Share the article
Last updated
I love Spain, but especially the Spanish islands.
They are the perfect destination for relaxing relaxation, boasting beautiful beaches, outstanding natural beauty, fascinating culture and (for the most part) warm and hospitable people.
But which island is the best?
I have been lucky enough to visit every island in Spain, and this is the one I keep coming back to. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:
The Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands?
There are two major island chains in Spain: the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
The Balearic Islands are a group of islands located in the western Mediterranean Sea, just off the coast of Spain. There are 4 main islands, but there are 151 in total. Only 5 of these are inhabited: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera.
The Canary Islands are a chain of islands and islets off the coast of northwest Africa. Although they are Spanish territory, they are considerably closer to Africa than to Spain. The 4 main islands are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.
Both island chains are known for their abundance of beautiful beaches. Both are popular with tourists looking for a sun, sea and beach holiday.
But if you want to visit no matter what time of year, the Canary Islands really can’t be beat for their year-round sunshine. If it is cold and raining at home, you are assured of a warm, sunny holiday in the Canary Islands.
Moreover, the sea temperature is always above 20°C, even during the coldest winter months. In contrast, the Balearic Islands experience typical Mediterranean seasonal fluctuations and you can only swim in the sea during the hottest (and most expensive) months of the year.
Because tourism in the Balearic Islands is seasonal, this means that if you want to visit the city when the weather is warm, there are always a lot of crowds.
And because locations like Palma de Mallorca in Mallorca and Playa d’en Bossa in Ibiza attract partygoers with their vibrant nightlife, these aren’t the best places for quiet relaxation.
The island of Fuerteventura
I will always choose to visit the Canary Islands over the Balearic Islands.
Tenerife is the most visited Canary Island in the chain and has many busy and vibrant seaside resorts. But by far my favorite island in this chain is Fuerteventura. There are so many reasons why!
Firstly, the island features incredible rugged landscapes with incredible volcanic rock formations. Calderón Hondo is Fuerteventura’s most famous volcano and if you are energetic you can hike to the top.
Similar volcanic displays can be found in all the Canary Islands. But what makes Fuerteventura unique is that these arid landscapes are interrupted by the Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park. These enormous sand dunes are the largest in Europe and breathtakingly beautiful. They are often called a mini-Sahara, but they are much more accessible.
On the edge of these sand dunes lies an incredible turquoise coastline with miles of beautiful white sandy beaches. Many of these beaches do not have traditional facilities such as toilets or restaurants, but they are truly beautiful places for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. La Oliva is my favorite beach here thanks to the calm water and smooth, soft sand.
The people of Fuerteventura are some of the friendliest I have ever met. While other islands (particularly Gran Canaria at the moment) are resisting growing tourism and encouraging travelers to stay away, Fuerteventura will give you a warm welcome.
There are large communities of expats on the island, and much of the local economy depends on tourism. Because surfing is such a big part of island life, you’ll also find laid-back surfing communities here.
My favorite is in Correlejo, on the northern tip of the island. It has a reputation for having the best surfing location in Europe, has an abundance of surfing schools and whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, you’re sure to find like-minded people here.
Convenient location
If you have itchy feet like me, then Fuerteventura is also a good choice as it is such a good base for wider explorations.
A stay in Fuerteventura is worthwhile just for a visit to Las Lobos. The uninhabited island of Las Lobos is a protected island that can only be reached by ferry from Fuerteventura. This journey only takes 15 minutes and if you make the journey you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful beaches and bluest waters I have ever seen.
Playa de la Concha is the main beach here and is known for its clear waters that are popular with snorkelers. To preserve the flora and fauna of the island, which is a national park, only 400 people per day are allowed to make the journey from Fuerteventura and for many people this opportunity is the highlight of their trip.
Fuerteventura is also conveniently close to Lanzarote, and you can take the ferry between the two islands in just 30 minutes. This means you can visit two Spanish islands in just one holiday, and it’s fascinating to make the journey and discover the unique personalities of each island.
In the waters surrounding the islands you can spot fish, turtles, bottlenose dolphins and even pilot whales, making it even more exciting to take to the water in a boat of any size.
Whether you’re island hopping or just want to see as much of the island as possible, I recommend renting a car. The roads are well paved, there is minimal traffic and it is incredibly easy to navigate. If you choose to stay in the north of the island, it is also cheaper to rent a car than to book a transfer from the airport.
As you travel from the north to the south of Fuerteventura, you will pass ancient villages and authentic local markets, and learn so much more about this incredible island.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
