Graciosa Island or commonly La Graciosa, Spanish for “graceful”, is a volcanic island in the Canary Islands of Spain, located 2km (1.2mi) north of the island of Lanzarote across the strait named El Río. It was formed by the Canary hotspot. The island is part of the Chinijo Archipelago and the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park. The only two settlements are Caleta de Sebo in the southeastern part of the island and summer-residence Casas de Pedro Barba.

The population is about 700, tourism is the main industry along with fishing. Every year, tourists flock to the island for its tempered climate and its sandy volcanic coasts.

Streets and roads are unpaved sand, motor vehicles are strictly prohibited and limited to a handful of licensed vehicles for special purposes. Access to the Island is by a 35-minute ferry crossing from Orzola on Lanzarote to the harbour in the village.

The island is extremely arid and entirely made up of bushes and dry soil. Its length is 8km (5.0mi) and the width is 4km (2.5mi), making an area of 29 km2 (11sq mi).

Photos ©Pablo Béglez