Graciosa, Volcanic island in Chinijo Archipelago, Canary Islands, Spain
Description
Graciosa is a volcanic island in the Chinijo Archipelago north of Lanzarote, with golden beaches and scattered white buildings along turquoise waters. The landscape shifts between flat coastal sections and gently rising volcanic cones that overlook the entire island.
History
The island remained uninhabited for centuries until fishermen began settling permanently in the 19th century. The Spanish Senate officially declared it the eighth Canary Island in 2018, changing its previous classification from an islet.
Culture
The name comes from the Spanish word for graceful, reflecting how sailors once viewed its low profile and calm shores from passing ships. Local families still repair fishing nets by hand near the harbor each morning.
Practical
Visitors reach the island through regular ferry services from Órzola port in Lanzarote, with the crossing over the Strait of El Río taking around 25 minutes. The absence of paved roads makes comfortable shoes essential for sandy paths.
Did you know?
The island functions without paved roads, allowing only authorized vehicles while maintaining a network of sandy paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Local children ride bicycles to the small school, following the same paths their grandparents used.
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Lanzarote is an island in the Canaries shaped by its volcanic past. Timanfaya National Park spreads across a large part of the island, showing black lava fields, craters, and colored rock formations. Volcanoes like El Cuervo, Montaña Colorada, and Caldera Blanca can be hiked. Underground caves such...
Mirador del Río
4.4 km
Playa de las Conchas
3.2 km
Playa Francesa
4.2 km
Playa de la Cantería
4.7 km
Natural Park of the Chinijo Archipelago
1.2 km
Playa de los Conejos
1.1 km
La Cantería
4.7 km
Lambra
3.3 km
La Cocina
4.8 km
Playa Baja del Ganado
2.6 kmCaleta de Arriba
982 m
Francesa
4.2 kmCaleta del Puerto
1.8 kmLa Laja
2.7 kmBarranco de los Conejos
1.1 kmMontaña Amarilla
4.8 kmEl Salado
3.2 km
Morros Negros
1.4 kmEl Risco
4.1 km
Pedro Barba
2.2 kmPlaya de La Laja
2.2 kmWork of art, sculpture
1.8 kmPunta del Pobre
5.5 kmScenic viewpoint
4.5 kmScenic viewpoint
4.8 kmScenic viewpoint
3.8 kmOld Farm
2.6 kmMemorial, stele
2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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