Spain is a great country. It’s relatively cheap, the people are friendly, and the landscapes are fabulous. The only thing that is perhaps a little complicated to put up with for more than five days in a row is the Spanish cuisine.

1. The Balearic Islands

We might as well start right away with the most criticised archipelago in the whole country. The Balearic archipelago is often considered a tourist disaster.

Mallorca

In Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, buildings have sprouted up like mushrooms, and it must be said that they have disfigured the city. Nevertheless, when venturing to the west or north of the island, you can discover an authentic island that still has beautiful beaches and original landscapes.

Ibiza, the festive and wild island

When you arrive at the port of Ibiza, you feel a bit like in Mallorca. Nevertheless, the city of Ibiza was built on a mountainside on a rocky spur surrounded by an impressive wall. And this is probably what saved part of the town from destruction. Although the area around the largest city in Ibiza is not of great interest, the centre of the island and the north and west coasts are absolutely splendid. Massive cliffs are overlooking the sea, much like the west of Mallorca.

Menorca a shelter for sailors since ancient times

Menorca is the northernmost island in the Balearic archipelago. It is characterised by a vast, long bay that has served as a natural harbour since the dawn of time. Another critical point for understanding the island of Menorca is that some megalithic sites are not without interest.

Formentera, the forgotten paradise island

This small island just opposite Ibiza has the peculiarity of being one of the most authentic and welcoming on the island. The long beach of Ses Ilettes, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, is undoubtedly one of the reasons for this.

2. The Canary archipelago

For this second stage of the tour of the most beautiful islands of Spain, it is necessary to go off the coast of Morocco. Swept by the winds and the firm swell of the Atlantic, it is here that we find some absolutely fantastic islands. The Canary Islands, are islands which are among the youngest landmasses on the planet. It is estimated that they are barely 10 to 11 million years old, a straw compared to the 4.5 billion years of our beloved planet earth.

In this archipelago, there are about ten islands with their own identity. Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos, Lanzarote, La Graciosa, Montana Clara Island and Roque del Oeste (the rock of the west). Further west we find Gran Canaria, Tenerife, la Gomera, la Palma and El Hierro, an island where it is possible to see whales.

3. The Ciés Archipelago

Situated just opposite the city of Vigo, the three Ciés Islands offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Spain. This Spanish archipelago is made up of Monteagudo Island to the north, MonteFaro Island in the centre and San Martiño Island to the south. The islands of Monteagudo and Montefaro are linked by a long strip of sand called Rodas beach. This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and is located on one of the most beautiful islands in Spain.

photo credits: Yann Vernerie