Stepping onto Playa de las Conchas is like stumbling upon a secret nobody really talks about. This beach, tucked away on La Graciosa island, sits far from the usual tourist buzz.
Golden sand stretches out between volcanic cliffs, and the water? It’s that unreal turquoise you see in postcards but never expect to find in real life.
After wandering across dozens of Canary Islands beaches, I honestly believe Playa de las Conchas is one of the most jaw-dropping, unspoiled spots anywhere in the archipelago. You’ll find no facilities, no beach bars, no easy parking—just wild, untamed beauty.
Swimming here isn’t exactly for the faint of heart. Strong currents and sneaky waves mean you’ve got to stay sharp. But the scenery? It’s so dramatic and raw, it kind of makes you forget about everything else.
Let me walk you through what it takes to reach this slice of paradise, from the ferry ride to La Graciosa to the hike or bike ride you’ll need to get there.
Along the way, I’ll share a few other gems on the island—quiet beaches, sleepy villages, and volcanic backdrops that make La Graciosa feel like the Canaries’ best-kept secret.
Experiencing Playa de las Conchas: The Wild Allure
Playa de las Conchas doesn’t play by the usual beach rules. Its untamed natural beauty and wild contrasts set it apart.
Here, golden sand meets turquoise water, all framed by volcanic rocks. But you’ve got to pay attention to the ocean—this isn’t a place for careless swimming.
What Makes las Conchas Beach Unique
Las Conchas Beach stands out because it’s completely wild—no shops, no structures, nothing but nature for 610 meters.
You’ll find it in the northwest corner of La Graciosa. I trekked 5.5 kilometers from Caleta de Sebo, the island’s main town, just to get here.
What really hit me was the isolation. Some folks call it “Adam and Eve’s beach,” and honestly, that fits.
Trade winds whistle constantly, creating a soundtrack you can’t escape. The wind shapes everything about Las Conchas.
A few things that make it special:
- No commercial development anywhere
- 80 meters wide, so you’ll never feel crowded
- Feels like you’ve left modern life behind
- You can only get here by foot, bike, or taxi on sandy tracks
Landscape and Scenery of Playa de las Conchas
The scenery at Playa de las Conchas is just wild. Montaña Bermeja’s red volcanic slopes rise up behind you.
Out on the horizon, two little islands—Montaña Clara and Alegranza—frame the ocean view. On clear days, it’s almost surreal.
Native plants like tabaiba and gorse pop up in bursts of green against the black volcanic soil.
The beach faces north, straight at Lanzarote. That means it catches every bit of wind and swell rolling in from the Atlantic.
What you’ll see:
- The striking red slopes of Montaña Bermeja
- White and gold dunes
- Jagged, dark volcanic rocks
- Hardy green plants scattered everywhere
Turquoise Waters and Crystal-Clear Sand
Those turquoise waters at Las Conchas? They’re honestly some of the most photogenic I’ve seen anywhere in the Canaries.
Depending on the light, the water shifts from deep blue to bright turquoise.
The sand here is fine and golden, soft under your feet. It arcs around the bay with barely a rock or bit of coral to interrupt it.
Even though it’s remote, the sand stays surprisingly clean. The wind and waves do a good job of sweeping away debris.
When the weather’s calm, you can see straight down to the sandy bottom in the shallows.
But since the beach faces north, the water’s often choppier than you’ll find on the southern shores.
Safety and Swimming Considerations
Swimming at Playa de las Conchas? Honestly, you need to be careful. The currents here are no joke.
I always keep water below hip height if I even consider going in, and I never swim alone.
A few safety tips:
- Stay close to shore and never swim solo
- Always watch kids near the water
- Check wind conditions before you go
- Skip swimming if winds are over 20 knots
The northern exposure means big Atlantic swells hit this beach hard, bringing strong undertows and rip currents.
Between September and December, the wind tends to calm down a bit, which makes things a little safer.
Locals warn against swimming if the waves top a meter. When currents and waves combine, it gets sketchy fast.
Access and Getting to Playa de las Conchas
Getting here takes a bit of effort. You’ll need to catch a ferry from Lanzarote to La Graciosa, then trek about 5 kilometers across the island.
The beach sits on the northwest coast, and you can only reach it by foot, bike, or taxi along sandy roads. No easy shortcuts.
Ferry Journey from Lanzarote to La Graciosa
The ferry from Lanzarote’s Órzola port to La Graciosa is pretty straightforward. It takes about 25 minutes.
Ferries run regularly during busy months. I’d book ahead in summer—they fill up fast.
You’ll land at Caleta de Sebo, the island’s tiny fishing village and your base for exploring.
Ferry basics:
- Leave from: Órzola, Lanzarote
- Arrive at: Caleta de Sebo, La Graciosa
- Trip time: About 25 minutes
- How often: Several times a day
From Caleta de Sebo to Playa de las Conchas
From Caleta de Sebo, it’s a 5-kilometer walk on dusty, sandy roads. It took me about 60-90 minutes, depending on how much I stopped to gawk at the views.
The trail’s exposed—no shade, plenty of wind. I brought more water than I thought I’d need and slathered on sunscreen.
You’ll pass volcanic landscapes and those unmistakable red slopes of Montaña Bermeja. If the wind’s up, it can be a bit of a slog.
Walking details:
- Distance: 5 km from Caleta de Sebo
- Time: 60-90 minutes on foot
- Terrain: Sandy, volcanic
- Difficulty: Moderate (the sun and wind add to the challenge)
Recommended Transport Options Around the Island
I tried a few ways to get around La Graciosa. Biking works if you stick to the flatter bits, but honestly, some sandy stretches are a pain.
Taxis are available and will take you to Playa de las Conchas via the sandy tracks. It’s a good option if you’re hauling gear or traveling with kids.
Electric bikes are catching on and handle the sand better than regular ones. Rental shops in Caleta de Sebo offer both types.
Getting around options:
- Walking: Free, takes 60-90 minutes, and you’ll get your steps in
- Bike rental: €10-15/day, about 20-30 minutes (if you’re lucky with the sand)
- Electric bike: €20-25/day, easier in tough spots
- Taxi: €15-20 each way, easiest but less adventurous
Adventures and Activities Near Playa de las Conchas
If you’re up for more than just lounging, Playa de las Conchas opens the door to some wild hiking and decent snorkeling in the protected waters of the Chinijo Archipelago.
Hiking Routes and Trails
The most popular trail leads to the top of Montaña Bermeja, that dramatic red peak behind the beach.
The hike takes about 45 minutes, and the views from the summit? Absolutely worth it.
You’ll start from the beach and wind up through red volcanic rock. The contrast with the ocean below is unreal.
From the top, you can see the whole Chinijo Archipelago—Montaña Clara right offshore, Lanzarote in the distance.
If you want something different, Montaña Amarilla on the island’s east side gives another perspective.
Trails aren’t marked, so I’d bring a GPS or at least a downloaded map. And wear decent shoes—the volcanic rock can be sharp and loose.
Snorkeling and Diving Opportunities
Las Conchas sits inside the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, so marine life thrives here.
I found the best snorkeling near the rocky ends of the beach. Water clarity usually hits 15-20 meters, especially outside of stormy days.
Underwater, you’ll spot volcanic formations and sandy patches. Parrotfish, wrasse, and bream are common visitors.
Diving here isn’t for beginners. Strong currents and wind make it tricky, so I’d only recommend it to experienced divers.
Between Las Conchas and Montaña Clara, you’ll find more advanced dive spots. Some Lanzarote dive shops organize trips out here.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
The Chinijo Archipelago is a haven for seabirds. I often watched Cory’s shearwaters and storm petrels cruising over the surf.
Montaña Clara, just offshore, hosts nesting seabirds. If you’ve got binoculars, bring them along for some cliffside birdwatching.
Around the beach, you’ll see tough little plants like tabaiba and gorse, clinging to the salty, windy ground.
On calmer days, especially from September to December, you might spot dolphins or even sea turtles from shore.
Wildlife is most active early or late in the day, when the sun isn’t blazing.
The Beaches of La Graciosa: Unspoilt Gems Beyond Las Conchas
Las Conchas steals the spotlight, but La Graciosa hides a handful of other pristine beaches. Some are close to town, others take a bit more effort to reach.
Playa de la Cocina and la Cocina Beach
Playa de la Cocina is probably one of the quietest, most secluded spots on the island.
It’s tucked beyond Playa de la Francesa, and getting there means a 15-20 minute walk through deep sand.
Biking isn’t really an option—the sand gets too thick, so I parked my bike at Playa Francesa and walked the rest.
La Cocina Beach is worth every step. The golden sand is usually empty, and the water glows turquoise with barely a footprint in sight.
Facing south, this beach is sheltered from the usual northern winds. I noticed the water here stayed calmer than on the island’s northern side.
There are no facilities, so bring water and snacks if you plan to linger.
La Francesa Beach: Tranquility Closer to Town
La Francesa Beach strikes a nice balance between being easy to reach and blissfully peaceful.
You’ll find it on the south side, right across from Playa del Salado, with killer views of Lanzarote’s Famara cliffs.
The beach splits in two, divided by a rocky barrier. Depending on the wind and tide, each side feels a bit different.
The views of Lanzarote’s northern cliffs from here are just incredible. The golden sand and dramatic backdrop make for perfect photos.
The sand—called jable—is super soft, great for lounging.
Montaña Amarilla rises nearby, adding a splash of volcanic color. The main road from Caleta de Sebo ends here, so it’s as far as you can bike without walking.
Playa del Salado and Playa Baja del Ganado
Playa del Salado sits next to Bahia del Salado, the only official camping area on the island. Campers love having the beach right outside their tents.
On calm days, swimming here is lovely. I found the water cleaner and clearer than in some busier spots.
Playa Baja del Ganado stretches along the eastern shore, facing Lanzarote. You get constant views of the main island.
The shallow water warms up quickly in summer, making it a favorite for families with kids.
Walking paths connect both beaches, so it’s easy to check them out in one go.
Lambra Beach and Untouched Shores
Lambra Beach really shows off La Graciosa at its wildest and most untouched. Getting here isn’t exactly easy—you’ll need to hike for a while or catch a bumpy ride in a 4×4.
When you finally arrive, you’ll see what the Canary Islands’ coastline must’ve looked like before anyone built hotels or roads. There’s nothing artificial here, just endless sand, volcanic rock, and the sound of the waves.
Honestly, the currents and waves at Lambra are no joke. I wouldn’t suggest swimming unless you’re an expert, but if you crave solitude or want to snap some incredible photos, this spot is hard to beat.
Volcanic formations tower around the beach, throwing deep shadows and bold colors against the sand and water. The red and black rocks next to the bright white sand and deep blue sea make for some jaw-dropping scenery.
It’s also a fantastic place for wildlife. Seabirds nest in the cliffs nearby, and the protected waters offshore seem to buzz with marine life—if you’re patient, you might spot something special.
Essential Towns and Island Landmarks
La Graciosa has two main settlements, and each one feels totally different. Dramatic volcanic peaks and little offshore islets give the island its signature look.
The red volcanic cone of Montaña Bermeja really stands out, especially near Playa de las Conchas. It’s one of those landmarks you can spot from almost anywhere.
Discovering Caleta de Sebo
Caleta de Sebo isn’t just the main town—it’s the island’s heartbeat. When I first walked its sandy, unpaved streets, I felt like I’d stepped into a postcard.
Whitewashed houses line the paths, and you’ll find the only shops, restaurants, and places to stay right here. Pretty much everyone arrives here by ferry from Lanzarote, ready to start exploring.
Key facilities include:
- Ferry terminal and harbor
- Local restaurants with fresh seafood (the octopus is worth trying)
- Small grocery stores
- Bike rental shops
- Simple accommodation
The pace here is slow and easy. Cars barely exist, so most people walk or pedal bikes along sandy tracks. From the harbor, narrow paths wind through neighborhoods where locals actually live all year—not just in summer.
Pedro Barba: The Peaceful Village
Pedro Barba sits quietly on the northern coast, and it’s way smaller than Caleta de Sebo. You’ll find just a handful of houses sprinkled along the shore.
There’s something about Pedro Barba that feels more old-school, more authentic. The village barely has any facilities—think basic fishing cottages and a few holiday homes, nothing fancy.
It’s really all about the views here. Beautiful coastal vistas stretch in every direction, and you can start walks to hidden beaches right from the village.
Pedro Barba stays mostly residential, with hardly any shops or restaurants. If you’re chasing absolute peace and want to unplug from everything, you’ll probably love it here.
Iconic Volcanic Features and Montañas
Montaña Bermeja stands 157 meters above sea level, easily catching the eye as La Graciosa’s most recognizable landmark. This red volcanic peak looms right behind Playa de las Conchas, so every beach photo gets a little extra drama thanks to its backdrop.
Montaña Amarilla catches attention too, showing off its yellowish slopes. Both peaks came from separate volcanic eruptions that left their mark on the island.
Offshore, you’ll spot the silhouettes of Alegranza, Roque del Este, and Roque del Oeste from different spots around the island. Alegranza claims the title of the largest among these uninhabited islets.
Standing on Playa de las Conchas, I watched those rocky islets jut out from the Atlantic. They all belong to the protected Chinijo Archipelago, right alongside La Graciosa.
Honestly, these volcanic features shape the island’s wild scenery. If you’re after memorable photos and a bit of adventure, this place delivers.
