Graciosa is a small island just off of Lanzarote and is reached by a thirty minute ferry crossing. At this time of year there are probably only around 600 people living and working there. It is quaint. A throwback to how the other islands were before tourism exploded. Graciosa hasn’t sold out for the tourist euro the way every other island has. Not that the island doesn’t have it’s fair share of visitors. It does. But not in the numbers the other Canary Islands have. The simple reason is that there are just not the facilities and accomodation. The island is ripe for tourist exploitation but the authorities that be are not allowing further building to take place for quite a while – if ever. Effectively stopping wholesale expansion. And good luck to them !
There are no tarmac roads for example. Only dirt tracks accessible by 4 x 4 jeeps or there are bicycles to rent. Failing that it’s good old fashioned foot power. There are only a handful of restaurants. If you want WiFi you have to hunt down the one and only cafe that appears to supply it. Electricity comes from mainland Lanzarote by a cable stretched across the sea bed of the channel between the two islands. As there is only one town, there is no need for huge amounts of street lighting. this means that at night the skies are brilliant with stars.
What a peaceful place and what laid back residents! I shall visit again but next time I might not come back!
Graciosas Playa de las Conchas beach. Only accessible by 4x 4 or on foot ! wonderful !