Las Palmas city guide
Las Palmas is the capital and largest city of Gran Canaria, and the co-capital of the Canary Islands. Las Palmas is the perfect combination of natural beauty, history and modern amenities.
Practical Information
Isla de la Graciosa: the Ultimate guide
Isla de la Graciosa
Isla de la Graciosa is a small island off the northern coast of Lanzarote. It is one of the smallest islands of the Canary Islands archipelago and has one of the smallest local populations with just 737 inhabitants.
The island is known for its immense natural beauty and value. It is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, and La Graciosa, in particular, is a site of great archeological value to the Canary Islands.
Discover this amazing little tropical gem.
Isla de la Graciosa: the ultimate guide
Why visit Isla de la Graciosa?
The Island is just 29 square kilometers large, but La Graciosa is chock-full of virgin beaches, turquoise water, and volcanic landscape.
There are hardly any cars, no paved roads, and of course no pollution. It is as pristine as an inhabited island can be. There are little more than 700 permanent residents and, although the island’s main resource is tourism, it is somewhat of a hidden gem. Of all the corners you can visit in the Canary Islands, La Graciosa is one of the least popular, which in this case is a good thing.
How to get to Isla de la Graciosa
La Graciosa is part of the Chinijo archipelago. This set of islands off the coast of Lanzarote, consists of three larger islands and a series of small islets. La Graciosa is the largest of all of them and the only one that has permanent residents.
Between the northernmost point of Lanzarote and La Graciosa there is a kilometer wide stretch of water. It is here where you will have to catch a ferry to get to Isla de la Graciosa.
In the port of Órzola, you will find a boat that will get you to La Graciosa for just 26 euros (round trip). The voyage takes about half an hour. the only thing you should take into account is the weather.
There is usually no problem getting to and from the island, but you should check the conditions in advance. If the weather gets sufficiently bad your trip may get canceled or postponed so make sure to plan ahead.
Everything else should be a breeze. With your ticket, you get free parking at the dock (so have it on your person), or if you don’t have a car, there is a shuttle service that stops in all the main cities of Lanzarote.
You can also make the trip to La Graciosa by hiring a private catamaran or boat. These private trips usually also offer a tour of the coast of the island, stopping at some of the best beaches.
Accommodations on La Graciosa
There are only two villages on Isla de la Graciosa: Pedro Barba and Caleta de Sebo. Caleta de Sebo is the main hub on the Island, and where you will be dropped off if you take the ferry to the island.
There a lot more lodging options in Caleta de Sebo including hotels, tourist apartments and hostels. The only problem you will find, as it is the main destination on the island is availability. If you are planning to stay the night, make sure to plan your trip in advance.
In Pedro Barba there are some options as well, but it is more of a residential area with no other services available in the area.
What to see and do on the island of La Graciosa
Something to keep in mind when planning excursions on La Graciosa, is that there are no paved roads, only dirt trails and that you will have to traverse theme on foot. Therefore, you would pack comfortable footwear and a backpack you can fill with provisions for the day.
There are some all-terrain taxis that can get you where you are going on the island, but they are scarce. Some also offer tours, if you prefer a less adventurous but more comfortable visit to the island.
Caleta de Sebo as we have mentioned is the largest town on the island. It is the best place on the island to stay, as it has everything you need is you are planning on staying more than a day. Cala de Sebo
This small town will be your base of operations. It is the place where all the services of the island are located. After an intense day, Caleta de Sebo is the haven of peace you need to regain strength.
As if it were the old west, the asphalt has not reached this far. Sandy paths that lead us between streets of beautiful white houses and multiple businesses. There is everything: accommodation, pharmacy, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, disco, diving center, kayak rental and bike rental. Anything you may need is here.
In addition, it has a charming beach on the side of the port so that you can continue enjoying La Graciosa at all hours of the day. La Laja beach is the most familiar and popular on the island.
Where to eat. I’m going to recommend a restaurant that is a few meters from the port. It’s called the Meson de la Tierra and I liked it so much that I repeated it two nights in a row. Delicious local cuisine, lots of fish and seafood, reasonable prices and excellent treatment.
La Cocina beach is one of the nicest on the Island, and it is just 4 kilometers from Cala de Sebo. Getting there is easy, but 4 kilometers both ways is a considerable walk. We would suggest that if you want to undertake the hike, that you do so early in the morning before the sun gets too strong. If you find a taxi that is willing to make the drive, then you have no excuse not to visit this pristine tropical beach.
La Cocina beach is attached to one of the more popular, and therefore busiest beaches on the island known as La Francesa beach. This 500 meter stretch of powdery golden sand is also a great option, all be it a less secluded one. It is a great place if you want to take a dip or do a bit of snorkeling.
Surrounding La Cocina beach is a long-extinct volcano known as the Montaña Amarilla or the Yellow mountain. This 172-meter tall mountain is a vibrant shade of yellow and stands out violently from the rest of the landscape. If you are looking to get a bit of exercise during your visit to La Graciosa, make sure to hike this area.
Agujas Grandes is another dormant volcano on the island and one of the tallest. again, if you are looking to do a bit more than lounge around and sunbathe, this is a great option. Agujas Grandes is 277 meters of bright red volcano to be explored towards the center of the island.
In the northern portion of La Graciosa there are several excellent beaches you should check out. Baja del Ganado is long and untouched dotted with rocks and with views of the neighboring and uninhabited island of Montaña Clara.
Las Conchas Beach (not to be confused with La Concha beach in San Sebastián) is perhaps the most beautiful beach you will find on La Graciosa. The beach is 600 meters long of golden sand and perfect, calm warm water. It is a bit of a hassle to get to but once you are there you won’t want to leave.
Los Arcos is a set of basalt rocks shaped by centuries of erosion. The rocks are twisted and sculpted into arches and strange shapes. The water in this area is choppy, but it is worth visiting for the rock formations.
Pedro Barba is the other small town (if you can call it that) on the island. It is basically a collection of wealthy mansions surrounding a small, secluded, and very quiet beach.
Other activities in the Canary Islands
Canary islands
Andalusia is Spain’s southernmost region. Andalusian is world-renowned for its white villages, flamenco, vibrant culture and it’s most important cities: Seville, Cordoba, Granada or Malaga. Our guide to Andalusia will provide you with all the information you will need to plan your trip to Andalusia.
Costa Teguise city guide
Costa Teguise is located on the island of Lanzarote which is part of the Canary Island archipelago, a Spanish territory of the coast of Morroco. Costa Teguise is popular and well known on the island for its amazing beaches and turquoise water. if you are traveling to Lanzarote and you just want to sit back and relax,Costa Teguise is the place for you.
Teide national park
Teide national park Teide National Park is one of Spain’s 15 national parks and stands out for several different reasons. It is home to the
Timanfaya national park
Timanfaya national park Timanfaya is one of the 15 national parks of Spain national park was created back in 1730. On the 1st of September
Puerto del Carmen City Guide
Puerto del Carmen is located on the island of Lanzarote which is part of the Canary Island archipelago, a Spanish territory of the coast of Morroco. Puerto del Carmen is well known on the island for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibes. if you are traveling to Lanzarote and you just want to sit back and relax, Puerto del Carmen is the place for you.