Graciosa island to enjoy. In the Atlantic Ocean, there is a natural paradise that boasts warm temperatures all year round, and it is known as one of the most desirable vacation spots in the world. Can you guess where?
Well, we’re talking about the Canary Islands, and we want to tell you all about two of its islands, Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Both of these islands are situated in the most northeastern part of the Canary Islands and are characterized by their spectacular and jaw-dropping landscapes.
La Graciosa is a small island, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm! This beautiful location in the Atlantic is virtually unspoiled, meaning that huge amounts of development have not ruined the natural landscape. While staying on the spectacular island of Lanzarote and its unique black sand, you can take a simple trip to the beautiful La Graciosa island and enjoy an amazing day indulging in all of its wonders.
The one-of-a-kind Sandos resorts, Sandos Papagayo and Sandos Atlantic Gardens, are the most desirable choices for adventurers who want to experience the best of both islands. When relaxing at the resort of your choosing, you can enjoy unique services and amenities as part of the resort’s different experiences. You can indulge in unique experiences such as the Ocean & Volcano experience at Sandos Atlantic Gardens or the Nature experience at Sandos Papagayo.
In both, you will be able to get to know the different beauties of the island in depth through holistic experiences and activities such as an excursion to the Red Mountain or the Ajaches Natural Park, where one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain can be found. For those looking for as many adventures as they can possibly fit in their vacation, read about the quiet island of Lanzarote and the famous Timanfaya National Park.
La Graciosa Island
If you think that one day exploring La Graciosa isn’t enough and you want to spend a night there, you need to bear in mind that it is a small island with the majority of it being protected and very few accommodation options; we highly recommend planning your trip well in advance. All of the accommodation options are located in Caleta del Sebo, an urban center on the island where the ferries from Lanzarote arrive.
To get to La Graciosa, you have to take a ferry in Lanzarote from the Port of Órzola. You will be able to find various companies offering the ferry service with a one-way ticket that costs about €15 (Check the prices before you go as they may vary depending on the company and the date).
Now, get ready to learn a little bit more about the island and the best activities to do during your visit to this extraordinary place. La Graciosa is one of the islands that belong to the Chinijo Archipelago and was declared a Natural Park and Marine Reserve in 1989, which is why this territory has been able to maintain its uniqueness. The history of this naturally preserved island has allowed it to be a place of wonder where hardly anyone has lived and was not commonly thought of as a tourist attraction until recently.
Since 2013, travelers have come to know its incredible beauty and it has gained strength as a tourist destination, but thanks to the fact that the interest in the island grew quite late, there are still unspoiled natural areas with golden sand beaches and turquoise waters ready to be discovered. Amazingly, there is not even one asphalt road on the island, something extremely rare in the Canary archipelago.
What is their to do on the Island of La Graciosa?
Once you are aware of why it is so amazing, you won’t be able to resist booking your next getaway to discover the activities you can do when visiting La Graciosa, like cycling and diving; keep on reading to find out more.
Cycling
One of the most exciting activities to do on the island is enjoying a peaceful and beautiful ride on a bicycle. It may be something you often do back home, but trust that this ride will be unique and one you will remember forever. Renting a bike to explore the island’s natural radiance on pedals is the perfect opportunity to truly discover the island and its wonders. La Graciosa has very flat terrain and is ideal for all levels of cyclists, even those with little experience. Remember that the island is protected and it is crucial that you do not wander off the marked paths dedicated for cyclists in order to leave the natural landscape of the area unscathed.
For experienced bike lovers, this destination boasts plenty of complex routes in the volcanic areas. You can rent the bikes once you get to Caleta de Sebo. Here are several routes you cannot miss during your trip.
- From the Corral to Punta del Cobre
- From Las Agujas to Montaña Bermeja
- One bordering the sea to La Francesa beach
Trekking
Taking a stroll through the beautiful and diverse landscape is a must during your getaway to this natural paradise. There are a wide array of different tracks that are prepared for those who want to embark on a new adventure on foot. From the urban centers, you are able to take different routes allowing you to discover the different things that make La Graciosa special. Like the bike paths, all walking routes are marked, and you must stay on them at all times so as not to harm the island’s biodiversity. Most of the routes available around the island lead trekkers to the beach. After a calming walk, you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the ocean!
It is important to keep in mind that once you leave the urban areas during your hike, you will not be able to find any stores, beach bars, or restaurants. Therefore, it is essential that you bring plenty of water and snacks before you leave town.
Diving
La Graciosa belongs to the Chinijo Archipelago, a group of islands made up of Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste. Fascinatingly, La Graciosa is the only island that can be accessed, putting it as the only place to embark on underwater excursions to see the enormous Marine Reserve. You will be able to see a variety of species, including many that are protected and in danger of extinction.
In Caleta del Sebo, you can reserve a diving excursion with one of the local companies. If you prefer, take a trip down to the island’s beach and discover the seabed using a snorkeling kit!
Beaches
We promised you nothing but the best of La Graciosa, and that is its virgin beaches of golden sand. Here are the ideal places to sit back, relax, and enjoy the tranquility of the island. Some of the most desirable beaches are Playa de las Conchas, Playa Lambra, Playa Cocina, and Playa Francesa. The beaches in Pedro Barba and Caleta del Sebo are the only ones with restaurants and bars close by. Although these are the urban centers on the island, they are quite small and maintain a unique charm, appearing to be small fishing villages.
All of the beaches are accessible by walking, biking, or taking a 4×4 taxi. Bring snorkeling equipment with you to have the opportunity to see the beautiful underwater world off the shores of La Graciosa.
Tips & Recommendations Graciosa island
To make the most out of your trip to La Graciosa, we want to ensure you have everything you need. Here are some of our tips and recommendations to take into account before your adventure:
- Bring sunscreen. The island has almost no trees or shade, so it is crucial that you are protected from the sun. Throughout the year, the island experiences warm weather and high winds, so you may not feel like your skin is being affected, but it is easy to burn without sunscreen.
- Always have water and snacks with you. Due to the lack of stores outside of the urban areas, there is no place to replenish when you are hungry or thirsty. Before leaving on an excursion outside of these areas, make sure you are fully stocked with the essentials.
- Respect the flora and fauna of the island. Remember to never leave the marked paths to avoid harming the local biodiversity.
- Be careful about where you go swimming. Stick to the marked beaches that are safe to take a dip in. Some of the areas have strong currents and are extremely dangerous to swim in.
A trip to La Graciosa is something we highly recommend doing during your vacation to Lanzarote, but please be respectful of the area while visiting. This island has managed to keep its natural beauty virtually untouched, and we all need to do our part to make sure it stays that way. While enjoying the many amazing things about this island, always follow the signs, never litter, and be respectful of the native fauna and flora. Are you ready to visit one of the most exotic and mysterious islands on the earth?