Delicious tapas, a thrilling culture and lots of history – not to mention all of that sun, sea and sand – Spain has much to offer travellers. But it’s not only the mainland that has the potential to excite, Spain’s islands are among the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. But what are the best Spanish holiday islands you should consider for a holiday?
This post sponsored by Onagrup, part of Ona Hotels, reveals the best of these islands to inspire your next trip, plus a number of hotels for you to consider for your next stay.
From the Canary Islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote to the beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca, Onagrup, which is part of Ona Hotels, offers lots of different resort experiences for holidaymakers looking for a getaway under the Spanish sun.
Holidaying with a brand as diverse as Onagrup and Ona Hotels, you can have fun together in family resorts, as well as enjoying the calm of the more sophisticated adults-only accommodation.
Ona Hotels have a place to make everyone feel at home on these Spanish holiday islands.
Mallorca’s island magic
The beautiful island of Mallorca boasts around 300 days of sunshine each year, which is a huge draw for those looking for a sunny escape. Pretty rocky-framed sandy coves make for blissful beach days with the family.
However, a holiday in this – the gem of the Mediterranean – can be so much more than sunbathing by the seashore.
The island’s capital, Palma, is a dream for the culture vultures among us. Palma bristles with interesting shops, glitzy bars, and restaurants which enjoy fabulous vistas and serve local wines, cocktails and craft beers, often accompanied by live music and evening entertainment.
For those looking for a more cultural experience, you can immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the city by visiting the art galleries and wandering past something truly beautiful on every charming street.
La Seu, Palma’s stunning Gothic cathedral, is a must-visit. Not that you could miss it – it is one of Europe’s tallest Gothic structures and is often referred to as the ‘Cathedral of Light’, thanks to its 61 stained-glass windows; the most beautiful being the central rose window.
The medieval walled-town of Alcúdia sits in the north of the island and is one of Mallorca’s main resorts. Apart from being a spectacular showcase of centuries-old buildings in pretty winding streets, it has many attractions for families.
The marina, where tiny fishing boats are moored alongside million-pound yachts, makes for a lovely walk. You can always stop for a bite to eat while watching the boats bob up and down on the water.
By the port, the ESA Soccer Academy provides great coaching and training for younger holidaymakers who might want a livelier way to spend their days away. While the town’s beaches – Playa de Alcúdia and Aucanada being two of the favourites – are not far away, and are clean and safe sandy playgrounds.
Where to stay in Mallorca
Onagrup has six resorts in Mallorca, many of which are affiliated to the RCI Holiday Exchange programme.
Ona Garden Lago in Alcúdia
Situated in a quiet residential area, the large, modern apartments at Ona Garden Lago are decorated to a high standard, and come with fully-equipped kitchens which is great for families who favour a self-catering option on holiday. The accommodation ranges in size from one- to three-bedroom apartments, sleeping between four to eight people, making it a perfect resort for families needing their own space.
On resort, there is plenty to entertain, with both a children’s and an adult’s outdoor swimming pool and sundeck for play and relaxation. Guests also benefit from a gym, massage treatments and a whirlpool, while there is also a children’s playground. For guests who want a break from cooking, Garden Lago also has a great on-site restaurant and a pool bar.
Hidropark Water Park is just a 10-minute walk from the resort, which makes for a great day out for the young and young at heart, with numerous bars and restaurants nearby.
Ona Aucanada in Alcúdia
Ona Aucanada sits right at the top of a hill, enjoying stunning views over Port Alcúdia Bay. There are 62 apartments in the resort, comprising one- and two-bedroom apartments which sleep up to six people, plus 11 three-bedroom villas which sleep up to eight guests, so it is a great base for couples and families alike.
The resort has an on-site spa which offers a whirlpool, a Turkish bath, a cold chromatic shower and a sauna, as well as massage treatments for those who want to really kick back and relax. Head to Spa Aucanada on the resort for a day of perfect pampering. Three outdoor swimming pools, a Mediterranean restaurant and a terrace bar are all available for guests to enjoy.
Ona Surfing Playa in Santa Ponsa
Situated just 100 meters from Caló d’en Pellicer Cove and 400 meters from the main beach of Santa Ponsa, this renovated resort is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and offers an outdoor swimming pool and separate children’s pool.
The one-bedroom apartments sleep up to four guests and come with kitchen facilities, satellite TV, and a balcony or terrace where you can enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day. It’s what holidays are all about.
Ona Sóller Bay Hotel in Sóller
This is an adult-only hotel situated right on the beach of Port of Sóller. The 89 rooms offer sea or mountain views, so it’s perfect for enjoying a drink on the balcony or terrace after a relaxing day in the sun.
The hotel’s Es Boc Restaurant serves a delicious Mediterranean menu, packed with local specialities, including tapas and jugs of fruity sangria for a truly Spanish meal.
Close to the Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this resort is great for those who want to get out and about exploring the surrounding area. Leave your flip-flops by the pool for the day and pop on a pair of hiking boots to discover beautiful vistas across the coast.
Ona Cala Pi Club in Llucmajor
This holiday complex is modern and spacious with accommodation for up to six guests. It boasts direct access to Cala Pi Beach for those who want a different view and it also has an on-site supermarket for your convenience. The on-site restaurant, El Mirador de Cala Pi, offers a buffet service and an à la carte menu serving a variety of Mediterranean and international dishes.
Ona Village Cala D’Or
Ona Village is situated in the pretty village of Cala D’Or and is a great choice for families. White colours, garden areas and a Mediterranean style create a warm and friendly atmosphere. It has a spacious sundeck, gym, indoor jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool, with a separate children’s pool. Apartments are spacious and equipped and have a private terrace or balcony.
Tempting Tenerife
Tenerife the largest of the Canary Islands is known as the Island of Eternal Spring, and for good reason. The glorious year-round climate frequently sees holidaymakers lounging on the beaches in the deep throes of the winter season, enjoying everything this destination has to offer.
From the spectacular Mount Teide volcano and its expansive national park, which crowns the island’s centre, and the lively Playa de las Americas in the south, to the greener, quintessentially Spanish, Puerto de la Cruz in the north, Tenerife is teeming with interesting places to to be enjoyed.
Some highlights include driving up Teide, exploring the wild reaches of the mountain, with lush forests sitting above the clouds and a cable car adventure to take you to its very peak, something you will remember forever.
Another moment to remember is when you are out at sea, off the coast of Los Gigantes, on a whale-watching trip, and you can hear the whales breathing as they surface in their pods around your boat, and watch these gentle giants glistening in the sun in the sparkling sea.
And by night, stargazing tours up at Teide’s solar observatory are also on offer, some even come with a meal and a glass of bubbly to make your celestial experience a touch more heavenly.
Where to stay in Tenerife
For those looking for quality home-from-home accommodation in some of the most beautiful locations on this Spanish holiday island, Ona Hotels have you covered.
Ona Las Rosas in Santiago del Teide
Situated on the hillside, the resort offers spectacular sea views and of the magnificent cliffs that give the town, Los Gigantes, its name.
The resort’s one- and two-bedroom apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens, satellite TV, air conditioning, a DVD player and private terraces. On resort, Ona Las Rosas offers a heated swimming pool, children’s pool, mini-market, on-site bar, restaurant, and TV lounge. Ten minutes away Los Gigantes has a pretty marina, a small beach, numerous shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Ona El Marqués in Santiago del Teide
The one- and two-bedroom apartments at Ona El Marqués come complete with a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, together with a spacious living area with satellite TV and DVD player. The resort and surrounding area are fantastic for families and couples alike, being just a 10-minute walk from Los Gigantes and an hour’s drive from the Teide National Park, where you can enjoy a short cable car ride to the peak, which offers panoramic vistas of Tenerife and more of the Canary Islands beyond.
Ona Los Claveles in Los Cristianos
Situated in the beautiful foothills of Los Cristianos and just a short walk from the beach, Ona Los Claveles offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway for two or a family holiday. The resort offers a heated swimming pool, overlooked by the poolside bar and restaurant, as well as a children’s pool. Enjoy tennis, live entertainment, and the resort’s close proximity to shopping, restaurants, and water sports. Los Cristianos is within walking distance, and Playa de las Americas is only a short ride away, so you will never be short of things to do holidaying here.
Ona Sueño Azul in Adeje
This resort is a self-contained village-style resort situated between the picturesque Los Gigantes and the lively resort of Playa de las Americas. In the nearby town of Callao Salvaje there are shops and supermarkets, plus a wide choice of bars and restaurants. Evenings can be enjoyed at Sueño Azul’s poolside bar, relaxing with a cool drink under warm skies. The three-bedroom villas sleep up to six guests, so it is a great choice for families. There are fully-equipped kitchens for a perfect self-catering holiday.
Lanzarote lifestyle
Sandy plains and golden beaches are framed by the azure waters surrounding this island. Famed for its architecture and art, vut nature has also done a great job of crafting this island.
The three main resorts – Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca – run in ribbons along the eastern and southern shores of the island. Like all the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is very easy to drive around, so hiring a car will pay dividends, as it is a place ripe for holiday exploration. The art and architecture of Lanzarote’s famous son, César Manrique, give this Spanish holiday island a truly unique character which will fascinate. The artist’s ‘bubble’ home is sculpted out of volcanic rock and is open to the public.
Among nature’s wonders are the Green Lagoon (Charco de los Clicos), a short steep walk from the charming village of El Golfo. Book a table here for dinner, as it is the place to be to relish a sunset on the island, and the fish is as fresh as it comes. The Sunday market at Teguise is the island’s largest and liveliest market, with Canarian dancing displays in the square, full of stalls selling local products, arts and crafts.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Ona Hotels has some great places to stay on Lanzarote. Here are two which are also available to RCI members using its holiday exchange programme.
Ona Las Casitas in Playa Blanca
The villas at Ona Las Casitas provide a quiet escape from everyday stress and bustle. Bordering the charming fishing village of Playa Blanca, the villas melt into the landscape with their traditional Mudéjar design, while the interiors use a contrast of white walls and woodwork to make a traditional and serene escape for the resort’s guests. Amenities to enjoy on the resort include a large heated swimming pool, a children’s pool and playground, a tennis court, snack bar and bar area with terraces overlooking the colourful, landscaped gardens and beyond.
Ona Las Brisas in Yaiza
This resort in Yaiza, is very pretty and a perfect place to soak up the year-round sun and relax. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are light, spacious and comfortable, having satellite TVs, DVD players, and all come complete with fully-equipped kitchens. Each villa also has its own private garden and patio area, together with a barbecue and garden furniture so guests can chill and enjoy home comforts at the end of an exciting day exploring the island while sitting back with an after-dinner in the warm early evening sunshine.
The resort also boasts a restaurant, bar, shop, two swimming pools, a children’s pool, a games room and sports courts, so you have everything at hand on resort without having to venture out if you choose to have a truly relaxing time away on holiday.
Look and book
If you like what you have read about the Ona Hotel experience in these fabulous Spanish destinations, then take a look at the company’s website and book.
About RCI membership
RCI is the leading provider of holiday exchange services to facilitate holiday swaps. Using RCI membership is the best way to get more from a purchase of shared-ownership holiday homes or timeshare by widening your holiday horizons using holiday exchanges to visit many more countries and destinations across the world.
If you are not yet an RCI member, then unlock the potential and value in your timeshare purchase and start accessing the largest holiday exchange network in the world, having more than 4,300 resorts worldwide and many other membership benefits to offer you. To read inspirational member stories visit the RCI Blog.
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