The best islands in Spain for this summer
Spain is one of the favourite destinations for tourists worldwide, thanks to the great variety of landscapes and its impressive architecture, without forgetting its gastronomy. It is also a country privileged by its climate, so summer attracts tourists interested in sunny beaches. Suppose you want to visit its beaches this summer. In that case, here you will find information about the best islands in the country and the activities you can do in each of them.
Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands. Thanks to its enormous extension, the landscape combines mountainous areas with white sandy beaches and shallow blue bays.
Mallorca has a wide gastronomic and hotel offer, suitable for all budgets. However, if you want to live a premium quality experience, you should stay at Meliá Calvià Beach. This first-class hotel is located in front of Calvià Beach and guarantees guests the area’s best views. It has a swimming pool, solarium, spa, and restaurants offering gourmet dishes.
Typical Mallorcan cuisine includes Mallorcan fry-up and Mallorcan tumbet. Mallorcan fry-up is a Sephardic dish dating back to the 14th century. The dish is composed of sautéed vegetables and lamb offal. On the other hand, Mallorcan tumbet is an Arabic-influenced vegetable pie, and aubergine is the main ingredient.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993. Thanks to its volcanic activity and the incredible landscapes created by the lava, you can tour the red dunes of the Timanfaya National Park and the black sand beaches on this island. It’s the perfect destination for taking unforgettable photographs.
Gran Canaria
The diversity of its landscapes characterizes Gran Canaria. You can find desert spaces, snow-capped mountains, laurel forests, and golden sand beaches on this island. Some places you should visit are Puerto de Mogán, Playa de Las Canteras and the Maspalomas Dunes.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura Island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2009. One of its main attractions is the Corralejo Natural Park, an extensive area of sand mountains extending from Playa Puerto Remedios to Las Salinas.
This island is known for the intensity of its winds and its warm climate, which is perfect for windsurfing, canoeing, and diving. If you like water sports, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the island.
Ibiza
Ibiza is famous worldwide for its intense nightlife. However, it is an island with many tourist attractions that can be enjoyed all day long.
One of the attractions is its historic centre, which dates back to the time of the Phoenicians. Another is the Cova de Can Marçà, a beautiful natural cave. Seal watching is also an unforgettable experience for the family’s youngest members.
Ibiza also stands out for its gastronomic proposal. If you visit the island, you must try the bullit de peix, a traditional food of the sailors of the area. You also have to visit the pastry shops, which offer almond sponge cake, flaó, rubiols, cocas, ensaimadas, and greixonera.
Menorca
Menorca is the least urbanized island in the Balearic Islands. Therefore, it is a perfect place to enjoy the virgin nature and historical constructions that date back to the Bronze Age.
If you visit Menorca, you have to try the caldereta de langosta (lobster stew). This typical fisherman’s dish is prepared in an earthenware casserole. It contains peppers, garlic, and tomato sauce that brings out the seafood flavour. Keep in mind that one portion is usually enough for two people.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands and has the oldest National Park in this group of islands. It is popularly known as “the island of eternal spring”, as its warm temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year.
Like Lanzarote, Tenerife has beautiful black sand beaches that are the product of volcanic eruptions. It is a perfect place for diving, surfing, and jet-skiing. If you like hiking and want to see a volcano up close, you can visit the Teide National Park and observe Mount Teide from a cable car.
Formentera
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and rest deeply, Formentera is the best option. Although it is only half an hour away from Ibiza, this island is much quieter. You can relax on its beaches of white sand and crystal clear water, which stand out Es Pujols and Casa Saona.
In Formentera is the Nature park Ses Salines de Ibiza y Formentera. There inhabits the Neptune grass; it is an aquatic plant considered the oldest living being on Earth, which only exists in the Mediterranean Sea.
Other Spanish islands
Spain also has some smaller islands that are true paradises on Earth. Among them are Cíes, Cabrera, Tabarca, Ons, La Graciosa, Carrallot, La Ferrera y La Forrada. All of them have a great natural and historical attraction. You can visit them by private boat or be part of an organized tour.