Playa de las Conchas

Playa de las Conchas, La Graciosa (Caleta de Sebo)

At the far northwest of La Graciosa, within the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, Playa de las Conchas is one of the island's most recognisable sights. Its name comes from the shells (conchas) that the sea deposits on the sand, and its appeal lies in the contrast between the strip of golden sand, the intense blue of the Atlantic and the volcanic profile of the islets that close the horizon. It is a virgin beach, undeveloped and without services, that rewards those who visit with one of the cleanest landscapes in the Canary archipelago.

A wild beach facing the Chinijo islets

The beach stretches for about 610 metres of fine sand, fully open to the ocean. Directly opposite rise Montaña Clara and, further north, Alegranza and the Roque del Oeste, the islets that make up the Chinijo Archipelago. The setting is semi-desert and almost without human trace, which makes Las Conchas an ideal place to walk along the shore, photograph the landscape or simply lie in the sun far from the bustle. It is part of the catalogue of the most spectacular beaches in the Canaries precisely because of that untamed character.

Safety: a beach dangerous for swimming

It is worth insisting on this point before planning a visit: Las Conchas is not a beach for swimming. Its exposed orientation and the channel that separates it from Montaña Clara generate very strong sea currents and a swell that can drag even experienced swimmers. There is no lifeguard post or surveillance of any kind. The authorities and official guides expressly advise against swimming; if you decide to dip your feet, do so only where you can stand and never with a heavy sea or strong wind. Enjoy it as a viewpoint and a beach for walking, not as a bathing area.

How to get there

• Starting point: Caleta de Sebo, the main settlement of La Graciosa, about 5.2 km from the beach.

• On foot: between 45 and 60 minutes' walk along a dirt track. Bring water, shade and comfortable footwear, as there are no services on the way or at the beach.

• By bicycle: about 20 minutes, one of the most popular ways to get around the island.

• By 4x4 taxi: there is an off-road taxi service with prior booking, as vehicle traffic on the island is very restricted.

Before you go

La Graciosa is reached by boat from Órzola (Lanzarote). The whole island is protected, so respect the surroundings and leave no trace. Check the wind and sea forecast before setting out and plan the day with daylight to spare. You can find more information on the official Canary Islands tourism website Hola Islas Canarias.