beyond the usual cities and landmarks, Ibiza delivers: sunrise paddleboarding, boat trips to Formentera, flea markets, cliff jumping, and dancing under the stars are all fair game.

How to get to Ibiza

Ibiza Airport has regular flights from mainland Spain and major European cities, especially in summer. Ferries also run from Valencia, Dénia, and Barcelona, though flying is much faster. Boats connect Ibiza and Formentera multiple times a day.

When to visit Ibiza

May and June are ideal – clubs are open, but the island still feels relaxed. September is similar, with warmer sea temperatures and slightly cooler nights. July and August are peak season: expect high prices, packed beaches, and full-on party energy. Off-season (October to April) is quiet, some places close, but the hiking and sunsets are still on point.

4. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife is often written off as just another package-holiday island – but that’s a mistake. It’s the biggest of the islands in Spain, and one of the most diverse. You’ve got Spain’s highest peak (Mount Teide), ancient forests in the north, black-sand beaches, colonial towns, and enough hiking trails to keep your legs sore for days.

Teide National Park is the showstopper – a volcanic wilderness with views that stretch across the entire Canary archipelago. But don’t miss the north: it’s greener, cooler, and more authentic, with locals filling the guachinches (pop-up eateries) and barely a beach bar in sight. Down south, the resorts are bigger, but the beaches are good, the weather’s reliably warm, and the waters are ideal for swimming year-round.

The best places to stay in Tenerife depend on your style. Adventurers should base themselves in La Orotava or Vilaflor for quick access to Teide and the island’s national parks. For beach life, head south to areas like Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas. And if you're chasing local flavor, the old town of La Laguna is full of history, charm, and no shortage of cafés.

How to get to Tenerife

Tenerife has two airports: South (TFS) is better for beach resorts, while North (TFN) is ideal for exploring the inland towns and the Anaga mountains. Both have frequent domestic and international flights. Ferries connect Tenerife with other Canary Islands like La Gomera, Gran Canaria, and La Palma.

When to visit Tenerife

Tenerife is a year-round destination. Winter sun seekers come from December to February, when it’s sunny, while most of Europe freezes. Spring and autumn are great for hiking and road trips – warm days, cooler nights, and fewer crowds. Summer is hotter and busier, especially along the southern coast.

5. Menorca, Balearic Islands

Menorca is the least flashy of the Spain islands, and that’s a good thing. You won’t find superclubs or sprawling resorts here – just clear water, coastal trails, and a laid-back pace that feels like a break. The beaches are some of the best in the Balearics, and thanks to tight building restrictions, most are backed by pine trees, not concrete.

The island is especially well-suited for Spain with kids. Many beaches are shallow and calm, distances are short, and towns like Ciutadella and Mahón are easy to navigate. Inland, you’ve got farms, horseback riding, and ancient stone monuments older than the pyramids. It’s not a theme park island – it’s relaxed, safe, and full of space to explore.

For beach-hopping, rent a car and head to the south coast for fine white sand (try Cala Macarella or Son Saura) or the north for wilder, red-sand beaches like Cala Pregonda. Off the beach, the Cami de Cavalls coastal path wraps around the whole island and offers a real taste of Menorca’s rugged side.

How to get to Menorca

Fly into Menorca Airport from mainland Spain or several European cities. In summer, there are also ferries from Mallorca and Barcelona. A rental car is the easiest way to reach the island’s more remote beaches and inland villages.

When to visit Menorca

Late spring and early autumn are ideal – warm, quiet, and perfect for walking or beach days without the crowds. July and August are busier with Spanish holidaymakers, but still manageable. Sea temperatures stay swimmable well into October.

6. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria is often sold as a beach-and-resort island, but there’s a lot more going on if you know where to look. Yes, there are beaches – some of the best beaches in Gran Canaria are around Maspalomas and Playa de Amadores – but inland is where the island surprises you.

Head north and the landscape shifts from arid coastlines to pine forests and deep ravines. Hiking in Gran Canaria is seriously underrated, with trails winding through volcanic valleys, cloud forests, and up to viewpoints like Roque Nublo. If you’re into road trips, the GC-200 coastal drive is one of the most dramatic in the Canaries.

Then there’s the food. Las Palmas is packed with tapas bars, seafood joints, and urban markets – ideal if you're chasing the best foodie experiences in Gran Canaria. Inland, you’ll find traditional dishes like ropa vieja and potaje de berros served in tiny mountain villages where menus rarely appear in English.

Skip the southern sprawl and head to the Gran Canaria lesser-known spots – the colourful old quarter of Vegueta, the cave houses of Artenara, and the almond groves around Tejeda. The contrast between the coast and interior is what makes this island stand out.

How to get to Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) has year-round connections from major Spanish and European cities. Buses run from the airport to Las Palmas and the southern resorts, but renting a car gives you the freedom to explore inland and more remote areas.

When to visit Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has warm weather year-round, but December to April is ideal for hiking and escaping northern Europe’s winter. July and August are hot and busier, especially on the southern beaches. Spring and autumn are quieter and great for road-tripping or staying inland.

7. Formentera, Balearic Islands

Tiny, flat, and often overlooked, Formentera is Ibiza’s little sister – but without the noise. You come here for clear water, slow days, and the kind of beaches that make you wonder why you ever paid for a sun lounger. It’s one of the best islands in Spain if you want to truly switch off.

There’s not much to do, and that’s the point. Rent a bike or scooter, hit the coast, and beach-hop between white-sand stretches like Platja de Ses Illetes and Platja de Migjorn. The water is Caribbean-clear, the pace is lazy, and even in high season, it feels a world away from Ibiza.

The island has a few small villages, some excellent seafood spots, and just enough nightlife to keep things interesting, though don’t expect clubs. This is more sunset drinks and starlit dinners than anything wild.

How to get to Formentera

There’s no airport – the only way in is by ferry from Ibiza Town, which takes around 30 minutes. From mainland Spain, fly to Ibiza, then connect by boat. Once you’re there, rent a bike, scooter, or small car – Formentera’s flat terrain makes it easy to get around.

When to visit Formentera

Late May to early July is ideal – warm, breezy, and before the full summer rush. September is also a good bet, with warm seas and quieter beaches. In August, the island gets pricey and packed. Off-season (October to April), most places shut down, and public transport is minimal.

8. La Palma, Canary Islands

La Palma isn’t built for beach holidays – and that’s exactly what makes it special. Known as La Isla Bonita (the Pretty Island), it’s one of the greenest and steepest of the Canaries. Think volcanic peaks, misty laurel forests, and vertigo-inducing hiking trails with hardly another soul around. If you’re into landscapes, La Palma hits hard.

This is one for the walkers, stargazers, and nature junkies. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park sits right in the island’s core – a huge collapsed crater filled with pine forests, waterfalls, and wild camping spots. For serious elevation, the Ruta de los Volcanes follows a ridge of lava fields and old craters down the spine of the island. Clear skies and minimal light pollution also make it a top spot for astronomy.

If you're looking for a different kind of island experience, Spain travel experts know this is the Canaries' best-kept secret. It won’t suit everyone, but if you’re after big views and small crowds, La Palma delivers.

Wondering about the best time to visit Spain if hiking’s on the agenda? Spring and autumn are perfect here – sunny, cooler, and far less busy than the mainland.

How to get to La Palma

La Palma has a small airport with direct flights from Tenerife and Gran Canaria, plus a few mainland connections (like Madrid). You can also get there by ferry from Tenerife – expect a long ride, but the views are decent. A rental car is essential if you want to explore properly.

When to visit La Palma

March to May and September to November are best for hiking – warm days, fewer tourists, and trails in good condition. Summer gets hotter and hazier, though the island rarely feels crowded. Winter brings cooler temps and occasional rain, but it's still a solid escape from mainland weather.

9. Islas Cies, Galicia

Part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, the Islas Cíes feel more like the coast of Scotland meets the tropics – dramatic cliffs, icy-clear water, and beaches that look Caribbean until your toes hit the Atlantic. These three islands off the coast of Vigo are protected, undeveloped, and worth a day (or overnight) if you’re exploring the northwestern Spain islands.

The big draw is Playa de Rodas, a long curve of white sand that regularly appears on “best beach in Europe” lists. It’s stunning, but it’s not the only reason to come. Hike through eucalyptus forests to the lighthouse on Monte Faro for panoramic views over the ocean and the rugged Galician coast, or take a boat to the more remote island of San Martiño – if you’re lucky enough to get a permit.

There are no cars, no hotels, and only a single (basic) campsite with limited spots. That isolation is part of the appeal. Come for nature, seabirds, and a feeling of escape you don’t usually get from a Spanish beach.

How to get to Islas Cíes

You can only visit by boat, with limited daily visitor numbers from June to September. Ferries run from Vigo, Cangas, and Baiona, and you’ll need to request a free permit in advance (usually through the ferry company). If you want to camp, book well ahead.

When to visit Islas Cíes

Summer (June to early September) is the only time you can visit by public ferry. July and August get busiest, so go midweek or early in the season if possible. The water’s always cold, but the views and hiking more than make up for it.

10. La Graciosa, Canary Islands

If you want to unplug completely, La Graciosa is about as remote as it gets without leaving the Canary Islands. With no paved roads, barely any cars, and just a handful of sandy tracks, this tiny island off the north coast of Lanzarote feels like stepping back a few decades – in a good way.

There’s not much to do here, and that’s the point. Rent a bike and ride through the dunes to Playa de las Conchas or Playa Francesa – wild, wide beaches where you’ll often be alone. The sea is rough in places, but the isolation is part of the charm. There’s a small village, Caleta del Sebo, with a few simple restaurants and guesthouses, but no big hotels, no nightlife, and no pressure to do anything at all.

La Graciosa isn’t for everyone – if you’re after museums or tapas hopping, this isn’t your stop. But if you’re looking to get off-grid, it’s one of the quietest and most untouched Spain islands still open to visitors.

How to get to La Graciosa

Take a 25-minute ferry from Órzola in northern Lanzarote. Ferries run multiple times a day, and you don’t need a car – in fact, you're better off without one. Most visitors rent bikes or walk.

When to visit La Graciosa

Spring and autumn are best – warm, breezy, and quiet. Summer gets hotter and dustier, but the sea stays swimmable. Winter is cooler and windier, but still sunnier than most of Europe. Just don’t expect a packed schedule – this is a place for slow days and doing nothing well.

11. El Hierro, Canary Islands

The smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro, packs a surprising punch. It’s remote, rugged, and barely touched by mass tourism, which is exactly the appeal. Jagged cliffs, misty pine forests, lava-scarred hillsides – it’s the kind of island that feels more like the Pacific than the Atlantic.

At just over 100 square miles, you can cross the island in under an hour, but there’s plenty to keep you exploring. Hiking trails wind past volcanic craters and through prehistoric forests in El Golfo and La Frontera. There’s no beach scene to speak of, but the coastline is dotted with dramatic natural pools and rocky inlets made for swimming.

Diving is big here. The island’s marine reserve includes 46 dive sites – sea arches, volcanic chimneys, and clear water that attracts everything from stingrays to dolphins. El Hierro’s also serious about sustainability. It’s the first island in the world powered entirely by renewable energy, thanks to its wind and hydro systems.

It’s not for everyone – there’s little nightlife, and the infrastructure is minimal – but if you want an island that feels truly wild, El Hierro’s worth the detour.

How to get to El Hierro

There are no international flights. Fly via Tenerife or Gran Canaria to El Hierro’s tiny airport, or take the ferry from Tenerife (Los Cristianos) – around 2.5 hours. A rental car is essential for getting around.

When to visit El Hierro

Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking – warm but not too hot. Summer’s good for diving, with the clearest water and calmest seas. Winter brings cooler temps and more wind, but the island rarely gets cold. Either way, it never feels crowded.

12. Cabrera, Balearic Islands

When Mallorca gets overrun in summer, locals in the know head for Cabrera – a rocky, uninhabited island just an hour away by boat, and a world apart in atmosphere. It’s a national park both on land and at sea, with tight restrictions on visitors, development, and boat access. That’s exactly why it’s worth the trip.

There are no roads, no restaurants, and no hotels – just hiking trails, clear bays, and old military ruins slowly being reclaimed by nature. Most people visit as a day trip, swimming in sea caves and snorkeling in the marine reserve before heading back. But if you plan, you can stay overnight in a small refuge – only 24 people are allowed to stay at a time.

You won’t find beach clubs or cold beer on tap here. What you will find is one of the wildest Spain islands, where swimming, walking, and silence are the main attractions.

How to get to Cabrera

Boats leave daily in summer from Colònia de Sant Jordi, in southern Mallorca. You’ll need to book in advance, as numbers are limited. Overnight stays require a separate permit and usually need to be arranged months ahead.

When to visit Cabrera

Cabrera is only accessible from April to October, with summer being the most popular – and busiest – time. Go in May, June, or September for decent weather, warm sea, and fewer boats. Outside these months, the island is closed to the public.