The best Spanish islands offer tons of holiday fun, from sun-soaked beaches to family-friendly resorts and thrilling adventures! The Mediterranean islands of the Balearics are famous for their ancient history, glamorous scene, and rugged mountains. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands with its stunning volcanic landscapes, are strikingly beautiful and are basking in year-round sunshine.
If you’re planning a group holiday to Spain but not sure which islands to visit, refer to this list.
Mallorca
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is a famous party destination. But aside from being a party spot, it has a variety of offerings to visitors of all kinds. The island has a coastline of about half kilometres long, with beautiful sandy beaches and plenty of historical sights surrounded by amazing landscapes.
Mallorca is well-known for its several idyllic beaches, and the most popular is Alcudia Beach. This long stretch of white sand with crystal clear waters and excellent tourism infrastructure is an ideal spot for families and groups of friends. The Cala Mondrago Beach is also a must-visit, located within the Natural Park of Mondrago, a protected area. Among the smaller beaches, you’ll find Calo des Moro, which lies along the southern coast. This beautiful beach has impressive cliffs on both sides and was awarded a Blue Flag for its water quality.
In the city of Palma, you’ll find plenty of historical sights to explore. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, a Gothic Roman Catholic church built on the site of a former mosque, is not to be missed. Besides the cathedral, you’ll also enjoy exploring Parc de la Mar, a beautiful promenade dotted with fantastic restaurants and cafes. And when it comes to the best places to stay for group travels in Mallorca, check out one of those beautiful villas in Pollensa.
Tenerife
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is another beautiful island to visit for group travel. Whether your group is fond of hiking, marine life, beaches, mountains, or vibrant nightlife, this beautiful island offers a variety of things.
Most visitors would come to Tenerife for the beach, and it’s easy to see why. The island is home to many beautiful beaches, and each has a unique style and appeal. You’ll also have a great time discovering Tenerife’s marine life if you’re into diving. As you swim off its coast, you’ll encounter interesting marine species, from sperm whales to bottle-nosed dolphins.
If you’re here to party with friends, Tenerife will not disappoint. Although its nightlife scene is not as busy as the likes of Ibiza, it’s still a great place to party and go wild. Head to the town of Playa de las Americas, where you’ll find Veronica’s Strip, lined with the best beach clubs and bars.
Formentera
Formentera is the smallest of all Balearic Islands and is famous for its endless beaches with crystal clear waters. It’s a bit secluded, and you can only reach it through a ferry from its popular neighbour, Ibiza, which would take about 35 minutes.
While it’s possible to enjoy Formentera by simply visiting its many beautiful beaches, there’s more to discover on this beautiful island. For the best views, head to Faro de la Mola, a lighthouse set at the island’s highest point, right at the edge of a cliff. Because of the stunning views that it offers, it’s now one of the most visited places in Formentera. The Ses Salines Natural Park, which lies between Ibiza and Formentera, is also worth visiting. Wander through its many ponds, discover the area’s rich biodiversity, and plunge into its crystal-clear waters.
For lovers of culture and history, the Museum of Ethnography of Formentera should be on your list of places to visit. It’s where you will learn about the history, culture, and traditional life on the island. Make a stop at the artisan markets, where you’ll find tons of stalls selling everything, from local handicrafts to paintings and souvenirs.
Ibiza
Ibiza is, no doubt, the most popular of all Spanish islands. Although the island is relatively small, it’s jam-packed with amazing sights, attractions, and fun activities. While Ibiza is widely known for its party scene, there are plenty of other exciting things to do on your group trip to the island. To make your holiday to the island even more special, stay at one of the remarkable luxury villas in Ibiza. From the historical Ibiza Town to the breathtaking views from Sa Talaiassa and the stunning beaches of Es Vedrà, Ibiza is well worth a visit on your holiday with friends.
Ibiza Town is a port city divided into two sections, Eixample and Dalt Vila. Eixample is where you will find most of the newer structures on the island while Dalt Vila is a historical area perched above the sea and home to world-class restaurants, bars, and clubs. When exploring Ibiza Town, don’t forget to visit the Our Lady of the Snows cathedral, which offers some of the best views in the entire town.
When it comes to the beach, you’ll find a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from. Las Salinas is more upscale and where you can party and socialise with celebrities. But if it’s stunning views that you’re after, head to Cala d’Hort, which opens to the spectacular views of Es Vedrà.
Lanzarote
Famous for its volcanic, lunar landscapes that resemble the landscape of Mars, it’s not surprising why Lanzarote is one of the most popular Spanish islands for tourists. Lying off the coast of Morocco, this archipelago is home to beautiful vineyards, scenic hiking trails, and beautiful beaches.
In Lanzarote, you will find a wide variety of black and white sand beaches, ideal for all kinds of tourists. On the south coast, you’ll find Playa del Reducto, which has been awarded a Blue Flag status for safety and cleanliness.
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is otherworldly and one of the reasons why many visitors would come to the island. The best way to admire this view up close is to head to Timanfaya National Park. You will feel like you are on Mars as you explore this vast area, with its extensive network of hiking and cycling trails.