The best Spanish islands for couples

Year-round sun, glorious natural surroundings and the promise of adventure makes Tenerife one of the most romantic spots in Europe. Believe it or not, Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for stargazing thanks to its high altitudes, dark skies and clean air – what could be more romantic than a sky full of stars? If you’re a wine lover you’ll also be happy to know that wine production in Tenerife goes back to the 16th century. Share a private wine tasting at La Orotava before exploring this charming and colourful old town. If romance for you is a combination of lazy days on the beach and dancing cheek-to-cheek through the night, you'll find it in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

While Ibiza has long been known as the clubbing capital of Europe, it definitely has a romantic side. Isolated beaches such as Cala Xuclar are backed by sweet-scented pine trees and alive with the hum of cicadas. They're perfect for a spot of early morning swimming with your loved one. Don't overlook the charms of Ibiza Town. Stroll its promenade, window-shop for a yacht in the harbour and relax as you people-watch in a local cafe. Then, at the end of the day, head to Cala d'Hort to be blown away by the sight of the sun setting over the small island of Es Vedrà. 

It might be smaller than Tenerife and Fuerteventura, but Gran Canaria manages to squeeze 82 beaches into its coastline – perfect for twosome swimming and sunbathing. Start the day with a picnic breakfast at Maspalomas where you can watch the sun appear over the dunes. In total contrast to the Sahara-like scenery of Maspalomas is the lush Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo at Tafira Alta. Here over 500 plant species including cacti and succulents flourish. This really is the perfect spot for a romantic wander. If you’re looking for something a little more fast-paced, you're spoiled for activities in Gran Canaria. From flyboarding, snorkelling and jet skiing to banana boats and catamaran trips, there’s plenty on offer for an adrenaline rush.

If your idea of the perfect couple holiday involves spending most of your time in the water, then Fuerteventura is definitely the island for you. Windsurfing tops its list of water-based activities, but there are also sailing, surfing, kayaking and snorkelling spots. If that sounds a little too energetic, then you have mile after mile of white sandy beaches to laze around on. And, in Fuerteventura, there is rarely a day when the sun doesn't appear so every day is a beach day. Away from the coast, Fuerteventura has an arid desert landscape which gives it a unique appearance. The best place to explore this is in the Jandía National Park that stretches inland from the coast.

Menorca is one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands and most tranquil islands, making it perfect for romance. Despite its small size, it has over 50 beaches. Combine these with a landscape of pine trees, rocky coves, calas (or fjords), high cliffs, canyons and picture-postcard villages, and Menorca offers a photogenic backdrop to your romantic selfies. Its landscape is also dotted with ancient remains such as the taulas (monuments) and talayots (rock mounds) of Naveta d'es Tudons and Torralba d'en Salort which are well worth a visit for history buffs.