7 Spanish Islands You Won’t Want To Skip This Summer

Party animals should head straight for Ibiza, an island that’s most popular in summer thanks to the official “season” (approximately June to September), when there are parties, DJ residences, and booze cruises. Boasting massive nightclubs, all-day pool parties, and sunset lounges, this island is perfect for young adults who want to enjoy some serious debauchery.

That said, Ibiza isn’t just for enjoying the nightlife and sipping cocktails. The island also invites wellness travelers into the mix, including those looking for beachside relaxation at luxury hotels, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, yoga retreats, and rejuvenating spa treatments. And when you’re not partying or doing yoga, you can explore secret beach coves, shop at hippy markets, and go hiking.

Related: Top Beaches in Ibiza

The smallest of the four main Balearic Islands, Formentera is known for its laid-back, chill beach culture and for its famous Ses Illetes Beach, which has repeatedly been voted one of the top beaches in the world. Although you can spend the night in Formentera, hotel space is limited and accommodation can be expensive and hard to find in the summer. Instead, consider a day trip via boat from Ibiza. You can enjoy the island’s white-sand beaches and relaxed vibes without overspending on lodging; the whole place is small enough that it can be explored by bike.

You may have heard of Mallorca, but Menorca is the serene little sister of the Balearic Islands. Known for its hidden beach coves and quiet luxury, Menorca does see tourism pick up in the summer but remains slightly calmer than many of its other Balearic siblings.

Head to the capital, Mahón, to get a bit of history and explore the fish market and the harbor, then be ready to hike, swim, and explore the island’s various calas (beach coves) which have waters so clear you may think you’re actually in the Caribbean. You can also explore by sailing along the island’s coast or taking Jeep safari trips.

The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is the ideal spot to visit for families that want to explore, enjoy beach time, and check out one of Europe’s largest water parks, Siam. Whale-watching excursions are also popular, and you can’t visit the island without checking out its massive volcano, Mt. Teide, which you can see via cable car. If you’re mostly visiting for some beach fun, base yourself in Costa Adeje, in the south, where you’ll find golden sands and beach coves with shallower waters that are ideal for children.

But Tenerife isn’t just for families. Adventurous types will love visiting some of the black-sand beaches in the north of the island and hiking the misty mountains of Anaga. And wine enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy on the island, which is home to five different wine regions.

Related: 7 Top Spanish Wine Regions (and What To Try There)

This island’s name means “strong winds,” and the area’s breezy gusts make it a perfect spot for surfers (both budding and advanced), windsurfers, and kite surfers. Fuerteventura also has endless golden sands that can feel practically empty compared to other hot spots in the region. Highlights include Flag Beach, in the north, which is a favorite among surfers, and the pristine Cofete, which is part of a natural reserve that sits at the base of the island’s volcanoes.

If you end up with cloudy weather during your trip, head to the village of Betancuria, a tiny, whitewashed town set among a unique combination of desert and volcanic landscapes. The village offers laid-back museums and other attractions and was the capital of the island until 1834.

If you plan to escape Spain’s intense summer temps by heading north to the rainier, cooler region of Galicia, make sure to boat over to the Cíes Islands, a small archipelago located off the coast of Pontevedra. The three islands that make up the group are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park and boast fine white sands, chilly waters, and pine-covered hills.

You can take a day trip to the islands by boat, but as this is a protected space, you’ll need to get authorization first and purchase a boat ticket ahead of time. This isn’t the kind of island with amenities like beach bars and chair rentals, so bring your own food and plan to picnic. It is possible to camp on the islands, but accommodation is extremely limited, so if you want to stay the night, you’ll have to plan ahead.

Travelers who head to the Costa Blanca—destinations such as Alicante, Valencia, and Benidorm—in the summer can expect to frolic in warm Mediterranean waters and enjoy busy, lively beaches. If you want a similar setting without the crowds, consider heading to Tabarca (officially Nueva Tabarca), which is just a short boat ride away from the Port of Santa Pola. The island is tiny, so you can visit on a day trip if you like. Visit the lighthouse, snorkel in the island’s clear waters, and stroll around the walled historic town center. The Nueva Tabarca Museum is also worth a visit—if only for a quick respite from summer’s hot sun.