The small island of La Graciosa, just one kilometre north-west of Lanzarote, has lived up to its name: it's truly graceful! It is reached by boat from the fishing village of Puerto de Orzola, in the far north of Lanzarote, where fish is dried on pebbles. Once there, you'll feel like you're in the African bush! The port's restaurants offer some of the best tapas in the Canaries: a real treat! Take a stroll through the village streets and you'll come across a church where everything evokes the world of the sea and sailors. Living from fishing and tourism, La Graciosa, a small island of 27 square kilometres with 600 inhabitants, has applied to be recognised as the eighth island of the Canaries, administratively detached from Lanzarote.
Theisland of La Graciosa has just a few hundred inhabitants, spread across two charming fishing villages. The main one is Caleta de Sebo, which is considered the island's capital and is where the ferry lands. With its sandy roads and small white houses with blue shutters, it's as if you've landed a long way from the Canary Islands.
The village of Caleta de Sebo à La Graciosa.
- © underworld / ShutterstockThis is the only place in La Graciosa where you can find a few shops, flats to rent and restaurants. The latter often offer beautiful views of the sea and the island of Lanzarote, while you enjoy specialities based on fresh fish.
La Graciosa's beaches are probably its greatest asset! As the island is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Lanzarote, many visitors decide to skip a visit: say goodbye to the crowded beaches and enjoy these golden expanses untouched by mass tourism.
Playa Francesa on the island of La Graciosa.
- © underworld / ShutterstockThe island's best-known beach is Playa Francesa, which can be reached on foot in 45 minutes from Caleta de Sebo, or by taxi in just a few minutes. With its white sand, crystal-clear waters and views of the Famara cliffs, it's easy to see why it's so popular! At high tide, it's also the perfect spot for snorkelling and admiring the fish. A few minutes' walk away, the playa de Montaña Amarilla is a small, wild cove sheltered from the currents, at the foot of the Montaña Amarilla volcano. The contrast of colours is breathtaking!
The beach Las Conchas à La Graciosa.
- © Solanika / ShutterstockThe north coast of La Graciosa also has its fair share of heavenly beaches, including the playa de Las Conchas, at the foot of Montaña Bermeja and just over five kilometres from Caleta de Sebo. Here, the turquoise waters of the Atlantic caress the golden sand, while the silhouettes of the uninhabited islets of Montaña Clara and Alegranza can be seen on the horizon. Be careful, though, as the sea is much rougher in the north of the island, so don't take any risks!
Near Las Conchas beach, a strange sculpture has been carved out of volcanic rock by the waves. Four black arches span deep blue inlets, creating a veritable natural tableau. They are known as los Arcos de los Caletones. We advise you to keep your distance, as the rock can be quite fragile.
Los Arcos de los Caletones à La Graciosa.
- © Georgia Carini / ShutterstockPedro Barba is the second village of La Graciosa. Well, we should say a "hamlet", as it is made up of just twenty or so white cottages, occupied only during the summer months. You can stroll between the pretty houses decorated with flowers, or enjoy the incredible view of the Famara de Lanzarote cliffs from the village's small beach. You'll leave feeling refreshed and soothed.
Le village de Pedro Barba à La Graciosa.
- © Ivan M Munoz / ShutterstockThere are no hotels as such on the island of La Graciosa, but you will find plenty of flats available to rent, many with sea views.
Ferries to La Graciosa leave from Orzola, in the north of Lanzarote: the crossing takes around 30 minutes and fares start at £22 for adults and £12 for children. It is not possible to board with your car.
If you don't have a car to get to Orzola, you can book an excursion to La Graciosa.
Personal cars are not allowed on the island of La Graciosa, there aren't even any tarmac roads. You will, however, find 4x4 taxis that criss-cross the island for visiting tourists. Expect to pay around 60 euros to tour the island.
The island is not very big, so the more sporty among you can explore it on foot. Alternatively, there are bicycles for hire in Caleta de Sebo!
In Caleta de Sebo, the K'Alegranza Bar restaurant offers delicious tapas facing the ocean. Unpretentious, it also serves high-quality fish and seafood dishes.
