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 the overcrowding typical of tourist places in Spain has not yet arrived. Its golden-colored beaches and the turquoise waters of this protected area invite relaxation and disconnection.
As it is a less accessible and known island, it is normal for thousands of doubts to arise when visiting it, so below you have some tips that will help you save and get around La Graciosa like a fish in water.
1. How to get to the island
Since it does not have an airport, and 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. Every day ferries depart, with a frequency of 30 minutes, from the town of Órzola to the dock of Caleta de Sebo, a journey that barely lasts half an hour and that can become quite “rough” on days of higher waves.
The family company Líneas Romero stands out for being the first to connect Lanzarote with La Graciosa, a job it has been doing since 1930. In addition, it also has connections to the neighboring island of Fuerteventura, as well as leisure excursions on catamarans.
The key is to buy the ticket for both the outbound and return journey, since you also do not have to return at a specific time if you buy both, as the return is open, but yes, you always have to return with the same ferry company.
2. How many days to go
Although it is an island with only 29 square kilometers, there are many things to see and do on this small piece of land.
If you do not have much time, you can see the most important locations in just one day, although you will have to choose between visiting some beaches or others. The ferries begin to operate 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 rushing and enjoying every corner of this paradise, as well as to see the incredible sunsets from the beaches or from the dock itself.
3. Book accommodation in advance
If you decide to spend a few days on the island it will be vitally important that you rent an apartment months in advance, since there tends to be a lot of demand and little supply, with barely 40 accommodations in La Graciosa.
This situation gets even more complicated in July and August, coinciding with the peak tourist season. Furthermore, mid-July also features the patron saint festivals, so the island also tends to fill up with islanders from Lanzarote.
In any case, if you are an adventurous person who prefers to travel light and without luxuries, you can always stay overnight at the island's campsite, provided you book in advance.
4. Places to visit
Its just over 700 registered inhabitants live in two small urban centers, Pedro Barba and Caleta de Sebo, the latter concentrating the bulk of the restaurants, accommodations, and establishments, and it is where the ferry will drop you off and pick you up.
If you only have one day, the ideal is to decide as soon as you arrive at La Graciosa how you want to visit the beaches, whether you prefer to go on foot, rent a bike, or hire a jeep trip, so that you make reservations as soon as possible.
In such a short time, the key is to visit Las Conchas beach or Montaña Amarilla in the morning, return to the village to eat early, and leave for the other in the afternoon. This way you will see the two most emblematic sites on the island, but if it seems like too much travel, it is better to opt only for Las Conchas.
If you have more time, you can also swim at La Francesa beach or at "las Colleras", opposite the imposing Risco de Famara, as well as visit Ámbar beach, the basalt arch of Baja de las Maspalomas, or Barranco de los Conejos, to the east.
Another option is to take the opportunity to do some hiking and climb the mountain in Las Conchas, called Montaña Bermeja, and enjoy the landscape from a bird's-eye view. Everything will depend on the time you have available.
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