BALEARIC AND CANARY ISLANDS
This guide explores Spain’s two magnificent archipelagos, each offering a distinct island experience from the stunning beaches of the Balearics to the volcanic landscapes of the Canaries. It is your key to discovering the best of Spain’s island escapes.
Why Visit The Balearic & Canary Islands?
Sun and Beaches Year-Round: Enjoy a warm, sunny climate perfect for beach getaways and water sports.
Diverse Landscapes: Discover everything from lively resorts and tranquil coves to volcanic craters and lush forests.
Unique Island Culture: Experience a blend of Spanish and local traditions, with distinct food and drinks.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, with great weather, more affordable prices, and fewer crowds than in summer.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): The Canary Islands offer pleasant, warm weather year-round, making them perfect for a winter escape. The Balearic Islands will be very quiet, with excellent value.
Peak Season (June-August): Both archipelagos are extremely crowded and expensive. Book accommodation and activities well in advance.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Balearic Islands (Mallorca & Ibiza)
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, famous for its stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and the vibrant capital city of Palma. Ibiza is renowned for its world-class nightlife and electronic music scene, but it also has a quieter side with beautiful coves and rural retreats.
Your Smart Tip: To get the best of both worlds, visit in the shoulder season. The weather is still warm enough for swimming, and you can enjoy the nightlife and attractions without the extreme crowds.
The Balearic Islands (Menorca & Formentera)
Menorca is known for its tranquil atmosphere, pristine beaches, and ancient megalithic sites. Formentera, the smallest of the inhabited Balearics, is a peaceful, secluded paradise with Caribbean-like beaches and a relaxed vibe.
Your Smart Tip: These islands are perfect for a quiet, relaxing holiday. Visit in the deep off-season to find the most secluded spots and get excellent value on accommodation and flights.
The Canary Islands (Tenerife & Gran Canaria)
Tenerife is the largest of the Canaries, dominated by Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. It offers a diverse landscape, from volcanic terrain to lush forests. Gran Canaria is known for its vast sand dunes, diverse microclimates, and vibrant capital of Las Palmas.
Your Smart Tip: The off-season is a fantastic time to hike and explore the volcanoes. The weather is cooler in the mountains, and the trails are far less crowded.
The Canary Islands (The Western Isles)
The western islands of La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera are less-visited and perfect for travelers seeking a rugged, natural escape. They offer a unique beauty of dense forests, hiking trails, and volcanic landscapes.
Your Smart Tip: A car is essential for exploring these islands. The deep off-season offers the best value, and you’ll find a more authentic experience with locals rather than tourists.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Both archipelagos have a warm, sunny climate. The Balearic Islands have hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Canary Islands have spring-like weather year-round.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: While Spanish is the official language, many people in the Balearic Islands speak a dialect of Catalan. In the Canary Islands, only Spanish is spoken.
Relaxed Pace: The island lifestyle is very laid-back. Embrace the slower pace, especially in smaller towns and villages.
Siesta: While not as strictly followed as in the past, many smaller shops and businesses still close for a few hours in the afternoon.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels (€15–€30), mid-range hotels (€60–€120), luxury (€150+).
Food: Tapas (€2–€5),menú del día (€10–€15), fine dining (€40+).
Transport: AVE trains (€30–€100), metro tickets (€1.50–€2), car rental (€25/day).
Activities: Alhambra (€19), free museum Sundays.
Daily Budget:
- Budget: €40–€70 (hostels, tapas, buses).
- Mid-range: €80–€150 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: €200+ (paradores, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
Between Islands: The most common ways to travel between islands are by inter-island flights or ferries, which connect all major ports.
Within Islands: A car is the best way to explore the islands, especially the more secluded coves and mountain roads.
Public Transport: Buses are a reliable and affordable option for traveling between major towns and resorts on each island.
Must-Try Food
Ensaimada: A spiral-shaped pastry from Mallorca, often filled with cream or pumpkin.
Paella: A rice dish with seafood, especially popular in the Balearic Islands.
Papas Arrugadas: “Wrinkly potatoes” from the Canary Islands, boiled in salt water and served withmojosauce.
Mojo Sauces: The Canary Islands are famous for these two sauces:mojo rojo (red, with paprika) andmojo verde (green, with cilantro).
Caldereta de Langosta: A rich lobster stew from Menorca.
Gofio: A flour made from roasted grains, a staple food in the Canary Islands, used in stews and desserts.
Frit Mallorquí: A traditional stir-fry of meat (often lamb) with potatoes and vegetables.
Sobrasada: A cured sausage from the Balearic Islands, seasoned with paprika.
Queso Majorero: A goat cheese from Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.
Almogrote: A spicy cheese paste from La Gomera, perfect with bread.
Must-Try Drinks
Malvasía Wine: A sweet white wine from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
Wines from Tenerife: The island has unique volcanic wines, with different varieties grown in various microclimates.
Hierbas: An herbal liqueur from the Balearic Islands, often served as a digestif.
Ron Miel: A honey rum from the Canary Islands, a popular spirit.
Gin de Menorca: The island is known for its gin, a legacy of British rule.
Canarian Beer: The local beers are Dorada and Tropical.