La Graciosa is the closest thing to a desert island left in the Canaries. It lies across from the Famara cliffs, separated from Lanzarote by the El Río strait, and since June 2018 it has officially been the archipelago's eighth inhabited island, although administratively it still belongs to Teguise. About seven hundred people live here, almost all in Caleta de Sebo, and there are no tarmac roads: only sandy tracks between volcanoes and beaches. It's part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park and surrounded by a marine reserve.
Ferry or tour?
| Activity | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|
| Órzola-La Graciosa return ferry, Biosfera Express (non-resident adult) | — | €29 |
| Órzola-La Graciosa return ferry, Líneas Romero (adult) | — | €28 |
| La Graciosa catamaran cruise with ferry, lunch, swimming and kayaks Book | 4.6★ (2,132) | €66 |
The ferry on your own is best if you want to explore the island and reach its beaches. The catamaran trip includes pickup, the ferry, paella on board and a swim off Playa Francesa, but on land you only see Caleta de Sebo.
Getting to Órzola
Órzola is the fishing village at Lanzarote's northern tip, about 35 minutes by car from Arrecife on the LZ-1. There's free parking in the village, but in summer and at weekends it fills early; the ferry companies have parking for their passengers, on different terms depending on the company.
By bus, Arrecife Bus line 9 links Arrecife and Órzola a few times a day, with departures that, according to La Graciosa's tourism website, connect with the boats. Check the Arrecife Bus timetable before relying on it.
The ferry: companies, timetables and fares
Líneas Romero and Biosfera Express run the route with fast passenger boats. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and arrives at Caleta de Sebo harbour.
- Biosfera Express fares (October 2026): €16 one way and €29 return per non-resident adult; children €8 and €15. Canary Islands residents: €4 one way and €7.25 return.
- Líneas Romero: returns from €28 for adults and from €15 for children aged 2 to 11; Canary Islands residents get 75% off.
- Biosfera Express timetable: from Órzola at 8:00, 9:00, 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30 and 19:30; from La Graciosa at 7:00, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 12:00, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30 and 18:30. Líneas Romero has its own timetable, with sailings throughout the day.
- Mind the midday gap: with Biosfera Express there are no sailings from Órzola between 13:00 and 16:30, or from La Graciosa between 12:00 and 15:30.
- Bikes and pets: the companies accept them; mention it when you buy your ticket.
Check the last return sailing before heading to the beaches: if you miss it you'll have to sleep on the island, and in summer accommodation sells out.
Getting around the island
On La Graciosa you can't bring or hire a car. You have three options:
- On foot: the southern beaches are less than an hour from Caleta de Sebo on flat sandy tracks. There's no shade anywhere along the way.
- By bike: several hire shops by the port rent mountain and electric bikes. The tracks have stretches of soft sand; an e-bike helps a lot.
- By 4x4 taxi: they wait at the harbour rank from 8:00. According to the island's tourism website (visitlagraciosa.com), beach transfers cost from €10 per person return, and the northern loop (Las Conchas, Lambra and Pedro Barba) about €25 per person for 90 minutes.
The beaches
- Playa Francesa: the nearest southern beach, with golden sand and calm water, about 30-40 minutes on foot. It's where the catamarans anchor.
- La Cocina and Montaña Amarilla: at the southern tip, below the yellow volcano that gives the area its name. Turquoise water and few people.
- Las Conchas: in the north, a little over 5 km from Caleta de Sebo, facing the islet of Montaña Clara. It's the most spectacular, but the National Parks route leaflet warns of strong currents, and the island's beaches have no lifeguard or rescue service. Better to walk and climb Montaña Bermeja than swim in rough seas.
- Pedro Barba: a small hamlet of holiday homes on the east coast, with hardly any permanent residents.
Practical tips
- Water, food and sun protection: outside Caleta de Sebo there are no shops, bars or shade. Bring a cap and more water than you think you'll need.
- Footwear: sandals for the sand, but trainers if you're walking the tracks or climbing Montaña Amarilla.
- Cash: carry some in case a shop or taxi doesn't take cards.
- Where to eat: Caleta de Sebo has several fish restaurants by the harbour; at lunchtime in high season they fill up.
- Staying overnight: there are guesthouses and apartments in Caleta de Sebo; a night there lets you enjoy the island without the day-trippers.
- Respect the surroundings: it's a protected natural area; stay on the tracks and keep off fragile formations.
In one sentence
Take the first ferry from Órzola, hire a bike in Caleta de Sebo, swim at Playa Francesa and keep an eye on the time of the last boat. More ideas in what to see in Lanzarote.
