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It seems that Spain and its neighbouring islands, the Balearics and the Canaries, have always been seen in a different light.
Ask anyone to talk about Spain and they will list Tapas, Flamenco, Bullfights and artists such as Gaudi and Picasso amongst the country's attributes, whereas the islands are tarnished by their reputation as cheap and cheerful package holiday resorts.
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The islands remain tourist hot spots; Ibiza is still the number one destination in Europe for hedonistic clubbing, and Gran Canaria is home to the largest holiday resort in Spain, but recent developments on the largest islands have ensured that upscale hotel complexes and stylish villas now nestle alongside the budget hotels and family friendly resorts.
With a year round warm climate, clear waters and cheaper and shorter flights than more exotic beach breaks, more and more travellers are returning to Spain's islands, and discovering more than sun and sangria. The Balearic islands, Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca, are characterized by their wooded hills, villages of cool white houses and prehistoric caves and settlements.
Ibiza is so much more than the superclubs in San Antoni. Ibiza Town, with its 16th century fortifications, citadel and cobbled streets feels like a provincial Spanish village, and the North of the island is rural, filled with almond and olive groves. Mallorca's pristine beaches draw crowds during high season, but the island has a dazzling array of scenery, from mountains to fertile crop fields.
There is a wealth of culture in the capital Palma, with cathedrals, galleries and museums galore. Menorca is less developed than its sister islands, but offers charming old towns of historic buildings and pleasant squares, quiet beaches, and thousands of Bronze Age sculptures and settlements. The Canary Islands enjoy even more unique scenery, and are home to four of Spain's national parks.
Tenerife's black volcanic sands are produced by Mount Teide, the vast volcano that towers at the centre, and offers unforgettable island views from its peak. Inland, Playa de Las Americas is the brash touristy centre, with bars, clubs and excellent duty free shopping. Gran Canaria is the most popular and family friendly resort, but beyond the high rise hotels lies beautiful countryside, and the bustling seaport Las Palmas.
Fuerteventura is the place to go for quiet beaches; the island is sparsely populated, and a mecca for water sports fans and nature lovers. Lanzarote has managed to remain a popular destination untouched by mass tourism, and the Costa Teguise is a glamorous resort of luxury hotels and beach clubs. For more information on the Spanish Islands online, use Travelzoo for advice on hotel and villa deals, and for travel extras like car hire try holidayautos. Car insurance is available from the Co-Op.
Upscale tour operators like Sovereign and Meon Villas offer the newest sleek resorts and private villas that have sprung up all over the Balearics and the Canaries. If your only requirements are a beachfront location, or if you are booking a late holiday for a bit of last minute sun, try On The Beach for a cheap beach break.
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