The 10 Largest Islands in Spain

From the volcanic drama of the Canary Islands to the lush coves of the Balearics, Spain’s islands offer an astonishing variety of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. While some are household names, others remain hidden gems. Together, they paint a rich mosaic of natural beauty and regional identity.

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Top Ten Largest Spanish Islands

Here are Spain’s ten largest islands, ranked by size—each one offers a unique experience that resonates with everyone in its own special way.

10. El Hierro (Canary Islands)

Area: 278 km² (107 sq mi)

El Hierro may be the smallest of the major Canary Islands, but it stands tall in sustainability and natural beauty. It was the first island in the world to aim for 100% renewable energy and remains a model for green living. The volcanic terrain includes dramatic cliffs, pine forests, and lava-sculpted pools perfect for swimming.

The island is a UNESCO Geopark, and its marine reserve attracts divers from around the globe. Valverde, the capital, is a quiet town perched in the highlands, while the Mirador de la Peña offers panoramic views of the Atlantic. Local produce, including wine and pineapple, is organic and deeply tied to the land. El Hierro is an off-the-beaten-path escape for those craving nature, tranquility, and eco-friendly adventure.

9. La Gomera (Canary Islands)

Area: 370 km² (143 sq mi)

La Gomera is one of the lesser-known Canary Islands, but it’s a treasure trove of biodiversity and traditional culture. The Garajonay National Park, with its ancient laurel forest, is a UNESCO-listed site that feels almost prehistoric. The island’s steep ravines and high peaks make it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

La Gomera is also famous for Silbo Gomero, a whistled language used to communicate across its deep valleys, which is still taught in schools today. Small villages like Agulo and Vallehermoso offer a glimpse into Canarian rural life, with terraced hillsides and local markets. The cuisine features hearty stews and palm honey made from native trees. With its slow pace and unique culture, La Gomera invites travelers to unplug and explore.

8. Ibiza (Balearic Islands)

Area: 571 km² (220 sq mi)

Ibiza may be world-renowned for its nightlife, but the island has many faces. Beyond the clubs of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, there’s a tranquil side to discover in the north. There you’ll find rolling hills, organic farms, yoga retreats, and peaceful beaches like Benirràs.

Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila, a UNESCO-listed old town, is a labyrinth of whitewashed houses and fortified walls. The island’s markets, especially Las Dalias, pulse with bohemian spirit and handmade crafts. Traditional Ibicenco cuisine includes bullit de peix (fish stew) and flaó (mint and cheese tart). Whether you come for the parties or the peace, Ibiza delivers an unforgettable Mediterranean experience.

7. Menorca (Balearic Islands)

Area: 702 km² (271 sq mi)

Menorca is the quiet cousin in the Balearic family, known for its natural beauty and relaxed vibe. It has more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined, many of them accessible only by foot or boat, making them ideal for tranquil getaways. The island is home to protected wetlands, marine zones, and prehistoric ruins called taulas and talayots.

Its two main towns, Mahón and Ciutadella, offer colonial charm and lively harbors. Menorca’s gastronomy features creamy cheeses, lobster stew (caldereta de langosta), and gin originally distilled by the British. Festivals like Sant Joan in Ciutadella bring the island to life with horses, fireworks, and centuries-old traditions. For travelers seeking heritage, beaches, and serenity, Menorca is a Mediterranean gem.

6. La Palma (Canary Islands)

Area: 708 km² (273sq mi)

Often called La Isla Bonita, La Palma is a lush, mountainous island prized for its unspoiled beauty. It’s a favorite among hikers, with trails that traverse cloud forests, deep ravines, and volcanic calderas. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a natural amphitheater offering panoramic views and waterfalls. The recent volcanic eruption in 2021 reshaped parts of the island, but much of its charm remains untouched.

La Palma is also a designated Starlight Reserve thanks to its clear skies, and the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is one of the world’s leading astronomical centers. The capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, is a historic port town with cobbled streets and colorful balconies. For those seeking nature and solitude, La Palma offers an immersive escape.

5. Lanzarote (Canary Islands)

Area: 846 km² (326 sq mi)

Lanzarote stands out for its lunar landscapes, shaped by dramatic volcanic eruptions in the 18th century. The Timanfaya National Park is its crown jewel—a surreal world of steaming vents, lava fields, and fire-driven demonstrations that delight visitors. Much of the island’s aesthetic owes credit to César Manrique, a visionary artist who championed sustainable development and integrated art into the natural surroundings.

Highlights include his underground Jameos del Agua and the cactus-filled Jardín de Cactus. Lanzarote’s beaches vary from wild and remote, like Famara, to calm and family-friendly, such as Playa Blanca. Local wines, grown in volcanic soil in the La Geria region, are distinctive and delicious, especially the crisp malvasía. It’s an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers and lovers of surreal beauty.

4. Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)

Area: 1,560 km² (602 sq mi)

Gran Canaria is often called a “continent in miniature” thanks to its astonishing ecological diversity. The island shifts from lush green mountains in the north to dry, sunbaked plains in the south, offering travelers a remarkable range of environments. Las Palmas, the capital, is a cultural hub with colonial architecture, beaches, and a lively food scene. Inland, the dramatic Roque Nublo offers panoramic views and popular hiking routes.

The southern coast is famed for resorts like Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, where golden dunes meet the sea. Beyond the tourist centers, traditional villages like Teror and Tejeda reveal a more authentic, slower side of island life. Whether you’re into surfing, hiking, or simply soaking up Canarian hospitality, Gran Canaria caters to all tastes.

3. Fuerteventura (Canary Islands)

Area: 1,660 km² (641 sq mi)

Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands, with dramatic landscapes shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. It’s best known for its pristine beaches—over 150 kilometers (93 miles) of them—and ideal conditions for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The island’s desert-like interior, dotted with ancient volcanoes, contrasts with peaceful coastal towns such as El Cotillo and Corralejo. Corralejo Natural Park, in the north, features rolling sand dunes and views across to neighboring Lanzarote. Inland, traditional villages offer a glimpse into Canarian culture, with whitewashed houses and artisan cheese producers. Goat cheese (queso majorero) is a local delicacy and has earned international recognition. With its laid-back pace and otherworldly terrain, Fuerteventura is perfect for slow travel and outdoor adventure.

2. Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Area: 2,034 km² (785 sq mi)

Tenerife is not only the largest of the Canary Islands but also one of Spain’s most visited destinations. At its heart stands Mount Teide, a 3,715-meter (12,188-foot) volcano that is both the highest peak in Spain and the centerpiece of a spectacular national park. The island is split between a lush, cooler north and a sunnier, drier south, creating a rich variety of microclimates and landscapes.

Discover Tenerife: The Canaries’ Largest Island

Tenerife, the beautiful treasure of Spain’s Canary Islands, invites travelers to experience its breathtaking landscapes, endless sunshine, and vibrant culture, offering a warm escape where everyone can feel at home.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the vibrant capital, is known for its world-famous Carnival and bustling port. Travelers can explore colonial towns like La Laguna, hike ancient laurel forests in Anaga, or relax on golden and black-sand beaches. Tenerife also boasts excellent cuisine, with dishes like papas arrugadas and local wines from the Valle de la Orotava. For stargazers, the island’s high altitude and clear skies offer some of the best night skies in Europe.

1. Mallorca (Balearic Islands)

Area: 3,640 km² (1,405 sq mi)

Mallorca is the largest island in Spain and a Mediterranean dreamscape of beaches, mountains, and culture. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs along the island’s northwest and offers epic hiking and cycling routes. Palma, the capital, is a sophisticated city filled with Gothic architecture, boutique shopping, and excellent restaurants.

Around the coast, you’ll find everything from buzzing resorts to hidden calas—small coves with crystal-clear waters. Inland, rustic villages like Valldemossa and Deià have long inspired artists and writers. Mallorcan cuisine includes sobrasada, ensaïmada pastries, and fresh seafood paired with local wines. It’s a destination that effortlessly blends natural beauty with history and modern luxury.