18 October 20245 min read
La Graciosa Pristine beaches await on this untouched Canarian beauty.
When you think of the Canary Islands, your mind likely conjures images of Tenerife's beaches, Gran Canaria's vibrant nightlife, or Lanzarote's otherworldly landscapes.
Along with Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, they form the seven main islands that have long been popular holiday destinations.
But what if we told you that beyond these well-trodden paths lie four hidden treasures? Four islands that most travellers – and even some locals – have never visited?
Welcome to the secret Canary Islands.
Just a short boat ride from Lanzarote, La Graciosa is the perfect day trip or short-stay destination for those seeking a taste of untouched Canarian beauty.
While there are traditionally seven inhabited Canary Islands, in 2018, La Graciosa was officially recognized as the eighth Canary Island by the Spanish Senate, putting it on many travellers’ radars as a must-visit destination.
A car-free paradise, it boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and a laidback atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busier Canary Islands.
As part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, La Graciosa is a glimpse into the Canaries' natural state, one unmarred by extensive development. Visitors can explore the island by foot or by bike, immersing themselves in its raw beauty. Its waters, protected as a marine reserve, provide fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkelling, revealing a vibrant underwater world.
Day trips to La Graciosa usually include cycling to the beautiful Playa de las Conchas, picnicking with views of the neighbouring islands, and ending with fresh seafood at Restaurant El Varadero in the charming village of Caleta del Sebo.
There are no hotels or resorts on the island, preserving its unspoiled charm. However, visitors can rent apartments in traditional white houses with blue or green trim, mainly in Caleta de Sebo. For a more secluded experience, there are a handful of houses available in the tiny settlement of Pedro Barba.
Intrepid travellers can also try camping in the designated area near Bahía del Salado. It’s closed to campers at the time of writing, but you’ll usually need a permit to stay.
To get to La Graciosa, take a 25-minute ferry from the port of Órzola in Lanzarote, which operates year-round. You can book ferry tickets with either Lineas Romero or Biosfera Express.
Set between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, Isla de Lobos is a small, uninhabited island that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty.
Named after the sea lions that once lounged on its shores, the 4.5-square-kilometre island is now a nature reserve. The old lighthouse, Faro de Martiño, is a picturesque reminder of the island's maritime history and the only touch of human heritage on an otherwise natural landscape.
Highlights include a hike to the top of the old volcano, La Caldera, for panoramic views of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Meanwhile, the island's crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, particularly the Playa de la Concha, are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Nature enthusiasts will also love the island for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare birds and plant species found nowhere else in the world.
Before setting foot on this protected paradise, you’ll need to obtain a permit. They're usually available up to two weeks in advance and limit your stay to four hours, with morning or afternoon time slots available. It's advisable to secure your permit early, especially during peak tourist seasons, as there's a daily limit to the number of visitors allowed. Permits are free and can be obtained online at LobosPass.com.
There are also strict rules for visitors, including staying on marked paths, not removing any natural elements and taking all rubbish back to Fuerteventura.
A day trip to Isla de Lobos begins with a short, 15-minute boat ride from Corralejo in Fuerteventura, which you can book via Ferry Isla de Lobos.
Alegranza, whose name fittingly means ‘joy’, boasts a landscape that is beautifully rugged and wild. While you can't step foot on the island, boat tours offer breathtaking views that will etch themselves into your memory. The island's volcanic crater dominates its skyline, a testament to the powerful forces that shaped the islands.
Perched on Alegranza's eastern edge is a 19th-century lighthouse, a solitary sentinel watching over the Atlantic. The island's cliffs serve as crucial nesting grounds for rare seabirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Perhaps most intriguing are Alegranza's hidden lagoons and sea caves. As your boat skirts the coastline, you might catch glimpses of these secret spots – a place of emerald waters and dark volcanic rock.
Excursions Punta Fariones runs a series of private – and pricey – tours, starting at €400 for a four-hour trip. It also offers sport fishing opportunities.
This small, volcanic islet is a crucial habitat for various seabird species. From the boat, you can observe its dramatic cliff formations, home to a diverse array of birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for Eleonora's falcons, which nest in the rocky crevices.
Montaña Clara's distinctive volcanic shape rises sharply from the sea, its slopes a patchwork of ochre and black volcanic rock. While humans are kept at a distance, this isolation has created a haven for wildlife, allowing you to witness nature in its purest form.
Visits to these protected islets are strictly regulated, with tours operating from Lanzarote or La Graciosa. While you can't disembark, the boat journey and the views alone make for an unforgettable experience.
Private boat tours that take in both Alegranza and Montaña Clara are available to book with Lanza Lux. They depart from the Órzola dock in Lanzarote.
Sign up and save on your next holiday
Be a savvy traveller and get top deals to your inbox, expert travel advice and the chance to win holidays