La Graciosa in the Canary Islands

The beaches of La Graciosa are mostly tranquil throughout the year, even in the island’s capital town of Caleta del Sebo. On this volcanic island, you can find a mix of white, gold, and red sand, all fronting the coral-rich Atlantic Ocean.

Playa Francesa is a crescent-shaped beach on the island’s southern coast, offering great snorkelling and swimming opportunities. You can lay your towel on fine white sand and enjoy views of the Risco de Famara mastiff. If you prefer a secluded beach day, head north to Playa Lambra – this 600-metre-long beach has rather strong currents, so it’s more suitable for sunbathing and birdwatching than swimming.

Parque Natural Archipiélago Chinijo is one of Europe’s largest and most important marine reserves. The 700-sq-km park covers several islets within the Chinijo Archipelago, including La Graciosa, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste, Alegranza, and Montaña Clara. Divers can find many excellent spots around La Graciosa, allowing them to observe unique coral formations and marine animals.

Parque Natural Archipiélago Chinijo also serves as a nesting area for numerous bird species, including white-faced storm petrels and Cory's shearwaters. Eleonora's falcon, African fish eagles, and Egyptian vultures are often spotted around the islets, too.

Scuba diving in La Graciosa should be part of your holiday if you have the necessary qualifications, as the island is part of the Chinijo Archipelago. Spanning over 700 sq km, Europe’s largest marine reserve offers excellent visibility, consistent water temperature, and plenty of excellent dive spots for all levels.

La Burrera, located just off the northern end of Playa Francesa, is where experienced divers can dive 20 metres below the surface to explore a huge network of arches and columns. Las Anclas contains anchors dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, while Las Gerardias is home to beautiful corals that are thousands of years old.

La Graciosa is a car-free island, so walking or cycling are the only ways to get around. You can find many designated hiking trails that lead to pristine beaches and majestic volcanoes. Most of these routes have very little shade, so always wear sunscreen and bring drinking water when exploring La Graciosa on foot.

A popular route among adventurous hikers takes you to the summit of Montaña Bermeja. The 160-metre-high mountain overlooks many natural sites of La Graciosa, including Playa de Las Conchas, El Mojón, Montaña Amarilla, and Las Agujas. You can also see several islets within the Chinijo Archipelago.

Dining in La Graciosa is a mostly local affair, as most of the island’s restaurants specialise in authentic Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Caleta de Sebo is where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood, such as fish, octopus, and mussels. Dishes often come with a salad and boiled potatoes. Of course, no meal in Spain is complete without a glass of red wine.

Popular spots include Casa Enriqueta, Bar Restaurante La Caletilla Casa Chano, and Cafeteria El Veril - La Graciosa.

La Graciosa’s shopping options are scarce since the island mainly serves as a protected nature reserve of the Chinijo Archipelago. Unlike Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, you won’t find big-name boutiques, shopping malls, or department stores on this quiet island.

You can shop necessities at several shops in its main town, Caleta de Sebo. Supermercado La Mar is a local supermarket near the Church of Our Lady of Carmen. It stocks a good range of fresh produce, drinks, household products, and dried food items.

La Graciosa nightlife is limited to Caleta de Sebo, the island’s main town. Even so, you won’t find rows of bars and nightclubs blasting loud music until early mornings as you will on some of the other Canaries.

Several restaurants occupy white-painted buildings near the ferry port. You can enjoy Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, as well as a range of alcoholic beverages until midnight. Standouts include Bar Restaurante La Caletilla Casa Chano, K' Alegranza Bar, and Cafeteria El Veril - La Graciosa.