Quick Guide to a Sumptuous Summer on Spanish Islands and Coasts - Wego Travel Blog (2024)

This summer, discover the exquisitely dreamy beaches painted with sunshine, azure sky, and the aquamarine tinge of the sea.

We’ve come up with an itinerary of islands and cities in Spain perfect for a sun-soaked vacation. While you’re there, don’t miss out on tasting the local cuisines and sampling the artisanal wares. Immerse yourself in traditions and cultures that will give you a glimpse into the best parts of the Mediterranean way of life.

The Balearic Islands

Varied terrain with undulating hills, plateaus, lowlands, beaches and coves paint a picture of a gorgeous collection of islands where parties and peaceful contemplations are both on the menu.

The coves of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain mainland), present a variation in the four main islands of the Balearics. For instance, Menorca and Cabrera are ideal for anyone who wants to escape the crowd and seek tranquility, whereas the coves of Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera are perfect for those who want to lose themselves in the crowd accompanied by bright lights and music all night.

What unites all the islands are the smooth sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters, accompanied by just about the perfect weather pretty much all year round.

In the Balearics, you can be just like Ken, where your job is just to “beach” as you discover the island’s natural landscapes while participating in water sports and fishing.

If you want to immerse yourself in island life filled with hikes to the national parks and trips to its historical venues, you will be greeted with open hearts at Majorca and Ibiza.

Dipping into the turquoise water in Majorca will make you feel like you are floating on air with the sun on the horizon. Find your way afterward to its castles and cathedrals and the mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana. Nature lovers may want to embark on a day trip to Cabrera, a small island off the coast of Majorca, part of a Maritime-Terrestrial National Park. About an hour’s boat ride from Majorca, the small island houses colonies of seabirds and protected marine ecosystem, and provides hiking trails for enthusiasts of all levels.

While Ibiza holds the reputation of being a party island, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site that thrives with its rich biodiversity and cultural attractions like the Phoenician archaeological site of Sa Caleta, the necropolis of Puig des Molins, and the historic center of Eivissa.

The period of Muslim reign in Spain left behind a notable legacy in the Balearic Islands—particularly the Majorca—in the form of Mudejar art. The way shape, texture and colors overtake the art form piques every art lover’s curiosity. The Muslim reign in Spain was the first to introduce water traditions like the hammam, which is great for leisurely conversing while relaxing. Step into impeccably preserved Arab baths, offering a glimpse into this rich cultural legacy that endures to this day.

Savoring the good life at the Balearics

If you are a fan of organic food and buying your vegetables directly from the source, you are in for a treat in the Balearics.

In Balearic, you can directly buy your food from the people who grow it, and with every purchase of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and olive oil, you learn about the people and the culture. Several organic smallholdings have little holiday homes where you can stay and enjoy freshly cooked breakfasts and dinners peppered with locally made cheese and olive oil.

Several Balearic Islands delicacies include Majorca olive oil and Mahón cheese. A trip down the olive groves of Coma-Sema, the gorge of Biniaraix, and the Font Garrover tracks are some of the simplest ways to sample Majorca’s olive trees with bread and olive oil dressed in split olives.

For a sweet taste of history, you absolutely cannot leave the Balearics without tasting Ensaimadas, ancient sweets that have existed on the island of Majorca since the 17th century.

If your itinerary includes Ibiza, make your way to markets well-known for their bohemian vibes, live music, and scrumptious street food. Some of these are open all year, but most of them are held from May to October.

Stop by Las Dalias Market in Sant Carles, North Ibiza, for costume jewelry, fabrics, handmade clothes, artisanal goods, and home decor Enjoy homemade pizza, natural juices, and slushies in between to recharge yourself. The atmosphere enlivens in the evening with live music, concerts, and DJ sessions.

Other famous markets to check out in Ibiza include Ibiza’s largest market, Punta Arabi in Es Canar, East Coast; Sant Jordi Market on the former horse-racing track of Sant Jordi, South Ibiza; and San Rafael Market.

The Canary Islands

Whether your vacation plan consists of seeing as many natural beauties as you can or luxuriating in the sun, the Canaries has plenty to offer.

The Canary Islands is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of northwest Africa. Often referred to as “Islas Afortunadas” regionally for how the weather allows the environment to thrive on the island, the Canaries promises blissful days and languid nights. Once you step ashore, you’ll see that there’s a particular kind of serenity that is perhaps idiosyncratic to the islands.

If you can only visit two of the eight main islands here, keep Tenerife and La Palma on your itinerary.

The former hosts the most spectacular natural swimming pools—some with sand and others with rocky arches—between the volcanic formations of Charco de La Laja and Charco del Viento. Even the lookout points in between are picture-perfect, and you will want to capture them all.

Meanwhile, La Palma dazzles with its Los Tilos rainforests, the clear blue water of Charco Azul, and majestic landscapes in San Andrés y Sauces in the north. Most of the natural pools have designated play areas, making them ideal places to make new memories with your family.

Artisanal shops and cuisines in the Canaries

If you find your way to the Canaries, you cannot help but feel a sense of wondrous fortune yourself as you are adorned by the beautiful weather and given the opportunity to gain a taste of the island life through food, shopping and culture.

Like most Spanish repertoire, Canarian cuisine includes a healthy balance of vegetables and seafood elevated with beloved piquant sauces locally known as “mojos.” Simple dishes like papas arrugadas or “wrinkled potatoes” get their zing from the mojos dip.

Save some room for desserts, like bienmesabe, a mixture of honey and ground almonds with yams, truchas navideñas, small pastries filled with sweet potato, almonds, and pumpkin strands in syrup, and rapadura, a sweet made of honey and almonds from La Palma island.

The weekends bring opportunities to support local artisans. Head over to the artisanal stalls at Teguise Market on Sunday morning and check out a wide selection of artisanal goods, clothes, and jewelry.

For a unique bazaar vibe with live music, take yourself to the heart of Lanzarote on Saturday and take a peek at the Haría market. Stalls here are set up to sell traditional craftwork and organic food.

Amidst the myriad of knickknacks and treasures, you can embrace the true gems of the islands. Whether it’s the endearing “Novios del Mojón,” a set of clay figurines of an engaged couple or a timple, a musical souvenir that echoes the soulful melodies of the Canarian spirit, each memento is a piece of paradise to cherish forever.

Andalusia

Andalusia lies in the southernmost part of Spain, flanked by the Mediterranean Sea on its southeast and the Atlantic Ocean on its southwest.

This UNESCO World Heritage destination is blessed with coastlines trimmed with pristine beaches and aquamarine water.

Prepare to be spoiled for options with spas and mooring buoys for scuba diving as you promenade along the dark-colored shores of La Bajadilla and Ardales in Málaga. Those with a more competitive streak should make their way to the recreational area of “La Isla” on the Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir to participate in white water rafting or kayaking.

Al-Andalus—its old moniker—was a thriving cultural center for the arts, philosophies, and sciences. Visit the city of Medina Azahara, an archeological site on the western outskirts of Córdoba, to appreciate what once was.

For a visual experience of what is still one of the greatest artworks of all time and the universal symbol of the Muslim legacy in Spain, you have to visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba or the Great Mosque of Córdoba in the heart of Andalusia.

Reveling in the Andalusian bounty

Andalusia is behind the largest olive oil production in the world with the gracious luck of having access to both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. A touch of the liquid gold on pretty much every local dish certainly makes for memorable meals here.

Whether you are tasting classic plates of freshly fried fish—pescaíto frito—from Cadiz and Malaga, trying out other lip-smacking dishes like gazpacho or salmorejo, or gorging on Huelvan white prawns, nourishing food has probably never tasted this good.

Before you leave, make sure to tour an olive farm in a horse-drawn carriage as you take your bite of authentic Andalusian breakfast or learn about the myriad health benefits of olive oil during spa treatment at the health resorts.

Andalusia is also a heaven for shopaholics. Visit Puerto Banús in Marbella if you want to browse and shop from international fashion and accessory brands. Take a walk down the streets of Calle Muñoz Olivé, Calle Rosario, Calle Sierpes, and Calle Tetuán if you want prêt-à-porter, haute couture, or luxury accessories showcasing the latest trends.

Other destinations in the Mediterranean coast of Spain

Valencia

Imagine this scene: Streaks of bright sandy beaches of Aguamarina and Arenal-Bol run alongside promenades and archaeological sites housing ancient Roman baths. This is Valencia – a city that carries the atmosphere of both a romantic seaside enclave and a bustling metropolis.

Visit Plaza de la Reina, with the Cathedral, if only to experience the picturesque views after climbing 207 stairs up the Miguelete tower. Make your way next to the Silk Exchange and take in the enthrallingly magical Patio de los Naranjos courtyard, which is full of orange trees and hides Europe’s largest fresh produce market – Modernist Central Market.

Continue your journey through Valencia’s cultural tapestry by immersing yourself in the artistry of the National Ceramic Museum, located just a stone’s throw away, or venture a bit further to marvel at the City of Arts and Sciences complex, boasting Europe’s largest aquarium, Oceanogràfic.

Barcelona

Whether you choose to visit Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icària Beach, or Bogatell Beach—each adorned with golden sands—you’re in for a delightful sea and sun experience here.

Take in Gaudí’s Art Nouveau architecture strewn across the city once you are ready to part with the beaches. Streets are full of life with endless possibilities – stroll down traditional markets, watch the sunset from one of the city beaches, or hear the click-clack of fashionable heels as you walk down cobblestone streets toward one of the many pavement cafes in the old town.