7 Stunning Spanish Islands You Can’t Miss in 2026
There’s something about Spanish islands that feels like a secret whispered between old friends. Maybe it’s the way the light hits the turquoise waters at dusk, or the scent of salt and wild herbs clinging to the breeze. In 2026, these seven islands aren’t just destinations; they’re invitations to slow down, explore, and fall a little in love with the world again.
1. Mallorca: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Address: Balearic Islands, Spain
Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–October (avoid the summer crowds)
Mallorca isn’t just an island; it’s a mood. One minute you’re hiking through the misty Tramuntana Mountains, the next you’re dipping your toes into the crystal-clear waters of Cala Deià, a cove so perfect it feels like a postcard come to life.
For adventure seekers, the Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO-listed paradise. Hike the historic dry stone route from Sóller to Port de Sóller, where you’ll be rewarded with a descent into a charming port town.
For a quieter escape, head to the northeast coast to Capdepera and its nearby Cala Mesquida. The beach here is a crescent of soft sand backed by dunes and pine trees, and the water is so shallow and warm it’s perfect for families.
2. Menorca: The Undiscovered Gem
Address: Balearic Islands, Spain
Best Time to Visit: May–June or September (for perfect weather and fewer tourists)
If Mallorca is the extroverted sibling, Menorca is the introspective one—the quieter, wilder, and perhaps more intriguing of the two. This island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it shows. The landscapes here are untamed: red cliffs plunging into the sea, hidden coves accessible only by foot, and ancient stone structures (taulas and talaiots) that whisper secrets of prehistoric civilizations.
I’ll never forget the first time I kayaked into Cala Macarella. The water was so clear I could see fish darting beneath me, and the twin coves—Macarella and Macarelleta—were connected by a narrow strip of sand that felt like a doorway to another world.
3. Ibiza: Beyond the Party
Address: Balearic Islands, Spain
Best Time to Visit: April–May or September–October (for a more local vibe)
Yes, Ibiza is famous for its nightlife, but scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find an island of hippie markets, secluded beaches, and some of the best sunsets in the Mediterranean.
Start your day at Las Dalias, a bohemian market where you can browse handmade jewelry, vintage clothes, and local art. For a beach day with a twist, head to Aguas Blancas, a stretch of white sand backed by pine forests and cliffs.
4. Lanzarote: The Moon on Earth
Address: Canary Islands, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (spring and fall are ideal for hiking)
Lanzarote is like no other place on Earth. The island’s volcanic landscapes, shaped by eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries, look like something out of a sci-fi movie.
The island’s most famous son, artist and architect César Manrique, left his mark everywhere. His home, now the Fundación César Manrique, is a masterpiece of organic architecture, built into volcanic bubbles.
5. La Palma: The Pretty Island
Address: Canary Islands, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (spring for wildflowers, winter for stargazing)
La Palma is known as La Isla Bonita (The Pretty Island), and it’s easy to see why. This lush, green paradise is covered in laurel forests, banana plantations, and some of the most dramatic hiking trails in the Canaries.
I’ll never forget hiking the Ruta de los Volcanes (Volcano Route), a challenging but rewarding trail that takes you through the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge. The views from the top are breathtaking—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Tenerife’s Mount Teide.
6. Formentera: The Caribbean of the Med
Address: Balearic Islands, Spain
Best Time to Visit: May–June or September (for warm weather and fewer crowds)
Formentera is the kind of place that makes you question why you’d ever go anywhere else. This tiny island, just a short ferry ride from Ibiza, is all about slow living: long lunches, lazy beach days, and sunset rides on a scooter.
Playa de Ses Illetes is often ranked among the world’s top beaches, and for good reason. The sand is powdery white, the water is shallow and warm, and the views stretch all the way to Ibiza.
7. Tenerife: The Island of Eternal Spring
Address: Canary Islands, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (spring and fall are ideal for hiking)
Tenerife is a land of contrasts: black sand beaches, lush forests, and Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. The island’s nickname, The Island of Eternal Spring, is well-earned—temperatures here are mild year-round, making it a perfect winter escape.
No visit to Tenerife is complete without a trip to Teide National Park. The first time I took the cable car to the summit, I was struck by the eerie silence and the otherworldly landscape of volcanic rock and sulfur vents.