Discover three stunning islands for relaxing holidays in Spain and get inspiration for your next trip.
Spain has some of the most exotic islands in Europe. Beyond Ibiza, Mallorca and Tenerife, which are the most famous destinations, there are several «gem» islands that attract those seeking relaxing holidays with an authentic character and more tranquility. We present three such Spanish islands below to add to your travel list.
Menorca
Menorca or Minorca is overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Ibiza and Mallorca. However, those who visit this small island of the Balearic Islandsare enchanted by its relaxed pace, the endless blue and its crystal-clear waters. Maó, the capital of Menorca, is built atop impressive cliffs overlooking the island’s harbor. The town is filled with old mansions, built when the island was under British rule. Here you’ll findtraditional tapas bars and restaurants.Ciutadela is a beautiful town with its picturesque little port and a historic center well worth seeing.The island boasts 216 kilometers of coastline, offering a wide variety of beaches - from the rugged shores and the reddish beaches of the north to the golden sands of the south. The striking Cala Macarella is perhaps the island’s most famous beach.
Menorca is home in its forests, dunes and wetlands to more than 220 species of birds and around 1,000 varieties of rare plants. Menorca is also famous for its traditional summer festivals. The International Opera Week and the International Organ Festival in Maó, as well as the summer music festival and the Capella Davidica concerts in Ciutadella, are the island’s main cultural events.
Formentera
Known as Ibiza’s quieter little sister, Formentera is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and serenity. This island retains something of the ’60s and ’70s vibe, when hippies found their personal haven on its secluded beaches. It is the smallest of the islands belonging to the Balearics. The only way to get there is by boat, either from the port of Ibiza or from Denia in Valencia. The first thing you’ll do when you arrive is relax on its dreamlike beaches. TheCaló d’Es Morts, Cala Saona and the larger beaches Ses Illetes and Es Migjorn are among the top choices for a swim.
There are six towns and villages on Formentera. Sant Francesc is the capital andLa Savina the only port. Important sights on the island are the historic lighthouses that offerstunning views. It’s worth seeing the La Mola lighthouse at the island’s highest point and going all the way to the famous Cap de Barbaria where a hole in the rock leads to a small balcony with magnificent views.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the fourth-largest island of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the easternmost. Anyone who has visited the other Canaries immediately realizes that this island is different. A few kilometers off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote impresses with its unspoiled natural beauty, the unique colors of its volcanic landscapes that contrast with the blue of the Atlantic, its villages with white houses andits distinctive beaches. This island is associated with the artist and architect César Manrique, who was born and lived there. The Spanish artistchampioned the preservation of architectural tradition and created open-air works such as the Cactus Garden, or transformed the volcanic cave Jameos del Agua into a natural concert hall.
The island’s capital, Arrecife impresses with its picturesque alleys. It’s worth visiting Timanfaya National Park, where you can observe 25 craters and eat at one of the most original restaurants in the world, El Diablo, where the food is cooked using the earth’s natural heat. In the resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise you’ll find the island’s most impressive beaches, while to the south at Famara you’ll encounter a dreamy white-sand beach with emerald waters.
