The Spanish islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Spanish and African coasts. They are a popular tourist spot for people from all over the world because of their stunning beaches, together with their fascinating natural landscapes, their rich and varied culture and their deep and remarkable history.

Spain has two main groups of islands: the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The Balearic Islands are a total of eleven islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea, while the Canary Islands are seven islands and are located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Visiting the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea, east of the Spanish coast. They are divided into two groups: the Gimnesias and the Pitiusas islands. The Gimnesias are made up of Majorca, Menorca, Cabrera and other small islands such as Dragonera, Isla del Aire, among others. The Pitiusas islands are made up of Ibiza and Formentera.

How many islands does the Balearic Islands archipelago consist of?

The Balearic Islands archipelago consists of five main islands and other smaller islands.

What are the names of the main islands that make up the Balearic Islands archipelago?

The main islands of the Balearic Islands archipelago are Mallorca, Menorca, Cabrera, Ibiza and Formentera.

What is the capital of the Balearic Islands?

The capital of the Balearic Islands is Palma de Mallorca, located on the island of Mallorca.

This autonomous region of Spain is known for its beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, its good climate and its rich history and culture. These islands are a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, offering a wide variety of activities for visitors, such as swimming, diving, hiking, cycling, gastronomy and a lively nightlife.

In addition, the culture of this archipelago is influenced by a mix of Mediterranean, African and Spanish cultures, a fact that is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, music and local traditions. The official language of the islands is Catalan and Spanish, but Catalan is more widely spoken than Spanish. The Balearic Islands are also an important cruise destination, especially the ports of Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Mallorca

Majorca is the largest island of the archipelago and is famous for its golden sandy beaches, its transparent waters, its mild climate and its cultural attractions. The island is also known for its nightlife, namely its bars and clubs.

The capital of Mallorca is Palma de Mallorca, the largest city on the island. It is particularly known for its gothic cathedral, La Seu, which is an iconic landmark of the city. The island is also a popular destination for water sports such as diving, snorkelling, sailing and surfing, or even a boat trip. In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Mallorca is known for its local cuisine, with dishes such as sobrasada (a type of sausage), ensaimada (a spiral-shaped sweet bread) and paella (a rice dish with seafood), and is also famous for its wines.

Enjoy a helicopter ride in Mallorca, enjoying incredible views over the island.

Menorca

Menorca is the second-largest island in the archipelago. It is known for its white sandy beaches, secluded bays and crystal clear waters.

The island is also famous for its unspoilt nature and rich history, which dates back more than 4000 years. As cultural influence had the Romans, Moors and British, who left their mark on the architecture of the island. In addition, visitors to Menorca can enjoy hiking and activities such as cycling, swimming and other outdoor activities, as well as exploring the island's deep history and culture.

You can also go snorkelling in the Menorca Marine Reserve.

Cabrera

Cabrera is a small island of the Balearic Islands archipelago. It has volcanic origins and a small permanent population. The island was even used as a military base for much of the 20th century, which helped to preserve the natural landscape and marine ecosystem that exists on the island.

In 1991, the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of Cabrera came into being, to protect the unique fauna and flora of the area, as well as the crystal clear waters and reefs around the island. In addition, the island is a popular destination for excursions, where visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming and diving at some of the more secluded beaches.

Ibiza

Ibiza is known for its stunning beaches, its distinctive nightlife and its laid-back atmosphere. It also stands out for its music, particularly electronic music, which attracts DJs from all over the world.

Ibiza is still a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the sun, sea and parties. On the other hand, Ibiza also has a quieter and more authentic side, through its medieval villages, its street markets and its local cuisine. Likewise, Ibiza has many preserved natural areas, such as the Es Vedrà Nature Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of marine life.

Discover the main activities done in summer in Ibiza, such as, for example, a hot air balloon flight around the island, or even, if you go with friends, an Ibiza sunset cruise.

Formentera

Formentera is characterised by its crystal clear beaches and relaxing atmosphere, and is, therefore, a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds.

Formentera is particularly famous for its white sandy beaches and shallow waters, ideal for swimming and diving. In addition, the island has many places suitable for hiking and cycling, which allows you to explore the natural beauty of Formentera. From a gastronomic point of view, this island has many restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes and other local specialities, such as ensaimada.

Visiting the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.

How many islands does the Canary Islands archipelago consist of?

The Canary Islands archipelago consists of seven main islands and some smaller islands.

What are the names of the main islands that make up the Canary Islands archipelago?

The names of the main islands of the Canary Islands archipelago are: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

What is the capital of the Canary Islands?

The capital of the Canary Islands is Las Palmas, located on the island of Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz, located on the island of Tenerife, is also considered a capital of the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands have 2 capitals.

In fact, the Canaries, an autonomous region of Spain with its official language (Spanish), have a strong cultural and geographical influence from Africa and Latin America. The Canaries are known essentially for their volcanic sandy beaches, their emblematic mountainous landscapes and also for their volcanoes and natural parks, which attract huge numbers of tourists regularly from all over the world.

In addition, this archipelago is popular for its luxury resorts and its hiking trails. Likewise, these islands are special for their party tradition, which justifies their attractive culture, and also for being a great spot for stargazing, the result of a clear and clean sky.

Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the islands that forms part of the Canary Islands archipelago, being the largest and most populated. It corresponds to one of the main tourist attractions in the whole of Spain, mainly thanks to its black and white sandy beaches, its stunning volcanic landscapes and all its deep local culture.

On this island lies the Teide volcano, which is the highest peak in Spain. And, also, the Teide National Park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, is one of the most popular destinations in all of Tenerife. The park itself offers fascinating views, with walking trails, picnic areas and miradors (lookout points). Tenerife also has the emblematic Museum of Nature and Man and is known for the Carnival (considered one of the biggest in the world) in its capital, Santa Cruz.

Take advantage and enjoy a submarine experience around Tenerife.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria boasts a very diverse geographical landscape, containing incredible mountains, large canyons and wide-ranging forests and fields.

The island's capital is Las Palmas, a city full of tourist attractions such as the Maspalomas Dunes, Roque Nublo (a natural rock monument) and the Garajonay National Park. Similarly, Gran Canaria has a popular gastronomy, which includes dishes such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and fresh fish menus.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is particularly popular for its natural beauty and volcanic landscapes. It features rocky, desert-like soil, with several craters and mountains that provide stunning views.

One of the main points of interest on this island is the Timanfaya National Park, in the southern part of Lanzarote, which allows bus tours to enjoy geothermal activities. In addition, the island, particularly its capital (Arrecife), is known for its marina and its museums and art galleries. 

Discover the main activities to do in the summer in Lanzarote.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is popular for its fine, white sandy beaches, something that looks like a major attraction for tourists globally. In addition, it boasts a dry subtropical climate, with balanced and pleasant temperatures throughout the year, enabling relaxation spots for travellers.

Likewise, its volcanic landscapes and natural parks also add to the attraction of this island. Fuerteventura is also the ideal place for outdoor activities, such as simple walks or even bird watching. From a gastronomic point of view, this island is known for its roast kid and mojo, a typical sauce made of garlic, olive oil and pepper. Another highlight in Fuerteventura is the Natural Park of Corralejo, a protected nature reserve that includes migratory birds, turtles and other wildlife.

You can visit Fuerteventura from Lanzarote.

La Palma

La Palma is recognised as "the beautiful island" due to its stunning natural landscapes. This island, being mountainous and volcanic, has in the National Park of la Caldera de Taburiente one of its greatest highlights, combined with hiking trails, waterfalls and fascinating views.

In addition, La Palma is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Specifically, the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, the highest point on the island, is an important centre for astronomical research. Gastronomically speaking, this island is based on traditional dishes with African and Spanish influence.

La Gomera

La Gomera has in its main port, in its capital (San Sebastián de La Gomera), the starting point for many excursions and tourist activities. In addition, it is known for its natural beauty, especially the Garajonay National Park, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1986 and featuring a laurel forest with fascinating views.

Likewise, its beaches and the possibility of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and swimming are also highlights in La Gomera. As far as typical dishes are concerned, this island has potaje de berros (a cabbage stew) and almogrote (a cheese pâté) as its greatest distinguishing marks.

Take advantage and take a trip to La Gomera, enjoying its spectacular views.

El Hierro

El Hierro is particularly known for its fascinating volcanic landscape, steep mountains and rocky coastline. In addition, the island is rich in fauna and flora, with several endemic species and a protected marine reserve, which is a true divers' paradise.

Likewise, El Hierro is famous for being the first island in the world to be completely powered by renewable energy, and is, therefore, an example of sustainability and commitment to the environment. In terms of popular dishes, the highlights are puchero (a stew of meat, chickpeas and vegetables) and escaldón de gofio (a mixture of toasted cornmeal and fish).

Thus, the Spanish islands play a key role in the country's culture, economy and tourism. Through their fascinating landscapes, heavenly beaches and rich cultural heritage, the Spanish islands have become a widely popular destination for any tourist in the world.

Thinking of visiting Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Tenerife or Lanzarote or other Spanish islands? See everything you can do and more tips to better enjoy your stay on Living Tours.