What to See in La Graciosa: The Eighth Canary Island
With no paved roads, sandy streets and barely any cars, La Graciosa is the closest thing left in the Canaries to travelling back in time. In 2018 it was officially recognised as the archipelago's eighth inhabited island, and you only need to set foot on it to understand why it wins hearts: here you walk barefoot, get around by bike and the clock loosens its grip.
If you are looking for what to see and do in La Graciosa beyond lying on the sand, this is your guide. At the end you will also find a link to our detailed guide to the island's best beaches.
How to get to La Graciosa
You reach it by ferry from Órzola, in the north of Lanzarote. The crossing takes about 25 minutes across the El Río strait, and it is run by two ferry companies (Líneas Romero and Biosfera Express), with frequent departures throughout the day. In high season it is best to book your ticket in advance.
A tip before boarding: right next to Órzola harbour is the Caletón Blanco, a lagoon that at high tide turns into a turquoise natural pool and at low tide is left almost dry among the rocks. An extra stop just steps from the ferry.
The first thing that surprises you when you disembark: there is no tarmac. The streets are made of jable (the fine, pale sand of marine origin that covers the island) and only authorised 4x4 taxis (a limited number of licences) and the odd service vehicle drive around. The real way to get about the island is on foot or by bike.
Caleta de Sebo, the capital of sandy streets
Caleta de Sebo is the island's only settlement with permanent life and its port of entry. A village of low, white houses, jable streets and a genuine seafaring feel with nothing put on.
Do not miss the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, with a unique detail: its altar is shaped like a fishing boat and its lamps draw on marine motifs. A small tribute to the way of life that has always sustained the island.
It is also the place to stock up before setting out to explore: this is where the shops, restaurants and bike rentals are.
Pedro Barba, the village of silence
To the northeast, remote and almost uninhabited, lies Pedro Barba. It was born in the 1880s, founded by Lanzarote families and tied to a salting and fish-processing plant. Today it has no permanent residents: it is a quiet area of summer houses and, architecturally, one of the most carefully kept and exclusive corners of the island. It is worth the visit for its history and, above all, for its silence. A spot to truly switch off. You can reach it on foot from Caleta de Sebo along the ruta Caleta de Sebo - Pedro Barba.
The volcanoes of La Graciosa: hiking with a view
La Graciosa is small, but its volcanic cones offer some of the best panoramas of the Canarian Atlantic.
Montaña Bermeja
The red volcano of the north. Climbing to its summit opens up a 360-degree view over the whole Archipiélago Chinijo: Montaña Clara, Alegranza and the sea stacks appear on the horizon. The sight alone justifies the effort.
Montaña Amarilla
The Montaña Amarilla is the yellow volcano at the southern tip. Its ochre colour creates a spectacular contrast with the blue of the ocean, and it is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset and take photos.
Nature and sea: the Archipiélago Chinijo
La Graciosa and its neighbouring islets form the Parque Natural del Archipiélago Chinijo, home to the largest marine reserve in Europe. That means crystal-clear waters and seabeds teeming with life, perfect for snorkelling and diving. It is the natural heart of the island and the thread that connects its volcanoes with its beaches.
What to do: bike, kayak and catamaran
Bike: the most popular way to get around the island. One important practical tip: some stretches have very deep sand where the bike gets stuck, so find out which routes are passable before you set off.
Catamaran and boat trips: the best way to sail around the archipelago and discover coves you cannot reach by land.
Diving, kayaking and snorkelling: to enjoy those protected waters from within. Centres such as La Graciosa Diving organise dives over the Chinijo seabeds.
Where to eat in La Graciosa
Fresh fish straight from the sea and local flavour with no frills. The seafood restaurants around the Caleta de Sebo harbour are the place to try the catch of the day or Canarian goat's cheese. Eating with your feet almost in the sand, watching the comings and goings of the quay, is part of the experience.
The beaches of La Graciosa
No visit is complete without its beaches, from the spectacular Playa de las Conchas in the north (postcard-perfect, though with strong currents for swimming) to the calm of Playa de la Francesa. Since each one has its own character (where to swim, where it is windy, where to snorkel), we have devoted a separate guide to them:
Want to head straight for the water? Read our detailed guide to the best beaches of La Graciosa to find out which cove is best for what you are after.
Practical tips for your visit
Bring some cash: there is an ATM in Caleta de Sebo, but it often runs out of money on long weekends and in high season, and some small businesses or taxis prefer cash or Bizum. Most restaurants already take card.
Use water responsibly: La Graciosa has no natural fresh water; it all arrives from Lanzarote through an undersea pipe that occasionally breaks down. Be mindful and save every drop.
Sun protection: there is barely any shade; come prepared.
Book in advance the ferry and accommodation in high season.
Comfortable footwear: you will be walking on sand.
Respect the surroundings: you are in a protected natural area.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit La Graciosa in a day?
Yes. Many visitors go there and back in a day from Lanzarote. Even so, staying overnight lets you enjoy the sunset and the silence once the day trippers leave.
Are there cars on La Graciosa?
Practically none. Only authorised 4x4 taxis (a limited number of licences, so in high season you may have to wait) and service vehicles drive around. The norm is to get about on foot or by bike.
Do you need a permit to visit it?
For a normal tourist visit, no. Certain activities within the protected area (such as camping at the Zona de Acampada de Playa del Salado) do require prior authorisation.
How do you get there?
By ferry from Órzola (Lanzarote), about a 25-minute crossing.
La Graciosa is not to be seen in a hurry: you explore it slowly, at the pace of sand. Discover what to see, prepare well and let yourself be carried along by the calmest island in the Canaries.