LA GRACIOSA, the Eighth Paradise
The Canary Islands archipelago is made up of 7 main islands. However the existence of the eighth island – La Graciosa – is unknown to many.
La Graciosa is a small populated island that is located close to the northern coast of Lanzarote. Protected as a natural landscape, it forms part of the Reserva Marina del Archipiélago Chinijo (Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve), made up of the islets of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste and Risco de Famara.
Given the conservation of its surroundings and the low level of urban development, La Graciosa is a natural wonder that brings all visitors under the spell of its natural charms.
How to get to the island
La Graciosa is reached by boat. It has very good maritime connections, with a ferry service every day of the year, and with several ferries every day. These boats depart and arrive from Órzola port. The route is covered by two maritime transport companies: Líneas Romero (a company recommended by Turismo Lanzarote) and Biosfera Express. Tickets are sold in the port itself, although they can also be purchased in advance online.
What do do on the island
The island of La Graciosa offers multiple possibilities, and the surroundings awaken the adventurous spirit that we all carry within us. The small size of the island means that it can be completely explored and every corner can be visited and enjoyed. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your visit:
- Take an excusion by catamaran. The coasts of La Graciosa can be visited on a catamaran. The trip lasts for a day and includes lunch. This is a good option if you want to get to know the island with children. + information
- Go diving. Since this is a protected space located in the heart of the Reserva Marina del Archipiélago Chinijo, La Graciosa’s seabed is a world filled with life. The wealth of underwater flora and fauna make diving a very rewarding experience. + informaction
- Enjoy its completely unspoiled beaches. This small island is surrounded by unique beaches. With white or golden sand, and transparent turquoise waters, each beach is well worth a visit. There are several options for reaching them:
- On foot. For those who enjoy hiking this is the best option, since walkers can also fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
- By bike. In the port itself there are companies that will hire you a bike so you can explore the island with greater freedom.
- By car. In La Graciosa’s port you can also hire a transfer service to take you to the different beaches.
- Sample great local fresh fish. In the village of Caleta de Sebo you will find a wide restaurant offer where we recommend sampling the great local fresh fish and seafood.
- Go surfing. If you are visiting Lanzarote in search of waves, La Graciosa also offers great spots to practise this sport.
La Graciosa’s beaches
La Graciosa has wonderful beaches, all lapped by transparent waters and located in natural surroundings, except for Caleta de Sebo, the small beach located in the town. This is the only beach that shows any signs of human habitation; the rest enjoy unspoiled environments and the human impact on this landscapes is in complete harmony with the natural surroundings. In fact, La Graciosa is a Biosphere Reserve, hence its intact natural environment.
As mentioned previously, the beaches can be accessed on foot, by bike or by car ( taxi service).
Here are some of the main beaches:
These are La Graciosa’s most spectacular beaches. La Cocina beach is located on the west of the island, at the foot of a mountain that is a striking yellow colour due to the erosion caused by the wind and the sea. The beach, with its tranquil waters and golden sand, invites visitors to participate in many activities. The natural surroundings are a call to adventure, and exploration can continue under the water, since the beach features a seabed with spectacular marine flora and fauna.
The beach of La Concha offers panoramic views to Montaña Clara, the Roque del Infierno and Oeste, and the island of Alegranza. With its white sands and crystal-clear waters, La Concha is located in the north of the island. Distant from any human contact, you can enjoy completely natural surroundings that are typical of the easternmost part of the Canary Islands. However care must be taken with the sea currents here, since the currents and waves can on some occasions be strong and dangerous.
On the southwest coast of the island can be found the beach of La Francesa, just before the beach of La Cocina. This beach offers a panoramic view of the imposing Risco de Famara and the sea that separates it from the island. In this completely natural environment, this long beach is perfect for enjoying multiple activites.