La Graciosa, the eighth island of the Canary Islands, is a practically virgin place, without roads, with few buildings, and with barely 700 inhabitants, where massive tourism has not yet arrived.
The golden beaches and turquoise waters of this protected area invite you to relax and unwind.
As this island is less accessible and not so known, it is normal to have a thousand questions when about to visit it, so here are some tips that will help you save money, and move around La Graciosa like a fish in water.
1. How to get to the island
As it does not have an airport, and it is separated by a strip of water known as El Río, the only way to get there is by boat from the north of the island of Lanzarote. Ferries depart every day, every 30 minutes, from the town of Órzola to the Caleta de Sebo pier, a journey that barely takes half an hour and can get quite “hectic” on days with the highest waves.
Tickets cost 26 euros round trip for non-resident adults, while children pay half, 13 euros. The key is to buy the tickets for both way in one go to save money, since otherwise the price rises to 14 euros for adults per trip and 7 for children.
It is important to mention that there is no reason to return at a specific time if you buy the return ticket, since the latter is open but you will have to return with the same ferry company.
2. How many days do you need?
Although it is an island with only 29 square kilometers, there are many things to see and do in this small piece of land.
If you don't have much time, you can visit the most important locations in just one day, but you will have to choose which beaches you want to see. The ferries start operating at 08:00 in the morning from Lanzarote until 18:00 or 19:00 to return.
However, it is always recommended to spend at least one night on the island to see it without haste and enjoy every corner of this paradise, as well as see the incredible sunsets from the beaches or from the pier itself.
3. Book accommodation in advance
If you decide to spend a few days on the island, it will be crucial to rent an apartment months in advance, as there tends to be a lot of demand and little supply, with barely 40 accommodations on La Graciosa.
This situation becomes even more complicated in July and August, the high season for tourism. In addition, mid-July is also when festivities take place, so the island tends to fill up with islanders from Lanzarote as well.
In any case, if you are an adventurous person who prefer to travel without luxuries, you can always sleep at the campsite of the island with prior reservation.
4. What places to visit
Its little more than 700 registered inhabitants reside in two small urban centers, Pedro Barba and Caleta de Sebo, the latter concentrating the bulk of restaurants, accommodation and businesses, and it is where the ferry will drop you off and pick you up.
If you only have one day, the ideal is that as soon as you arrive in La Graciosa you decide how you want to visit the beaches, if you prefer to go on foot, rent a bike or hire a jeep ride, so that you can make reservations as soon as possible.
In such a short time, the key is to visit Las Conchas or Montaña Amarilla beach in the morning, return to town to eat early and leave again for the other one in the afternoon. This way you will see the two most emblematic places on the island, but if it seems like a long trip to you, it is better to choose only Las Conchas.
However, If you go with more time, try swimming at La Francesa beach or at "las Colleras", in front of the imposing Risco de Famara, as well as visit Ámbar beach, the basaltic arch of Baja de las Maspalomas or the Barranco de los Conejos, to the east.
Another option is to take the opportunity to go hiking and climb the mountain in Las Conchas, called Montaña Bermeja, and enjoy the landscape from a bird's eye view. It all depends on the time you have.
