Mainland Spain, Balearic islands or Canary Islands?

Question

The three parts of Spain, where would you go?

What are the differences between the three? From what I've seen on pictures is that the Canary Islands don't resemble absolutely anthing to mainland Spain. If anything, it's more Africa than Spain but it's owned by the Spaniards.

Balearic islands again I haven't been to, but have heard it's crazly fun over there with nice weather and good night life.

Anyway, whats the difference between the three in weather, fun and pure nature. Add more if you want, for the 10 points!

Answer 1

You are right, the Canary Islands are more Africa than Spain (they are closer to Africa actually) and the landscapes are more...volcanic. You have beaches of black volcanic sand. The place itself is "poorer" than the Balearic Islands.

The Balearic Islands resemble more in landscape and weather to Mainland Spain, but imho they are far more beautiful. Nightlife is crazy there, specially in Ibiza. And the place is more "rich" meaning you find better shops, restaurants...economically it works better.

And the weather in the Canaries...if you get African winds or something like that, it can be like being in h**l, it is like a dessert where everything is burning, it can get as high as 50 Cº, it's like Vegas.

Answer 2

i was in lanzarote (canary island) in june, it hot but not hot enough for me which is why i choose greece or cyprus allot of the time, but nightlife and food are great and the same in tenerife...and it being warm all year round is a plus but the islands are very different as there's a wind in lanzarote and in june we had a sirocco (a small sandstorm) because its just off the coast of africa, it blows from the sahara desert.

been to majorca and it was fun, lots to do, food wasn't great but it was a bit cheaper but the weather isn't warm all year round there.

and mainland spain is way too cold for me usually. anything under 30 degrees i put my fleece on!!!

but really would recommend a greek island or cyprus were is very hot and the scenery is nice, theres also allot of history so there is lots of things to see and do. and the clubbing is great!

Answer 3

Canaries are generally hotter in the winter months. Balearics tend to be damper, more humid, here on the mainland its hotter on the coast.

For the best beaches then it must be the mainland we have so many to choose from and of course loads more culture all over Spain, like Granada, Madrid, Valencia, Cuenca, Sevilla to name a few.

Answer 4

i am just back from the canarie islands and they are fab. its sunny all year around there. mainland spain is colder in winter. the balearic islands are similiar to the canarie islands. would recommend going to puerto rico or puerto mogan for somethin quieter which are both in the canarie islands

Answer 5

I've been to all three; basically the Canaries are just volcanic islands of sand and pumis off Africa and offer no where near the history and great views that you get in the Balearic's (Majorca. Ibiza etc) or the mainland of Spain. However, they are generally cheaper and the sea water is warmer as is the weather all year. So if you want a hot sunny holiday anytime of year go to the Canaries but if you want character, history  and charm in the summer hols go to mainland Spain or the Balearic's. Having said that pick your resort venue carefully as some places on the mainland and Majorca/Ibiza are worse or at best no better than the Canaries.        

Answer 6

canary islands..

.hottest,

full of horrible british tourists drinking themselves stupid,

beautiful if you get into northern tenerife, onto mount Teide and into Santa Cruz (capital) and smaller real canarian villages.

Balearics

Weather hot in summer but a little volatile due to them being islands.

Good fun, club scene in Ibiza very good.

Mountainous, not as pretty as canaries (imho) and lots of touristy sites which aren't so pretty, either.

Spain

Very big so different weather in different places. In summer, inland spain very dry and hot, northern spain cooler and rain.

Big towns always fun, costas fun but again full of objectionable british tourists, lots of culture in Madrid and Barcelona but good euro cafe culture. Remote areas quiet and traditional, catholic country so non-tourist towns like a bit of decorum.