Discover La Graciosa

Exploring the Marine Reserve of the Chinijo Archipelago

The island is part of the Marine Reserve of the Chinijo Archipelago, the largest in Europe, comprising 70,700 hectares where the highest marine biodiversity in the Canary Islands is concentrated.

Starting from Caleta del Sebo, a 4-kilometer walk along the coast – also reachable by 4×4 taxi – separates us from the beautiful and deserted landscape of southern La Graciosa.

Here awaits us the Montaña Amarilla, an ancient volcano whose suggestive color contrasts with the blue sky and turquoise sea.

The Legend of Montaña Amarilla

It is at the top of this mountain in the Fortunate Isles where, according to legend, the sorceress Armida took the Crusader soldier Reinaldo, whom she had fallen in love with, making him a prisoner in a lush garden guarded by a dragon, a lion, and an enchanted fountain whose water made people burst into laughter until death.

The story contrasts with the harsh reality of the summit. The journey ends at Playa de la Francesa, a wide beach of white sand that is often quite crowded, as many boats that tour the area dock here.

Exploring the North Coast by Bicycle

At its end, however, a narrow path leads us to a beautiful cove at the very foot of Montaña Amarilla: Playa de la Cocina. The best way to move around the island is by bicycle, which can be rented in Caleta del Sebo.

From here, we head north through well-signposted tracks.

Stunning Beaches and Landscapes

After passing between the two main elevations of the central island, the volcanic calderas of Aguja Grande and Aguja Chica, we head towards the wild Playa de Baja del Ganado on the north coast.

Pedaling a bit further north, we also find Playa de las Conchas, a vast and solitary sandy beach battered by strong ocean currents where it’s easy to feel like a castaway on a deserted island.

La Graciosa Icons: Los Arcos de los Caletones and Playa del Ámbar

Along the coast, we encounter one of the iconic images of La Graciosa: Los Arcos de los Caletones, natural basalt arches formed by the erosion of sea waves flowing underneath.

And a bit further, Playa del Ámbar, also exposed to the currents of the Atlantic and surrounded by sand dunes. On our way back to Caleta del Sebo, we pass by the other place on the island where civilization has arrived: the village of Pedro Barba, a ghost town with just a handful of white houses for those seeking privacy and tranquility.