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Vacationing in the Spanish Islands: Atlantic, Balearic or Canary Islands

The Spanish Islands are known as some of the best places in the world for their natural wonders, their lavishness, and the rejuvenation they offer visitors. Travelers can now apply for the ETIAS Spain visa waiver which allows them to obtain travel authorizations online for visiting Spain. The ETIAS Spain visa waiver is sent to the travelers via email saving them a trip to the local Spanish embassy or consulate.


Trip to the Spanish Island


International travelers and locals alike can use the ETIAS Spain visa waiver to enjoy the wonderful destinations in mainland Spain but also, it’s beautiful islands.

Gaztelugatxe Island

One of the natural wonders of Spain with its history and legends to engage the curiosity of visitors, Gaztelugtxe is located in the Bay of Biscay, outside the Spanish coast of the Basque country. 

The Gaztelugate Island is known for the small monastery that sits atop the highest cliff on the island. It is called the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe dedicated to John the Baptist which dates back to the 9th or the 10th century. The island is connected to the coast by a man-made bridge that leads to the monastery through a narrow path consisting of over 230 steps

Spanish Islands in the Atlantic Ocean

Two Spanish islands in the Atlantic Ocean deserve a special mention as they are not part of the Canary Islands, but they are equally renowned for their splendid beaches.

Cies Islands

Formerly known to have the best beaches in the world, the Cies Islands are an archipelago off the coast of Vigo in Galicia. Despite being a popular destination, only a limited number of people can visit these Islands at any given time to preserve the delicate environment of these islands.

Ons Island

Ons Island is in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain. The island is a protected national park and is uninhabited for the most part which makes it the best place to enjoy secluded virgin beaches.

Balearic Islands

Four islands off the eastern coast of Spain are collectively called the Balearic Islands. They include Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca, and Formentera.

Ibiza Island

Everyone has heard of Ibiza because it is the party island in Spain. Popularly known for its EDMs (Electronic Dance Music) which start at 7 pm each night and last till the next morning. 

Nearby, there is a natural cave called Cova de Con Marca which is just a boat ride away. Travelers can choose to venture out of the little town to explore the landscapes and history of the island which dates back to the time of the Phoenicians.

Mallorca (also known as Majorca) Island

It is the largest of the Spanish Islands which has a well-developed tourism infrastructure attracting millions of tourists each year. Travelers can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking or golfing or maybe even participate in the annual Jazz festival that takes place here.

It is generally known as one of the more family-friendly Island vacation spots, especially the Alcudia area. There are small mountain towns and monasteries also located on the Island that travelers can choose to explore.

Menorca (also known as Minorca) Island

This Island is smaller than Mallorca and is also less developed infrastructurally, but it makes up for that with the secluded beaches where travelers can enjoy some alone time. One of the best things to do on this Island is to go and explore the pre-historic monuments, some going as far back as 750 BC. Travelers can also visit the villages, burial tombs, and a necropolis in the cave systems which give insights into the lives of the ancient civilization that inhabited the Island.

Travelers can also walk or ride along the remarkable Cami de Cavalls, the fascinating trail that goes around the Island’s coastline.

Formentera Island

This smallest of the Balearic Islands is known for the nude sunbathing on the golden sandy beaches. This Island is a great place to escape the crowds to find some secluded places to be with yourself.

There is a quiet little village on the highest point on the Island, called La Mola. There is a lighthouse there from which travelers can get wonderful views of the rest of the Island. 

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are also known as the Canaries are located in the Atlantic Ocean on the northwestern coast of continental Africa.

Tenerife

The largest and most populated of the Canary Islands is Tenerife. It is a popular destination for beach vacations and excellent nightlife. Travelers can go diving or choose any of the options for watersports including, surfing, windsurfing, parascending, and jet skiing. Travelers can also go hiking on the rocky cliff, although it is bound to be challenging and not for your average hiker. 

Another cool thing to do in Tenerife is to take a cable car from the highest peak on the Island, which is also a dormant volcano. 

Fuerteventura

It is one of the best places to go kite surfing and windsurfing due to the strong winds that are omnipresent. It has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches that contrast brilliantly with the turquoise waters of the ocean.  The Island has over 150 beaches which give travelers plenty of options to choose from but Corralejo is of particular mention as it is considered one of the best beaches on the island. 

Lanzarote Island

This island is unique in that it has a volcanic landscape from a volcanic eruption that occurred in 1730 on at least a quarter of the Island. This area now forms the Timanfaya National Park. The eateries here cook the meat over underground heat from an active volcano, so the cuisine is worth trying. 

It also has a Whales and Dolphins Museum and the Mirador del Rio is a place to get spectacular views of the Island. Travelers can climb the mountains or explore caves created by rivers of lava.

La Palma Island

It’s a beautiful Spanish island located off the northwestern coast of continental Africa. It is known as ‘Isla Bonita’ for its exceptional natural beauty. The whole island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and most of the land is protected due to its ecological treasures.

The island is remote, but it also has an international airport and travelers can take a ferry from Tenerife to reach the island as well. It has spectacular green scenery and the largest crater in the world is located in the center of the Island.

 

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