La Graciosa in our opinion is a hidden treasure of the Canary Islands and should be added to your list of places to visit in 2022. A small island measuring a total of 29.05 km² and located north-east of Lanzarote, La Graciosa is the smallest of the official Canary Islands and the largest of the islands of the Chinijo Archipelago. A unique landscape part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife and vital habitats. A paradise on earth with volcanoes, white sandy beaches and dirt roads. We’ve put together a list of reasons why La Graciosa should be your next destination. If you haven’t already read our guide to La Graciosa make sure you read it before you go to find all the information you’ll need.
1. Beautiful landscapes and beaches
La Graciosa is an oasis of remote, virgin sandy beaches with clear turquoise water. La Graciosa is the perfect place to escape and get a taste for what many beaches on Lanzarote would have been like before development. When walking to one of the many spectacular beaches on the island it is worth noting that many will not have phone signal or facilities so you will need to bring everything you need with you. Volcanoes dominate the landscape, Montaña Amarilla is 172 metres and at the top has great views overlooking the strait of El Rio and to Lanzarote. Montaña Amarilla translates to ‘Yellow Mountain’ and is one of the four volcanic ranges on the island with a distinct ochre colour.
2. Adventure awaits you on La Graciosa
The island is well known for diving spots within the marine reserve and can provide perfect waves for experienced surfers. Free diving is only allowed with permission in indicated areas and underwater fishing is not allowed. There is a popular diving spot close to the beach called ‘Punta de la Cocina’ which has caves and corridors where you can see giant anemones in the largest marine reserve in Europe. There are a variety of hiking and cycling routes across the island with paths that take you around the many spectacular beaches and where you can escape civilisation.
3. relaxATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Once you step off the ferry from Órzola, a feeling of calm will fill you from head to toe. La Graciosa has unpaved dusty roads, iconic white sugar cube bungalows and 4x4 classic cars. The main town Caleta de Sebo has an authentic charm, with colourful green windows and doors that contrast against the white facades. There are no hotels on the island, most of the accommodation available is privately owned, self catering holiday lets or guesthouses that are traditional island houses. This conserves the charm of the town as they are in keeping with the authentic style of buildings found on La Graciosa.
4. UNIQUE Wildlife
As a conservation area, La Graciosa has important biological value as a home to many endemic species only found here such as the Lizard of Haría. There is a rich variety of habitats on the island which provide an ideal home for many animals and plants that are difficult to find elsewhere in the Canary Islands. La Graciosa is also part of the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve and is home to a number of breeding colonies including the white-faced storm petrel and Cory’s shearwater. Birds are attracted to this group of islets due to the abundance of fish stocks and is used for nesting and as a passing route for migratory birds. The Nature Reserve is biological significant and is a Special Protection Area for Birds, as it is home to 14 endemic (only found on the islands) species and over 200 species of fish.
5. Photography
La Graciosa provides many opportunities for photography enthusiasts. The white washed buildings, volcanic landscape and white sandy beaches will make you want to keep your camera ready to capture every moment. There are old 4x4 classics, scattered across the island and many are used for jeep tours which give it a Mad Max atmosphere. Every corner in Caleta de Sebo has a rustic charm.
6. incredible SUNRISEs AND Sunsets
The second closest beach after Playa de la Laja from Caleta de Sebo is Playa del Salado. A 15 minute walk from the centre of the town, Playa del Salado is easily accessible by foot and is the perfect place to watch the sunset with an easy walk back in the dark to Caleta de Sebo.
7. Relatively untouched by tourism
You will step back in time when you arrive to the island of La Graciosa, the perfect place to escape and is an oasis of remote, virgin sandy beaches with clear turquoise water. The island is a Nature Reserve which means many areas are not allowed to be developed and most of the beaches have no facilities. The island gives you a taste for what many beaches on Lanzarote would have been like before development.
If reading this has persuaded you to add La Graciosa to your list of destinations to visit in 2022 then you can read our detailed guide to find out when is the best time to visit the island and help you make your plans!
