Hidden away from the remainder of the world, simply off the northern coast of Lanzarote, La Graciosa is without doubt one of the best-kept secrets and techniques within the Canary Islands. Recognized all through the archipelago for its pristine pure magnificence, car-free streets, and golden sandy seashores, this tiny island is the perfect getaway if you wish to swap the hustle and bustle of contemporary life for island residing.
Whether or not you need to pop over from Lanzarote for the day, discover rugged mountain climbing trails, or do as little as potential on one of many many gorgeous seashores, La Graciosa has one thing for everybody.
To save lots of you time and trouble, we’ve put collectively the final word information to visiting La Graciosa. From the most effective time to go to and learn how to get round to the most effective issues to do and the highest locations to remain, this information shares all of it.
The Greatest Time To Go to Graciosa Island
It’s nearly unimaginable to call the most effective time to go to La Graciosa as a result of there’s by no means a foul time! The Canary Islands in Spain get pleasure from blissful climate all year long, with balmy highs of 93°F (34°C) and delicate lows of 65°F (18°C). As a result of La Graciosa is comparatively flat in comparison with the opposite islands, you received’t expertise excessive temperatures right here.
The island not often will get busy, so regardless of once you go, you’ll at all times keep away from the crowds. When it comes to climate, late spring (April and Could) and early fall (September and October) are your greatest wager. Presently of 12 months, you possibly can count on clear blue skies and oodles of sunshine with out the extraordinary warmth or rainfall.
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How To Get To La Graciosa
The one strategy to get to La Graciosa is to take a ferry from Órzola within the north of Lanzarote. The journey takes simply 25 minutes, throughout which period you’ll get implausible views of the Risco de Famara mountains alongside the shoreline. Earlier than you realize it, you’ll arrive on the port of Caleta de Sebo in La Graciosa.
There are two ferry corporations that function between Lanzarote and La Graciosa year-round: Líneas Romero and Biosfera Categorical. Each corporations provide 9 routes per day, between roughly 8 am and eight pm. There are crossings each half-hour and tickets not often promote out, so you possibly can depart it till the final minute for those who’re undecided what your plans are.
The costs are the identical for each ferry corporations — €28 return for adults and €15 return for youngsters. Infants underneath the age of two can journey free of charge.
You received’t discover a lot onboard — primarily a small seating space, restrooms, and free WiFi. However the stunning views are greater than sufficient to maintain you entertained alongside the best way.
It’s essential to do not forget that vehicles aren’t allowed on La Graciosa. If you happen to’re touring by automobile, you possibly can depart it on the parking zone in Órzola. Thankfully, bicycles are allowed on the island and you’ll deliver them with you on the ferry.
How To Get Round La Graciosa
La Graciosa is a very car-free island and there aren’t any correct asphalt roads, so driving is out of the query. The best strategy to get round is to cycle. You may rent a bicycle for the day and discover the island’s three major cycle routes. The tracks are effectively signposted so that you received’t get misplaced and you’ll work your method across the complete island in only a few hours.
Strolling is one other nice strategy to discover La Graciosa. So long as you’ve obtained comfy sneakers, one thing to maintain the solar off your face, and loads of water to remain hydrated, you’ll have a pleasant time. There are strolling routes dotted everywhere in the island that take you across the shoreline and thru the mountains.
If you happen to’re searching for one thing slightly extra stress-free, you’ll be glad to listen to that there’s a 4×4 Jeep taxi service on the island. These sturdy automobiles can whizz over the sand and rocky terrain of the island and get you wherever you need to be.
For one thing with a extra sightseeing vibe, you too can join 4×4 Jeep safari excursions and discover the most effective elements of the island in simply a few hours.
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What to do in La Graciosa
Regardless of its small measurement, there are many issues to do on the island. Whether or not you need to go scuba diving and discover underwater wonders or pop right into a Canarian restaurant and take a look at some native meals, listed here are the highest issues to do in Isla Graciosa.
Benefit from the mountain climbing trails
There are various mountain climbing trails in La Graciosa, starting from comparatively easy hikes that take lower than two hours as much as island-wide hikes that take as much as six hours.
Though it’s essentially the most difficult, the entire La Graciosa Tour from Montaña Amarilla to Montaña Bermeja is without doubt one of the hottest on the island. It takes round six hours to finish and covers a whopping 15 miles (24km)!
A shorter different is the Caleta de Sebo — Montaña Amarilla — Punta del Pobre route which begins from the place the ferry docks. It guides you across the southern tip of the island, taking within the dramatic shoreline and towering volcano. It takes round 3.5 hours to finish and covers 9 miles (14.3km).
If you happen to’re searching for one thing extra light, think about the Playa de las Conchas — Montaña Bermeja — Caleta de Sebo route. This is without doubt one of the shortest on the island and takes you from the southern coast, by means of the mountains, to the northern a part of the island in 4.3 miles (7km).
Sail away on an island cruise
Probably the greatest methods to expertise La Graciosa is from the water. This luxurious catamaran cruise takes you across the coast of the island, so you possibly can absolutely respect its dramatic landscapes.
You’ll be handled to a mojito onboard, adopted by limitless beer, sangria, mushy drinks, and water till you arrive at Playa Francesa. Right here you’ll have an opportunity to chill off, swim, snorkel, and kayak within the crystal-clear waters.
For lunch, you’ll dig into a standard Spanish paella and recent fruit earlier than the free drinks proceed to circulate as you make your method again.
Uncover the island’s historical past and marine life
If you happen to’ve obtained a while spare whereas in Caleta de Sebo, try Museo Chinijo. This small museum is tucked behind the church and tells you all about La Graciosa’s historical past and the marine life that lives in its surrounding waters. Ensure you search out the enormous whale skeleton — it’s essentially the most spectacular a part of the museum!
As a result of aloe vera performs such an essential position in the Canary Islands, there’s a piece of the museum devoted to it. You’ll discover native aloe vera merchandise on the market within the museum’s present store, too. The museum is totally free to go to and it’s open from Monday to Saturday, 10 am till 5 pm.
Discover La Graciosa on a Jeep safari
Witness the most effective that Isla Graciosa has to supply in only a few hours on a Jeep safari! On this thrilling tour, you’ll first zoom away from Caleta de Sebo to the lovable village of Pedro Barba. After a delicate stroll by means of the village, you’ll head to the shoreline and see for those who can spot some resident turtles.
Then it’s on to Los Arcos de Los Caletones, a powerful rock formation that rises excessive above the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an unbelievable spot to snap some footage.
Lastly, you’ll make your strategy to Las Conchas Seaside, the place you’ll have time to sunbathe, swim, stroll, and calm down earlier than returning to the Jeep and heading again to Caleta de Sebo.
Cycle across the island
There are three major cycle routes in La Graciosa that take you to the island’s highlights:
- North Route: Playa de las Conchas and Pedro Barba. A 9.5 mile (15.4km) round route of low problem.
- South Route: Playa de la Francesa. A 1.5 mile (2.5km) linear route of excessive problem.
- Corral Route: Punta del Pobre. A 4.4 mile (7.1km) linear route of low problem.
Though the South Route is the shortest, it’s essentially the most tough since you’ve obtained to cycle over numerous sand. Due to that, we suggest sticking with the North Route for those who’re feeling energetic or the Corral Route if you’d like one thing rather less intense.
You may rent bikes in La Graciosa for as little as €20 per day, making it an ideal exercise for those who’re on a price range. Actually, it’s worthy of a spot in your Spain bucket listing!
Strive the native delicacies
Consuming the native meals is without doubt one of the greatest (and most enjoyable!) methods to study a brand new tradition. While you’re in La Graciosa, be sure you attempt:
- Papas Arrugadas con Mojo: Small potatoes with their skins on boiled in salt and served with a spicy pink pepper and delicate inexperienced pepper sauce.
- Queso Asado con Miel: Smoked mushy goat cheese cooked on a sizzling plate till golden and drizzled in honey.
- Conejo al Salmorejo: Delicate rabbit meat cooked in white wine, oregano, cumin, paprika, and thyme.
- Rancho Canario: A stew made from chickpeas, shredded pork, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, chorizo, and garlic.
- Quesillo Canario: A cross between a cheesecake and a flan that’s made with milk, eggs, and caramelized sugar.
Go to the most effective seashores within the space
The seashores in Isla Graciosa are a few of the most stunning on this planet. Boasting mushy golden sand with dazzling turquoise waters on one facet and rising rocky cliffs on the opposite, that is as near paradise as you’ll ever get.
There are six seashores in whole on the island:
- La Francesa Seaside: Best for snorkeling
- La Cocina Seaside: Calm waters for swimming
- Las Conchas Seaside: Stunning mountain views
- Ámbar Seaside: A wild and untouched seashore
- La Laja Seaside: Conveniently situated in Caleta de Sebo
- El Salado Seaside: A distant golden bay
The fairly Spanish seashores of La Graciosa are a few of the prime locations to go online within the nation.
Greatest seashores in La Graciosa
There could solely be six seashores in La Graciosa, however they’re all so gorgeous that it’s nearly unimaginable to choose the most effective one. If you happen to’ve solely obtained time to go to a handful, we suggest these ones:
Las Conchas Seaside
Tucked away within the northwest of Isla Graciosa, Las Conchas Seaside fantastically combines the pale yellow of the sand with the putting pink hues of the Montaña Bermeja mountain. Though swimming isn’t really useful right here as a result of the ocean is commonly tough, you might be handled to spectacular views of the Montaña Clara islet from right here.
La Cocina Seaside
Also referred to as Montaña Amarilla, La Cocina Seaside is round 3.7 miles (6km) away from Caleta de Sebo. It’s a implausible spot for swimming as a result of the seashore is lined by El Río, an extremely calm space of water that separates this a part of the shoreline from Lanzarote. The water can be persistently clear, making La Cocina Seaside a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling.
La Francesa Seaside
You’ll need to journey to the south of La Graciosa to achieve La Francesa Seaside, however the journey is greater than value it. Right here you’ll discover super-soft platinum-white sand that stretches alongside the aquamarine shoreline and curves round to La Cocina Seaside. From right here you’ll be handled to spectacular views of Riscos de Famara, a group of mountains topped by a shocking viewpoint.
Day journeys from Isla Graciosa
Though Isla Graciosa is an excellent place to go to, it’s a little on the small facet. If you happen to begin to endure from island fever, you possibly can hop on a ship and discover one of many different Canary Islands.
Lanzarote
If you happen to didn’t handle to spend any time in Lanzarote, now’s your probability! You may attain the neighboring island by ferry from Caleta de Sebo in simply 25 minutes, making it a great spot for a day tour.
The Timanfaya Nationwide Park, Jameos del Agua, and Cueva de Los Verdes are three of the most effective issues to do in Lanzarote — and you’ll expertise all of them on at the present time journey.
You’ll get to witness geothermal power up shut, discover one of many longest lava tubes on Earth, and head underground into an inside lagoon that dates again 4,000 years.
If you happen to desire to do issues by yourself, there are many different spots to go to in Lanzarote, together with:
- Go to the Fundación de César Manrique the place you possibly can view his non-public artwork assortment and see tiny white blind crabs you received’t discover wherever else
- Discover the Jardín de Cactus and the 4,500 vegetation from 5 continents that decision it house
- Go wine tasting in La Geria and take a look at “blanco afrutado”, the favored candy and fruity white wine from the Canary Islands
- Stand on the prime of the Mirador del Río viewpoint and gaze throughout the ocean over to La Graciosa
- Scuba dive and uncover the fascinating statues on the underwater Museo Atlántico
In search of someplace to remain? Try this information to the greatest adult-only resorts in Lanzarote.
The place to Keep in La Graciosa
Due to its small measurement, there aren’t any resorts in La Graciosa. However that doesn’t imply there’s nowhere to remain! There are many implausible non-public rental choices on the island. Listed below are two of our prime picks:
Apartamento La Graciosa – Casa Lapitas
Centrally situated in Caleta de Sebo, Casa Lapitas is a shiny and minimalist house inside strolling distance of Francesa Seaside and Salado Seaside. Its distinctive location means you possibly can sleep soundly each evening and revel in gorgeous coastal views once you get up.
Inside the house, you’ll discover one double bed room, one rest room with a bathe, one lounge with a sensible TV, and a well-equipped kitchen full with fridge, espresso machine, and welcome treats.
There’s an ideal selection of eating places within the native space and you’ll even lease bicycles from the hosts.
Apartamento Casa Rosabella
Additionally situated in Caleta de Sebo, Casa Rosabella is a spacious two-bedroom house only a stone’s throw from Salado Seaside. The beachy, bohemian-inspired decor flows all through the house, from the open-plan residing and eating room to the brilliant and trendy rest room.
Probably the greatest issues about this house is that it will possibly sleep as much as six company. There are two single beds in the primary bed room, plus two bunk beds, making it superb for households and teams.
You’ll discover loads of tempting eating places within the quick space, though the kitchen is so roomy and well-equipped chances are you’ll end up cooking numerous meals at house.
La Graciosa FAQ
La Graciosa is totally value visiting, particularly for those who’re dreaming of a laid-back, stress-free expertise within the Canary Islands. This small, car-free island is situated off the northern coast of Lanzarote and boasts golden sandy seashores, rugged volcanic terrain, and sleepy fishing villages simply begging to be explored.
La Graciosa is greatest identified for its pure magnificence, island-wide serenity, and pristine landscapes. Its clear aquamarine waters are glorious examples of this, as are its white-washed hamlets, and glorious scuba diving spots.
La Graciosa within the Canary Islands is simply 11 sq. miles (29 sq. kilometers). It’s the smallest of the Canary Islands and you’ll discover the complete place in a single day! Simply 750 individuals name the island house.
La Graciosa within the Azores, Portugal known as “the White Island” as a result of it’s house to many locations that include the phrase white (corresponding to Serra Branca) of their names and its white sandy seashores. It’s a very completely different place from La Graciosa within the Canary Islands, Spain. The Canarian La Graciosa is typically known as “the Pretty One” as a result of that’s a free translation of its identify.
Conclusion
Isla Graciosa could also be small, however for those who take an opportunity on it, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable experiences you’ll be telling individuals about for years to come back.
From its beautiful shoreline and time-forgotten villages to its astonishing viewpoints and irresistible relaxed vibe, this tiny island is ideal for those who’re dreaming of slowing down and appreciating the peaceable tranquility of nature.
Whether or not your plan is to hike round historical volcanoes, discover off-the-beaten-track on two wheels, or just work in your tan on the seashore, La Graciosa dishes up an unspoiled paradise that you simply received’t discover wherever else.
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