La Graciosa
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, 35540
The largest and only inhabited island in the small Chinijo Archipelago, La Graciosa is home to just 600 people, and it has no roads, natural water supply, or hotels—making it the perfect spot to get away from it all. Its dreamlike landscape of golden beaches, sandy dunes, and volcanic hills offers a change of pace from the busy mainland.
The basics
Most visitors come to La Graciosa to soak up the scenery, and getting around the 12-square-mile (30-square-kilometer) island is easily done on foot, by jeep, or by water taxi. Along with swimming and sunbathing, the most popular pastimes for day-trippers include cruising around the surrounding isles, cycling along the coast, or scuba diving in the surrounding marine reserve. Day trips from the mainland often take the form of catamaran cruises or glass-bottom boat excursions.
Things to know before you go
- Most accommodations on the island are concentrated around Caleta de Sebo.
- Remember to pack swimwear, a beach towel, sunscreen, and a hat, as well as a light jacket for the cooler evening hours.
- If you plan to bike around the island, keep in mind that the trails are only suitable for mountain bikes.
How to get there
La Graciosa is located off Lanzarote’s north coast. Regular ferries from Orzola to La Graciosa run regularly throughout the day during the summer months, and take around 30 minutes. It’s also possible to hire a boat or join a guided tour.
When to get there
While La Graciosa remains a bit off the beaten tourist track, it can still get busy during Carnival, summer weekends, and the Fiesta del Carmen in July. The Easter and Christmas holidays also tend to attract bigger crowds.
Top Attractions on La Graciosa
The highlights of La Graciosa are its nearly empty beaches. To really get away from it all, head to Playa de las Conchas, situated furthest from the ferry harbor; the white sands and calm, turquoise waters of Playa de la Cocina make it another top spot for sun-seekers. Away from the beach, the island is crisscrossed by a network of hiking and biking trails leading to craggy mountains and hidden coves. The scuba diving offshore ranks among the best in Europe.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!