The Canary Islands are no doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations for people in the UK, with cheap direct flights, affordable food and drink, and comfortable accommodation available without breaking the bank.

Yet there’s one little island in the Canaries which has been touted as the region’s “best kept secret” — and it’s located just half an hour away from Lanzarote. In fact, so secretive is this untouched tropical paradise, that most tourists don’t even know it exists.

This little Canary Islands treasure is unique in all aspects — it has zero paved roads due to its heavily protected status as the largest Marine Reserve in Europe and as a National Park, which means there are no cars on this island whatsoever.

The only approved vehicles are bicycles and 4x4s owned by locals (tourists have the option of hiring them as taxis for transportation around the island).

A dream come true for travellers seeking tranquility and solitude, La Graciosa is a gem like no other. Its wild, untouched and truly remote atmosphere is a gift for those who are fed up with touristy crowds and unending travel mayhem in other popular sunny hotspots.

Reaching La Graciosa is simple. Take a direct flight from the UK to Lanzarote. At the time of writing, a direct one-way flight on March 3 was merely £25 with one free cabin bag allowance. 

On landing in Lanzarote — another affordable sunshine paradise in the Canaries — a 30-minute ferry from the port of Órzola (don’t fret as the ferry lines are regular and frequent all year round) will get you to La Graciosa. It would be wise though, to check ferry timetables when planning your trip. 

Like Lanzarote, prices on this little island paradise are affordable, with a pint of local beer costing roughly £2 (yes, it is too good to be true).

Things to do on this remote paradise

Paradisiacal beaches, virgin white, golden and red sands, turquoise waters, and unspoilt landscapes perfect for hiking — there’s something for every kind of traveller in La Graciosa.

The best way to get around this island is either by foot or on bike, as you take in the resplendent views of nature that is truly untouched. La Graciosa is not the destination for mass tourism, and its facilities and offerings are as such.

This oasis of relaxation and serenity is home to roughly 700 people, most of whom live in Caleta del Sabo — the island’s sole village. There’s also Pedro Barba, a municipality and small community of summer residences within the island, uninhibited for most of the year. These are the only two populous areas on the island of La Graciosa.

Near the fishing village of Caleta del Sabo’s harbour, there are restaurants serving delicious food boosted by unmatched ocean views. Diners can enjoy the freshest seafood, all while drinking in the beauty of this remote paradise. Some mini-markets in the village will take care of your day-to-day needs, and a small medical centre is there for emergencies.

The accommodation available on this secluded island is well maintained and fairly modern. There are also several places for bike rentals, should you wish to traverse the island in that way.

What La Graciosa lacks in luxury facilities — such is the trade-off for preserving nature in its truest form — it makes up for in some of the most crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches found across the world.

Although measuring just 27 square kilometres, La Graciosa is abundant with things to do.  Playa de las Conchas is the island’s most renowned beach, situated about an hour’s walk from the main village, and is one of the prime attractions — though it can be adversely affected by the weather and strong currents at times. 

Two more stunning sandy beaches, Playa de las Cocinas and Playa Francesa, are top rated attractions within the island (especially for families and those with little children), both adequately sheltered and boasting the most breathtaking views of the towering Famara cliffs in Lanzarote.

La Francesa transforms into a lagoon of sorts at high tide, making it the ideal spot for snorkelling and observing marine wildlife. Las Cocinas is a solitary, unspoilt cove situated at the foot of the legendary Montaña Amarilla Volcano and boasts the kind of beauty one can only dream of.

Del Ámbar, Del Salado, and De la Laja are some of the other pristine beaches found on Graciosa just begging to be explored by travellers.

Blessed with a fantastic temperate climate all year round (are we really surprised? It is the Canaries after all) La Graciosa has an unhurried way of life, and a little time spent on this tropical paradise will relax you in a way no touristy destination could.

For those looking for even more adventure, you can indulge in a boat excursion to the close by Isla de Lobos for a spot of bird watching. The wildest island of the Canaries also offers multiple glass bottom boat excursions to other nearby islands as well as deep-sea fishing expeditions.

Whatever you do — the island’s volcanic landscapes, dramatic vistas, and sparkling blue waters will ensure it’s the adventure of a lifetime.

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