La Graciosa—the eighth island★★★
La Graciosa has been officially the eighth inhabited Canary Island since 2018—and the smallest, with only 29 km² and around 750 inhabitants. It lies north of Lanzarote, separated by the 1 km wide strait El Río, and epitomizes deceleration: There are no paved roads, no hotels (only apartment rentals), no cars (except for a few jeeps and delivery vans), no hustle. Sandy tracks, fishing boats, a handful of restaurants, and the most beautiful beaches in the Canaries—that's La Graciosa.
Getting There
The ferry from Órzola (northern tip of Lanzarote) runs several times a day and takes only 25 minutes. Operator: Líneas Romero. Round trip: Adults 25 €, children (3–11) 12 €. In high season and on weekends, book in advance! You can also bring bicycles (5 € surcharge) or rent them on the island (from 10 €/day).
Caleta de Sebo
The only "town" on La Graciosa: a fishing village with sandy streets, a few guesthouses, restaurants, and mini-markets. This is where the ferries land. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a Caribbean island village—only colder and windier. All explorations start from the village.
The Beaches
- Playa de las Conchas: THE dream beach. 600 m of golden sand, turquoise water, with Roque del Oeste (rock island) as a backdrop. Located in the north of the island, about 1.5 hours on foot from Caleta de Sebo (or 30 min. by rental bike/jeep taxi). Warning: Strong currents—only suitable for swimming in calm seas!
- Playa de la Cocina: Smaller cove on the west side, more sheltered, greenish water, overlooked by Montaña Amarilla. Better for swimming than Las Conchas.
- Playa Francesa: Directly south of Caleta de Sebo, 15 min. on foot. Calm water, shallow, family-friendly. The most convenient beach.
- Playa del Salado: Even closer to the village, more for sunbathing.
Activities
Biking: The best way to explore the island. Flat except for some sandy passages. Rental bikes in Caleta de Sebo: from 10 €/day (regular bike), 20 €/day (e-bike).
Hiking: To Montaña Bermeja (157 m, highest point, great view, 2 hours round trip) or along the coast to Playa de las Conchas (3-hour loop).
Jeep Taxi: For beach hoppers—from 8 € per person to the remote beaches.
💡 Tipp
La Graciosa as a day trip is doable (ferry at 9:00 from Órzola, last return around 6:00 p.m.), but to truly enjoy it, stay overnight. The sunsets at Playa de la Cocina—with views of Montaña Amarilla—are among the most beautiful in the Canaries. Apartments from 50 €/night, but quickly booked out in high season.
