Insider tips in Spain: 6 unknown islands for your 2025 holiday

Does it really always have to be Mallorca, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Tenerife, or Gran Canaria? Spain boasts a total of 164 islands – 18 of which are inhabited. The Balearic Islands are the quickest to reach from Germany by direct flight and are a very popular holiday destination.

How about a lesser-known destination for your next summer vacation? Away from the top destinations, you'll find stunningly beautiful flora and fauna, impressive rocky landscapes, and deserted beaches. Will you join us on a journey of discovery?

The crescent-shaped sandy beach extends into turquoise waters, with a picture-perfect mountain landscape in the background. This is exactly what the Cíes Islands, with their national park and number one tourist attraction on the Galician coast, have to offer. The archipelago consists of three uninhabited islands: Monteagudo, Do Faro, and San Martiño, and belongs to the city of Vigo on the mainland.

A special plus: The islands are a nature reserve, so there are no hotels. Camping is possible, however, as there's a campsite on the beach and small restaurants. So you can enjoy the islands' natural beauty to the fullest. If you're planning a visit to the archipelago, it's best to book one of the daily ferries in advance, as the number of visitors is limited.

Fantastic view: a rock formation in the Spanish island group Illas Cíes.

Source: imago images/Westend61

Want to enjoy the Spanish sun far away from the tourist crowds? The smallest and westernmost island of the Canary Islands, El Hierro , is a real insider tip. Tourist guides often refer to it as the "end of the world." And because even during the summer season, there are hardly any tourists there, the locals call their island "the forgotten one."

Black lava cliffs border rugged rock arches and heavenly lagoons. The island is also known for its sustainable nature tourism, as it is completely self-sufficient in renewable energy. You can arrive either by fast ferry from Tenerife or by one of the island's flights.

Dining like in paradise: The Canary Island of El Hiero stands for sustainable nature tourism.

Source: imago images/Pacific Press Agency

The island of Cabrera once offered pirates a haven – but those days are over. Today, visitors can enjoy the remnants, such as the old, majestic castle. The scrubland landscapes of the Balearic Islands provide a perfect refuge for native animals. So don't be surprised if a lizard suddenly scampers across your hiking trail.

There's a bar in the island's only town, Es Port. Want to sleep on Carbrera? The Albergue de Cabrera, which rents out twelve rooms, allows tourists to stay for two nights. The 15-square-kilometer island is easily accessible by boat, for example, from Colònia de Sant Jordi in about 30 minutes. Private boats are not permitted to anchor.

Natural harbor and lagoon of the island of Cabrera in the Parque Nacional de Cabrera.

Source: imago/imagebroker

The Canary Island of La Gomera is nicknamed "the land forgotten by time" and "Jurassic Park." Hiking trails along the volcanic mountain landscapes, through lush laurel forests, and untouched nature offer more than 40 viewpoints. Garajonay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. La Gomera is easily accessible by ferry from Tenerife, and there are several small hotels on the island.

Volcanic mountain landscapes can be admired on the Spanish island of La Gomera.

Source: imago images/Westend61

This island in northwestern Spain is an ideal escape if you're tired of city stress and tourists. Isla de Ons belongs to the province of Galicia. Pristine, white sandy beaches stretch along the coast. Like the rest of the island, they are part of the Islas Atlánticas de Galicia National Park. One culinary specialty you absolutely must try is a plate of fresh octopus cooked the island way.

Feeling intrigued? The journey takes just under an hour by ferry from the Spanish municipality of Bueu, for example. You can stay overnight at the island's only campsite or in a small guesthouse.

The island of Ons boasts countless bays and turquoise water.

Source: imago images/VWPics

The Spanish island of La Graciosa is the smallest inhabited island in the Canary Islands. It lies spectacularly against the 400-meter-high cliffs at the northern tip of Lanzarote in the Atlantic. There is only one paved road on the island, directly at the harbor; the remaining paths are made of fine, light sand.

The island's main town is Caleta del Sebo; its inhabitants live primarily from tourism and fishing. Low, white houses with blue shutters and doors dominate the landscape.

A man looks towards La Graciosa from Lanzarote.

Source: imago images/Westend61

From the Mirador del Rio viewpoint on Lanzarote you have probably the most impressive view of La Graciosa with its beautiful beaches.

These days, many day trippers, as well as holidaymakers, arrive on Lanzarote by ferry from the port of Órzola. Therefore, there are now many accommodations on the island – from simple guesthouses to luxurious apartments. Holidaymakers can also camp in the dunes next to the main village. There's also plenty going on in the evenings, as La Graciosa has many restaurants and bars.

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter , and the best travel deals on our deals page .