La Graciosa is one of the last places in Europe without paved roads. An island where you still walk on sandy paths, even right through the “village”, and where you truly feel far away from the rest of the world. During our family holiday on Lanzarote, a day trip to La Graciosa turned out to be one of our absolute favorite adventures. Think tropical-looking, almost empty beaches, rugged volcanic landscapes and bumpy sand tracks perfect for exploring by bike or 4×4. In this article, we’ll show you why a visit to La Graciosa is one of the best day trips you can take during your Lanzarote holiday.
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- How to visit La Graciosa from Lanzarote
- Is La Graciosa worth visiting?
- Top beaches to visit on La Graciosa
- Top things to do on La Graciosa
- Visiting La Graciosa with kids: what to know
- Practical tips for your visit to La Graciosa
- Overnight stays and accommodation on La Graciosa
- La Graciosa: a surprisingly big highlight of our trip
How to visit La Graciosa from Lanzarote
La Graciosa is only accessible by ferry from Órzola, a small fishing village in the north of Lanzarote. There are no bridges, no airport and no other way to get there. And that’s exactly what makes it so special. The island truly feels like a getaway from everything.
The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes. Shortly after departure, you’ll already spot La Graciosa in the distance, with its sandy-colored mountains and rugged shape. It’s surprisingly close to Lanzarote, yet it instantly feels like a completely different world.
During high season and school holidays, the lines can get pretty long. That’s why we recommend booking your ferry online in advance. It guarantees you a spot and saves you the stress on the morning of your trip.
- 🚲 You can usually bring your own bike on board for free, but for most travelers that’s not necessary. You can easily rent bikes on La Graciosa – from city bikes and mountain bikes to e-bikes, often with child seats available too.
- 🚗 Parking in Órzola is free. There are several parking areas, and you’ll often see people directing you where to park. From there, it’s just a short walk to the harbor.
Check the current ferry schedules between Lanzarote and La Graciosa here
From Lanzarote to La Graciosa
- Every 30 to 60 minutes between 08:00 and 13:30
- Later departures include 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00 and 18:30
- In high season, also at 19:00*, 19:30**, and 20:00***
From La Graciosa to Lanzarote
- First ferry as early as 07:00
- Several departures per hour between 08:00 and 13:00
- Afternoon and evening ferries at 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00 and 17:30
- In high season, also at 18:00*, 18:30** and sometimes even until 19:00***
Note: Seasonal ferry schedules apply
- *only from March 19 to October 29
- **only from April 1 to October 25
- ***only from July 1 to October 29
Check the current ferry schedules and book your tickets directly via GetYourGuide here:
Is La Graciosa worth visiting?
La Graciosa feels like an island where everything runs just a little differently. No asphalt, no traffic lights, no rush. Just sandy paths, a few 4×4 jeeps and a village where you simply walk around in flip-flops or barefoot. Caleta de Sebo is small, laid-back and charming, with sandy streets, whitewashed houses and cozy restaurants where you grab a bite with a mix of dust and sea salt still on your skin.
But what really makes the island special are the rugged landscapes, wild coastlines and the sense of adventure on two wheels. Cycling through soft sand, past volcanic peaks and empty beaches where you don’t see another soul. It felt like a mini expedition.
It reminded us a little of Isla Holbox in Mexico. Not because it’s the same, but because we also biked along sandy roads there and were constantly surprised by the surroundings. La Graciosa has that same raw and playful vibe. One of those places that makes you want to go exploring.
Top beaches to visit on La Graciosa
La Graciosa has no roads, no resorts and no sunbeds, but it does have some of the wildest and most untouched beaches you’ll ever see. The island is bigger than it looks at first, and with just a bike (especially with kids), you won’t be able to see everything in one day. So it’s best to choose: the north side or the south side. If you want to explore both in a single day, a 4×4 tour is pretty much the only way to do it.
Below we’re sharing our favorite beaches, including a few we didn’t get to see ourselves but are still worth mentioning.
- 🏖️ Playa de las Conchas
A wide, golden beach with views of the little island Montaña Clara. This is where you’ll want to take photos. Swimming is not recommended due to the strong currents, but getting there is already part of the fun. We biked to this beach and it truly felt like an adventure. The first part from Caleta de Sebo is tough, with lots of soft sand and hills. But once you’re halfway there, it gets easier and the reward at the end is amazing.
The atmosphere, the view and the vastness of this beach left such an impression that we’re putting it in our personal top 10 of most beautiful beaches ever. And trust us, we’ve seen quite a few. - 🏖️ Playa Baja del Ganado
On the way to Playa de las Conchas, you’ll pass this wild stretch of coastline. Definitely worth a stop! Especially at low tide, you’ll spot thousands of little crabs crawling over the rocks. The rough waves and black rocks make it a dramatic and impressive place. Not really a beach to hang out for long, but absolutely a beautiful stop along the way. - 🏖️ Playa Francesa
This bay on the south side of the island is known as a great spot for swimming or snorkeling. The water is often calm, which makes it especially nice for families with kids. We didn’t go ourselves, as it’s a tough ride by bike due to the soft sand. You can get there on foot or by 4×4. It’s only a few kilometers from Caleta de Sebo, but don’t underestimate the path. - 🏖️ Playa La Cocina
Iets verder dan Playa Francesa, nog beschutter en met uitzicht op de Montaña Amarilla. Het schijnt een heerlijke plek te zijn voor een rustige strandmiddag. Ook hier geldt: je komt er alleen te voet of met een 4×4, fietsen is praktisch niet te doen.
Top things to do on La Graciosa
La Graciosa may be a small island, but there’s plenty to do. Whether you want to actively explore the volcanic landscape or just relax on a dreamy beach, there’s something for everyone. Below are a few things you definitely don’t want to miss during your visit.
Biking along sandy paths to deserted beaches
Biking is a fun and adventurous way to explore La Graciosa. You’ll ride along sandy paths, past rugged coastlines and toward deserted beaches. It can be a bit of a workout though, as the island is hilly and the sand is soft in some areas. An electric bike is definitely recommended, especially if you’re traveling with kids or if the weather is warm.
👉 Tip: Want to be sure you’ll get an electric bike or one with a child seat? Book your bike in advance. You can make your reservation through this link and then easily contact the rental shop to let them know what you need, like a child seat or helmet.
Recommended bike route according to the locals:
Start in Caleta de Sebo and follow the hilly sandy path toward Playa Baja del Ganado. The route begins with an uphill stretch, followed by a downhill section. It’s a tough start, but the views and the stop at the wild coastline make it more than worth it.
From there, continue on to the spectacular Playa de las Conchas. Take your time to look around, in our opinion this is one of the most stunning beaches we’ve ever seen.
After your beach break, you can take the same route back or make a small detour. Ride back a little, then turn left toward Playa Lambra and, if you like, continue to the impressive Arcos de los Caletones, a rock formation in the sea. From there, cycle back to Caleta de Sebo via the abandoned fishing village of Pedro Barba.
This full loop consists of three sections, each taking about 40 minutes to cycle. Keep in mind that the route is hilly and mostly unpaved with sandy paths. An electric bike is definitely not a luxury here.
👉 Note: the south side of the island is much sandier and not really suitable for biking. Still want to explore that part? Then go for a 4×4 tour or a hike.
Going on a 4×4 tour
Prefer a bit more comfort, or want to see a lot of the island in a short time? Then a guided 4×4 tour is a great option. Especially with kids, it’s a relaxed way to explore the island without having to struggle in the sun. You’ll visit places you probably wouldn’t reach otherwise.
Book the 4×4 tour around La Graciosa below, ideal with kids, in warm weather or if you can’t explore everything on foot or by bike.
Hiking to viewpoints and volcanoes
For those who love to explore on foot, there are several hiking routes leading to viewpoints, volcanic peaks and wild bays. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the trails are often rocky or dusty. The island may be small, but the terrain can be surprisingly challenging.
Snorkeling and swimming
The water around La Graciosa is crystal clear, especially at the southern beaches like Playa Francesa and Playa La Cocina. These beaches are more sheltered, which makes the water calmer and perfect for snorkeling or just floating around and relaxing.
Having lunch in Caleta de Sebo
After your bike ride or hike, Caleta de Sebo is the perfect place to relax with some lunch or an ice cream. The village is small but has a surprisingly good selection of spots to eat, from simple bakeries to cozy restaurants along the sandy streets.
Our favorite restaurants and places to eat:
- 🥐 Panaderia Pasteleria Quela
There’s often a line here in the morning, and for good reason. You’ll find delicious and affordable sandwiches, croissants, pastries and even scoop ice cream. We grabbed some sandwiches to take to the beach and of course couldn’t resist getting an ice cream too. Or actually… two. Oops. But trust us, it was totally worth it. - 🍴 Casa Enriqueta
A great spot for a relaxed lunch, with simple but tasty dishes and a nice atmosphere. Nothing fancy, but just right after a morning out exploring.
Visiting La Graciosa with kids: what to know
Our kids absolutely loved it. From sandy tracks and quiet beaches to spotting little crabs and running from the big waves, La Graciosa was one big adventure for them. Even the ferry ride over was exciting and fun all by itself.
We decided to explore the island by bike, with child seats, and it turned out to be quite the adventure. The landscape is pretty hilly and the sandy paths make it a bit of a challenge. But it was also such a fun way to head out together and discover the island as a family.
Want to make things a little easier for yourself? You can also rent electric bikes, including child seats. It makes cycling a lot more manageable, especially on warm or windy days.
Prefer a bit more comfort? Then a guided 4×4 tour is a great option. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with young kids or want to see a lot in a short amount of time. You give up a bit of freedom, but you get plenty of convenience in return.
No matter what you choose, make sure to bring enough water, snacks and sun protection. There’s very little shade on the island.
Practical tips for your visit to La Graciosa
Visiting La Graciosa takes a little bit of preparation. The island is unspoiled, which is exactly what makes it so beautiful, but also a bit less practical than you might be used to. With these tips, you’ll get the most out of your day trip (or overnight stay).
- 🎟️ Book your ferry tickets online in advance. It helps you skip the lines and guarantees you a spot, especially during holiday periods.
- 💧 Bring plenty of water and something to eat. Outside of Caleta de Sebo, there are no shops or restaurants, and you’ll likely be out exploring for several hours.
- 👒 Sunscreen, hats and UV shirts are more than just a nice-to-have. Outside of Caleta de Sebo, there’s hardly any shade and the sun can be intense. Protect yourself (and your kids) from sunburn, heatstroke or sun allergies.
- 🚯 There are no trash bins along the bike route. Bring a small bag to carry your waste until you’re back in the village.
- 🚲 Rent an electric bike if you’re not a fan of struggling through soft sand or tackling lots of hills. Or go for a 4×4 tour if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
- 🧺 Planning to spend the whole day outside the village? Bring some snacks or lunch with you. You can buy food in Caleta de Sebo, but there’s nothing for sale along the way and you might not make it back in time for a restaurant lunch.
- 🛒 Leave the stroller at home. The sandy paths on La Graciosa aren’t suitable for buggies or pushchairs. A baby carrier or hiking backpack is a much more practical option if you’re traveling with little ones.
Overnight stays and accommodation on La Graciosa
Want to enjoy the peace and quiet a little longer? In Caleta de Sebo you’ll find a few small places to stay. Simple but full of charm. Don’t expect luxury, but do expect a unique experience: stargazing without light pollution, waking up to sea views and taking your time to explore the island.
Looking back, we actually would’ve liked to stay the night. We didn’t get to see everything during our day trip, and we secretly regret that a little. Time flies on La Graciosa, and the last ferry back to Lanzarote leaves between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., depending on the season.
Spending the night gives you the freedom to truly explore the island at your own pace, from sunrise to sunset. And let’s be honest, how often do you get to sleep on an island with no paved roads?
Check out all accommodations on La Graciosa below:
La Graciosa: a surprisingly big highlight of our trip
La Graciosa isn’t a place full of major sights. But that simplicity is exactly what makes it so special. The island felt like a mini adventure within our Lanzarote holiday, and it’s one we’d recommend to anyone. Perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, beach lovers and families who want to escape it all for a while.
Also heading to Lanzarote with kids? We’ll soon be sharing our favorite spots on the island itself, from volcanoes to beaches and the best family-friendly places to stay.
