The ‘secret’ Canary Islands you’ve probably never heard of

La Graciosa

The eighth Canary Island

Just a short boat ride from Lanzarote, La Graciosa is the perfect day trip or short-stay destination for those seeking a taste of untouched Canarian beauty.

While there are traditionally seven inhabited Canary Islands, in 2018, La Graciosa was officially recognized as the eighth Canary Island by the Spanish Senate, putting it on many travellers’ radars as a must-visit destination.

A car-free paradise, it boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and a laidback atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busier Canary Islands.

As part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, La Graciosa is a glimpse into the Canaries' natural state, one unmarred by extensive development. Visitors can explore the island by foot or by bike, immersing themselves in its raw beauty. Its waters, protected as a marine reserve, provide fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkelling, revealing a vibrant underwater world.

Day trips to La Graciosa usually include cycling to the beautiful Playa de las Conchas, picnicking with views of the neighbouring islands, and ending with fresh seafood at Restaurant El Varadero in the charming village of Caleta del Sebo.

There are no hotels or resorts on the island, preserving its unspoiled charm. However, visitors can rent apartments in traditional white houses with blue or green trim, mainly in Caleta de Sebo. For a more secluded experience, there are a handful of houses available in the tiny settlement of Pedro Barba.

Intrepid travellers can also try camping in the designated area near Bahía del Salado. It’s currently closed to campers, but you’ll usually need a permit to stay.

How to get to La Graciosa

To get to La Graciosa, take a 25-minute ferry from the port of Órzola in Lanzarote, which operates year-round. You can book ferry tickets with either Lineas Romero or Biosfera Express.

When to go

Like all the Canary Islands, La Graciosa enjoys a year-round mild climate. April to September are the driest months with temperatures peaking in the high 20s – ideal for anyone wanting to make the most of the island’s beaches. For optimal diving conditions, visit between May to November when the sea temperature is warmest and visibility is at its best.

If wildlife is top of your wishlist, the winter months are your best chance for spotting migratory sea birds and whales, including humpbacks. Or if you’re after culture, time your trip to coincide with the Virgen del Carmen festival in July.

Isla de Lobos

A natural paradise

Set between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, Isla de Lobos is a small, uninhabited island that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty.

Named after the sea lions that once lounged on its shores, the 4.5-square-kilometre island is now a nature reserve. The old lighthouse, Faro de Martiño, is a picturesque reminder of the island's maritime history and the only touch of human heritage on an otherwise natural landscape.

Highlights include a hike to the top of the old volcano, La Caldera, for panoramic views of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Meanwhile, the island's crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, particularly the Playa de la Concha, are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Nature enthusiasts will also love the island for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare birds and plant species found nowhere else in the world.

Before setting foot on this protected paradise, you’ll need to obtain a permit. They're usually available up to two weeks in advance and limit your stay to four hours, with morning or afternoon time slots available. It's advisable to secure your permit early, especially during peak tourist seasons, as there's a daily limit to the number of visitors allowed. Permits are free and can be obtained online at LobosPass.com.

There are also strict rules for visitors, including staying on marked paths, not removing any natural elements and taking all rubbish back to Fuerteventura.

How to get to Isla de Lobos

A day trip to Isla de Lobos begins with a short, 15-minute boat ride from Corralejo in Fuerteventura, which you can book via Ferry Isla de Lobos.

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal times to hit Isla de Lobos’s hiking trails when daytime temperatures hover comfortably in the high teens.

Go between the months of March and May and you’ll have the bonus of seeing the island’s flora at its lushest. The lilac flowers of the endemic limonium plant are typically in full bloom from May.

Much like neighbouring Fuerteventura, April to August is peak windy season providing the most reliable conditions for kitesurfing. Any beach bums hoping to avoid the strong gusts should aim for September to combine warm, sunny days and calmer sea.

Alegranza

The ‘joyful’ isle

Alegranza, whose name fittingly means ‘joy’, boasts a landscape that is beautifully rugged and wild. While you can't step foot on the island, boat tours offer breathtaking views that will etch themselves into your memory. The island's volcanic crater dominates its skyline, a testament to the powerful forces that shaped the islands.

Perched on Alegranza's eastern edge is a 19th-century lighthouse, a solitary sentinel watching over the Atlantic. The island's cliffs serve as crucial nesting grounds for rare seabirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.

Perhaps most intriguing are Alegranza's hidden lagoons and sea caves. As your boat skirts the coastline, you might catch glimpses of these secret spots – a place of emerald waters and dark volcanic rock.

How to get to Alegranza

Excursions Punta Fariones runs a series of private – and pricey – tours, ranging from two to eight-hour excursions. It also offers sport fishing opportunities.

When to go

To admire Alegranza’s natural beauty in all its glory, consider booking a boat tour during the summer months when weather conditions are sunny and dry, and the sea is at its calmest.

Spring and early summer are considered prime times for birdwatching on Alegranza as this coincides with the breeding season.

Montaña Clara

The bird sanctuary

This small, volcanic islet is a crucial habitat for various seabird species. From the boat, you can observe its dramatic cliff formations, home to a diverse array of birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for Eleonora's falcons, which nest in the rocky crevices.

Montaña Clara's distinctive volcanic shape rises sharply from the sea, its slopes a patchwork of ochre and black volcanic rock. While humans are kept at a distance, this isolation has created a haven for wildlife, allowing you to witness nature in its purest form.

Visits to these protected islets are strictly regulated, with tours operating from Lanzarote or La Graciosa. While you can't disembark, the boat journey and the views alone make for an unforgettable experience.

How to get to Montaña Clara

Private boat tours that take in both Alegranza and Montaña Clara are available to book with Lanza Lux. They depart from the Órzola dock in Lanzarote.

When to go

Much like Alegranza, you’ll see Montaña Clara in its best light during the bright and sunny summer months. The sea is at its clearest in late summer and autumn, so keep watch for bottlenose dolphins and turtles on your boat trip.

The island offers excellent birdwatching throughout the year. The variety of species increases in spring and autumn when migratory birds come to breed, feed and escape from colder winter climates.