La Graciosa is the smallest inhabited island in the Canary archipelago, floating just north of Lanzarote across a narrow strait called El Río. There are no paved roads, no cars to speak of, and only two settlements — Caleta de Sebo, where the ferry arrives, and the even smaller Pedro Barba. You get around on foot or by bicycle, and that is much of the appeal.
The island is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, and the landscape is volcanic and wind-scoured — golden sand, dark rock, and a sea that shifts between turquoise and deep Atlantic blue. The best beaches are on the south and west coasts: Playa de las Conchas, backed by the volcanic cone of Montaña Bermeja, is often called one of the finest beaches in Spain, though the currents can be strong. Playa Francesa and Playa de la Cocina are more sheltered and better for swimming.
There is not much to do here beyond walking, swimming, and eating fresh fish in one of Caleta de Sebo's small restaurants — and that is exactly the point. La Graciosa is a place to slow down entirely. Day trippers arrive on the morning ferry from Órzola and leave in the afternoon, but staying a night or two is worth it for the quiet and the enormous sky.