Volcanic Islands — Canaries & Balearics
Spain's islands belong to two fundamentally different worlds: The Canary Islands in the Atlantic are volcanic in origin with a subtropical climate, while the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean are geologically part of the Betic Cordillera with a Mediterranean character.
Canary Islands — Europe's Subtropics
The seven main islands lie just 100 km off the coast of Africa but belong to Spain and thus to the EU. Each island is a world of its own:
- Tenerife: The largest island, dominated by Mount Teide. Green and wet in the north (Anaga Mountains with laurel forest), dry and touristy in the south
- Gran Canaria: "Miniature continent" — from the dunes of Maspalomas through pine forests to the 1,949 m high Pico de las Nieves. The old town of Vegueta (Las Palmas) is a gem
- Lanzarote: Artistically designed by César Manrique — volcanic landscapes, underground caves, no buildings over two stories. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Fuerteventura: Endless sandy beaches, strong winds — Europe's kite surfer paradise. The oldest island of the archipelago (20 million years)
- La Palma: The "Isla Bonita" — steepest island in the world, giant volcanic crater (Caldera de Taburiente), starry sky (international observatory). The volcanic eruption in 2021 (Cumbre Vieja) destroyed 3,000 buildings, but the island has recovered
- La Gomera: Wildest island, ancient laurel forest (Garajonay, UNESCO World Heritage), Silbo Gomero (whistling language, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)
- El Hierro: Smallest Canary Island, 100% renewable energy, underwater paradise for divers
Balearic Islands
The four main islands in the western Mediterranean — Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera — are more than just party tourism:
- Mallorca: The Sierra de Tramuntana (UNESCO World Heritage) offers hikes through olive groves and over limestone ridges. The northeast coast has spectacular coves (Cala Mondragó, Cala Varques)
- Menorca: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, more unspoiled beaches than Mallorca, prehistoric Talayot culture
- Ibiza: Beyond the clubs: the old town Dalt Vila (UNESCO World Heritage), Posidonia seagrass meadows (UNESCO World Natural Heritage), magical sunsets
- Formentera: The smallest, quietest island — Caribbean waters, hippie heritage, recommended car-free (rent a bike!)