Where is La Graciosa?

The Canary Islands are located off the West coast of Africa. They are geographically part of the African continent and officially part of the European Union. The Canary Islands are an autonomous region of Spain which means it is mostly self-governed.

The island of La Graciosa was officially added as the 8th Canary Island in 2018 and is part of the municipality of Teguise in Lanzarote. It is located 2 kilometres off the north-west coast of Lanzarote across the Strait of El Rio.

La Graciosa measures a total of 29.05 km² and is the smallest of the official group of islands. It is the largest of the islands of the Chinijo Archipelago and is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Reserve. The island is home to the largest marine reserve in Europe and is home to the largest marine biodiversity in the Canary Islands.

The island of La Graciosa is the perfect day trip from Lanzarote which is easily reached by ferry to this beautiful slice of paradise. Imagine the day sunbathing on incredible beaches, exploring the island by Jeep and the chance to see some of the best marine life around!

What is La Graciosa known for?

As most of the Canary Islands are also known for their year round sunshine this is true for La Graciosa. It is the perfect place to escape and get a taste of what many beaches on Lanzarote would have been like before development as the island is a protected nature reserve and has restrictions on what can be built.

When you arrive on the island of La Graciosa, you will step back in time, it is the perfect place to escape and is an oasis of remote, virgin sandy beaches with clear turquoise water.

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.

The island is well known for diving spots within the marine reserve and can provide perfect waves for experienced surfers. 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.

We would recommend that you stay for a night or longer to really experience the island and not feel rushed and have the chance to visit more than one of the beaches.

What is the weather on La Graciosa?

As most of the Canary Islands are also known for their year round sunshine this is true for La Graciosa. In summer, temperatures average 25 °C (77°F) and in the winter an average of 17 °C (62.6°F) with a low likelihood of rain due to its dry, arid climate.

The island of 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.

What is the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve?

The Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve was declared in 1986 as a protected area which includes the Chinijo Archipelago.

The Chinijo Archipelago is made up of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste o del Infierno, and La Corona y Malpaís volcano and a coastal strip of Lanzarote, los Riscos de Famara.

Lanzarote was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, including the Chinijo islands.

The Nature Reserve landscape is dominated by volcanic formations 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. A unique habitat and refuge for birds of prey including the Egyptian vulture, Eleanora’s falcons and fish eagle.

The Chinijo Archipelago 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.

As a conservation area, these species of birds and other wildlife are protected and when visiting the island you should ensure to not disturb wildlife, not pick any plants and keep to marked paths.

What are the rules of conservation on La Graciosa?

Before visiting La Graciosa, as a visitor it is worth familiarising yourself with the rules of conservation on the island as you have a responsibility to protect and preserve the environment whilst entering the Nature Reserve.

Keep to paths and roads on the island to avoid trampling of flora and fauna and reduce the effects of erosion
Do not litter and make sure you dispose of it properly
Avoid taking litter with you onto the island
Support local businesses by eating at a restaurant, hiring a bike, staying on the island
Use marine safe sunscreen (sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate)
Do not pick any flora or fauna or take anything with you from the landscape i.e. sand or rocks
Do not disturb the wildlife, do not pick up or damage the marine or terrestrial plants. Many species are unique to this area.
It is forbidden to start a fire and to burn objects, rubbish or waste. Do not throw cigarette butts on the floor, into the ocean and do not leave them on the beach.
Do not use soap on the beaches as they cause significant pollution.
Avoid loud noises and noisy activities as these disturb the calmness of the animals, other visitors and the inhabitants of La Graciosa.
Only authorised motor-operated vehicles and bicycles can drive on the permitted roads. The maximum permitted speed is 30 km/h.
Camping is only allowed on the camping site Bahia del Salado and you must have the necessary permissions to camp.
Fishing from the land is only allowed with 3rd class licence. Gathering of shellfish is prohibited (limpets, winkles, octopuses, etc.)
Free diving is only allowed with permission in the indicated areas. Underwater fishing is not allowed.

How to get to La Graciosa?

La Graciosa is only accessible by sea, a daily regular ferry service runs from Órzola, a fishing town located in the north of Lanzarote to Caleta de Sebo on La Graciosa. Read more about travelling to Lanzarote from our guide here.

If you have hired a car on Lanzarote, the drive will take around 30 minutes along the LZ-1 to Órzola from Arrecife. If you are travelling from the south, this will take over an hour from Playa Blanca along the LZ-2.

When you arrive in the town of Órzola there are ferry operators who will guide you to the car parks. All outside motor vehicles are not allowed to be driven on the island of La Graciosa and you will have to leave your car at Órzola. Each ferry operator offers a car park where you can park your vehicle free of charge for the duration of your stay on La Graciosa.

There are options to use public transport to get to Órzola from Arrecife airport by a regular intercity bus service, which takes an hour and costs €4 one way and if travelling directly from the airport you will have to get more than one bus.

A direct route is getting Line 9 from Arrecife city centre (Estación de Guaguas) to Órzola (Muelle de Órzola). The current schedule has 5 buses running Monday to Friday with a reduced schedule on Sundays and holidays. If you prefer to get there in half the time then you can get a taxi but it will cost approximately €41-€60 (£35-£50) and will take just over 30 minutes.

A ferry ticket costs €26 (£22) per person for a round trip and the journey takes around 30 minutes. The two ferry operators are Lineas Maritimas Romero and Biosfera Express. They alternate times leaving to and from the ferry ports and the first ferry to leave from Orzola is 8am and the last ferry is 6pm and there are later ferries from April (7pm) and July (8pm).

The first ferry to leave La Graciosa to Órzola is 7am till 5pm with later ferries available April (6pm) and July (7pm). It’s worth noting that when purchasing a return ferry ticket this can only be used by that chosen ferry operator as noted on your ticket and you cannot use the other ferries, make sure you check the timetables linked above for each ferry operator.

How to get around La Graciosa?

The main income is tourism and many will visit for a day visit and typically hire a 4x4 for a tour of the island. Only authorised motor-operated vehicles and bicycles can drive on the permitted roads. The maximum allowed speed is 30 km/h.

The restriction of vehicles and traffic on the island is to protect the nature reserve and reduce pollution. You can either walk, cycle or hire a 4x4 jeep taxi to get around.

There are bike hire shops which offer fat bikes, electric bikes which are a great way to get around the island. If you are travelling in low season then there is no need to book in advance.

You can also walk around the island from the marked paths or along the roads which are not very busy. If you are short on time, a bike will allow you to explore more of the island.

When visiting Playa Francesca, Playa de la Cocina and Montaña Amarilla the path has deep sand and can be difficult to cycle along. The road ends at Playa Francesca from Caleta de Sebo and there are bike racks to put your park your bike here but there are none any further towards Playa de la Cocina and you will have to walk from here which will take around 15 to 20 minutes.

The roads and paths are easy to navigate and you must keep to the paths to protect the rare biodiversity on the island. Known for its pristine, virgin beaches La Graciosa is the perfect place to escape and get a taste for what Lanzarote would have been like before development. We we would recommend that you stay for a night to really experience the island and not feel rushed.

When is the best time to visit La Graciosa?

The weather is mild in the colder months but reaches an average low of 17°C (62.6°F) in January and receives minimal rainfall due to its dry climate, which makes it pleasant to visit year round.

May to mid-October there is minimal rain and the sea is still relatively warm (average 20°C+ /68°F+), however the most rain is in December which averages 23mm.

The driest months are June and July and warmest sea temperatures are August, September and October. There is no bad month to visit La Graciosa. The warmest months June, July, August, September, October and November.

How much does it cost on La Graciosa?

The currency on La Graciosa is the same as the rest of the Canary Islands and most of Europe, the Euro (€). In comparison to mainland Spain, costs are relatively cheaper as the island is exempt from higher tax rates.

The island is exempt from VAT, however they do pay a local sales tax which is around 7%. There are local facilities on the island including an ATM, local supermarkets, butchers, cafes, restaurants and even their own football pitches.

Many food items are imported to the island such as milk etc which can make those items more expensive but prices are relatively affordable. Whilst on the island we stayed in an airbnb for 3 nights (£211 in total) and bought food from the local supermarket which was well stocked and were able to find most items you would on Lanzarote.

The cost of transport on the island for bike hire €10-15 (£9-13/$12-17) per day per person and for a 4x4 jeep tour this will cost around €50 (£40/$60) per tour. The Canary Islands are not part of the EU customs union, which means you are limited to how much you can take home for alcohol, cigarettes and spirits.

Should I drink tap water on La Graciosa?

La Graciosa depends mostly on Lanzarote for its water supply. Lanzarote treats ocean water through its Desalination plants with a process called reverse osmosis and the water is distributed by submersed pipes to La Graciosa. Due to the weather and scarcity of rainwater, much of the tap water is desalinated seawater.

As a result, you might not be used to the taste and bottled water is cheap and readily available in the grocery shops. The water is high in minerals and can be pretty heavy in chlorine. It's normally safe to drink but may taste different to what you’re used to.

You can drink tap water, but we would recommend you avoid tap water and buy bottled mineral water instead. There is not a constant flow of water from these pipes, each home is equipped with a small reservoir to store water. The Canary Islands are pioneers in the installation of desalination plants and there are initiatives to build one on La Graciosa.

Best things to do on La Graciosa?

The island of 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. We we would recommend that you stay for a night or longer to really experience the island.

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. We took food, suncream, water, swimwear, towels, hat, clothes and made sure we took all our litter back with us. Playa de La Francesca and Playa de las Conchas are perhaps the most well known beaches and also recognised as the most beautiful.

Playa de La Cocina

Playa de La Cocina, also known as Playa de La Montaña Amarilla is located on the south west of the island and only accessible by foot. It is possible to cycle and drive to Playa de La Francesca as the dirt track reaches here from Caleta de Sebo and you will have to leave your bikes here and walk to Playa de La Cocina.

We walked from Caleta de Sebo along the 6km road which took approximately an hour to walk. Playa de La Cocina is framed by the spectacular Montaña Amarilla, a sandy and red hued volcano. A popular surf spot, the waves and surfers are impressive to watch.

The beach is a sheltered cove, where you can enjoy the clear turquoise water surrounded by black volcanic rock, overlooking the strait of El Rio to a silhouette of Lanzarote on a clear day. The beach is relatively small and can get busier in the summer months, however in January it was quiet and from late afternoon the day visitors leave to catch the last ferry back to Lanzarote. 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.

How to get there: You can walk here from Caleta de Sebo by foot which will take around 1 hour. Follow the sandy track through the desert landscape and first you will pass Playa del Salado then Playa de La Francesca or you can get a 4x4 taxi or cycle to Playa de La Francesca and walk the final 15-20 minutes.

There are bike racks located at Playa de La Francesca where the road stops. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear a hat to avoid sunstroke as there are no facilities on the beach.

Playa de La Francesca

In the south of La Graciosa, Playa de La Francesca is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is sheltered cove split into two sections of white sand. To the east, the dramatic Famara cliffs tower in the distance across the strait of El Rio.

At high tide, the beach is the perfect spot for snorkelling, as the water is calm and clear which allows great visibility to see many fish. Make sure to bring snorkeling gear with you to see the abundance of fish in Europe’s largest marine reserve!

A further 15 minute walk to Playa de La Cocina is located beneath Montaña Amarilla which you will have followed on the horizon to Playa de La Francesca.

The bay is a popular spot for boats to anchor as it is sheltered and calm. Once the day visitors have left in the afternoon, this is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and watch the Famara cliffs turn a golden hue.

How to get there: The beach is a 2km walk from Caleta de Sebo which will take around 45 minutes. You can hire a bike and cycle to the beach which will take around 20 to 30 minutes as there are sections where the sand on the road is too deep to cycle. If you hire a 4x4 taxi this will take less than 10 minutes to arrive at the beach.

Playa de las Conchas

If you have limited time on the island, the golden sands of Playa de las Conchas in the north west of La Graciosa are a must visit. Playa de las Conchas is an unspoilt paradise, a virgin golden sandy beach framed by clear emerald-green water located in the foothills of Montaña Bermjea, a distinct red volcanic peak.

Along the soft, sandy path leading to the beach, you will pass through undulating sand dunes and be welcomed to paradise. Playa de las Conchas overlooks the striking Isla de Montaña Clara, a resembling the outline of Ayres rock. Playa de las Conchas is an iconic, unforgettable spectacle full of vibrant colours accompanied by the dramatic rolling waves.

The waves here have immense power and the a red flag on the beach indicates that it is dangerous to swim on this beach. Rip currents make it unsafe and unpredictable as they can take you away from the shore. Do not take any risks, as there are no lifeguards patrolling the beach.

A walk up Montaña Bermeja provides spectacular views across Playa de las Conchas and Montaña Clara. At high tide the beach forms a lagoon, where the water becomes crystal clear over the golden sand. Playa de las Conchas is remote beach and expect to have limited to no phone signal and ensure you bring sufficient food and water with you as there are no facilities here.

How to get there: A 6km route from Caleta de Sebo, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by foot, 45 minutes by bike and 15 minutes in 4x4 taxi. When we visited in January 2022, the road from Caleta de Sebo was being resurfaced for the first section and was still accessible by foot, bike and car.

The walk took around 1 hour and 30 minutes and the road made this relatively easy, however there is no shade along the route and would recommend hats and sturdy sole shoes for support.

If you plan to walk or cycle this route, you will have the chance to marvel at the barren volcanic landscape as you pass through the valley of the tallest peak on La Graciosa, Aguja Grandes standing at 266 metres tall and the smaller Aguja Chicas at 257 metres.

As you pass the volcanic giants, you will notice cacti farms on either side of the road. As you follow the road around a bend, the vast plateau overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

The first beach you will pass is Playa Baja del Ganado, a small sandy beach with black volcanic rocks at low tide. Montaña Bermjea stands as a striking red volcanic peak and is your reference point for the last section of the walk or cycle to Playa de las Conchas.

Montaña Amarilla

The volcano Montaña Amarilla, stands as a landmark and reference point from Caleta de Sebo to the island beaches Playa Francesca and Playa de La Cocina on the south of the island.

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.

The top of Montaña Amarilla is covered in hues of deep red and burgundy. These vibrant colours are due to the type of eruption from the volcano, where sea water and magma met to create the colour formations you can see.

You can hike to the top of Montaña Amarilla, follow the trail that continues past the Playa de La Cocina along the plateau above the beach. It’s a gentle climb, that gradually continues to steepen closer to the top and is worth the effort as you are rewarded with panoramic views over La Graciosa and across to Lanzarote.

How to get there: You can walk here by foot which will take around 1 hour, or you can get a 4x4 taxi or cycle to Playa de La Francesca and walk the final 15-20 minutes to Playa de la Cocina to begin your ascent up Montaña Amarilla or you can admire the volcano from the beach.

Playa de La Laja

When you arrive by ferry into the port of Caleta de Sebo from Orzola, you will pass a bakery named ‘Panaderia Pasteleria Quela’ and Playa de la Laja is opposite the Cafeteria El Veril.

Sit on the harbour wall and admire the beautiful view of the Caleta de Sebo town and Playa de la Laja. Fishing boats and rustic white houses line the beach. The beach is relatively small compared to others on La Graciosa at 100 metres in length and has fine golden sand.

Boat tours and private boat hire around the island are available from the harbour and is a popular way to explore the beautiful coastline. The only diving centre on the island ‘Buceo La Graciosa’ is located close to the harbour and offers unique experiences to explore the largest marine reserve in Europe.

How to get there: A short walk from the ferry port of Caleta de Sebo, Playa de la Laja is on Avenue Virgen del Mar opposite the Cafeteria El Veril and overlooks the harbour.

Playa del Salado

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.

The only campsite on La Graciosa is located next to Playa del Salado and operates all year round free of charge. There are 50 pitches available and has facilities including toilets and showers only. Permission is required from the National Park Agency and the campsite is currently closed due to covid.

How to get there: If you are walking from Playa de la Laja, follow the coastline along the Avenue Virgen del Mar past K Alegranzar Bar and then continue past the harbour wall and you will reach Playa del Salado.

Caleta de Sebo

Caleta de Sebo is the main town on La Graciosa with unpaved dusty roads, iconic white sugar cube bungalows and 4x4 classics. The town has an authentic charm, with colourful green windows and doors that contrast against the white facades.

The island is home to 700 people, working in fishing and tourism. Pedro Barba is the only other settlement that is mostly holiday rentals and was home to a fish salting factory, a 20 minute drive from Caleta de Sebo.

The island has a choice of restaurants, supermarkets, a bakery, pharmacy and ATM. No major hotel complexes have been built in the town and most of the accommodation is holiday apartments and houses. All of the tour operators are located in Caleta de Sebo which includes 4x4 taxis, bike rental diving and boat tours.

All vehicles from Lanzarote are prohibited, protecting it from visiting cars and protecting the tranquil and peaceful nature of the La Graciosa. Caleta de Sebo is the main ferry port for La Graciosa and where you will arrive into the harbour. In comparison to the larger Canary Islands, stepping off the boat feels like you’ve stepped back in time to what Lanzarote would’ve been like before the development from tourism.

Where to stay on La Graciosa?

We have included links which may contain an affiliate link and if you decide to purchase or book any accommodation through these links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you from the sale and all links are noted with an asterisk (*).

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. There are plenty of options on Airbnb and booking.com* many book up in advance especially during the summer months. A campsite close to Playa del Salado is available year round to stay free of charge, however it is currently closed due to covid.

Caleta de Sebo

We have selected some of the best accommodation in the main town of Caleta de Sebo which is where you will arrive to from Lanzarote. This is a great central location on the island close to all the amenities you will need including supermarkets, ATM, bike rental and near the ferry. The town is a relatively small which makes it easy to walk from one end to the other.

Apartamentos Graciosamar*
We stayed in the apartment with sea views for our visit to La Graciosa. It has a lovely sea view terrace with table and chairs and two sun loungers. There is also a terrace to the front of the property which overlooks the volcanoes. The location is on the edge of the town and very close to the road that leads you to Playa de las Conchas. It has a well equipped kitchen with a double bed room and another room with two twin beds and a private bathroom.

Casa del Rio*
A sea view, self catering property in Caleta de Sebo with a beautiful sun terrace. This property sleeps 4 people and is located on the edge of the town and a short walk to the centre. Case del Rio features a well equipped kitchen, bathroom, dining area and lounge.

Caléndula Beach 1ºLinea mar*
The self catered apartment offers undisturbed sea views and a private terrace with a seating area. Breakfast options are available if interested. It includes a kitchen, fridge and private bathroom. There is also a shared outdoor patio with sun loungers. This is located close to Playa del Salado and not far from town centre.

Apartamentos El Marinero - Caletilla*
Fall asleep to the sound of the sea in this cosy apartment. Equipped with a kitchen and bathroom and close to Playa del Salado, where you can easily walk to watch the sunset.

Pedro Barba

Pedro Barba is the second settlement on the island, much smaller than Caleta de Sebo and located in the north east of La Graciosa. It is mostly a tourist resort with a total of around 20 houses with no facilities only water and electricity.

All supplies including food, can be bought from Caleta de Sebo which is around 20 minute drive and a one hour walk to Pedro Barba. It has a small beach which is home to nesting turtles. Building is restricted due to the nature of the island designated as a nature reserve.

Villa SeaSide Villa Pedro Barba*
A rustic seaside villa, featuring stunning views across to the Famara cliffs and beautiful white washed walls. The villa has 4 bedrooms which can accommodate 8 people in total. The blue doors and windows contrast against the white walls and is a little slice of paradise.

Holiday home Villa Flores*
This villa in Pedro Barba has a spacious lounge and dining area to accommodate 9 guests in total. It’s the perfect location for a barbecue which this villa provides and has a fully equipped kitchen and only a few metres from the beach.