Adventures on the eighth island – hiking in La Graciosa

When you set foot in a completely unfamiliar place for the first time, you seek out its unique sensations. It might be the salt-scented air, a smile as you greet a local, the streaks of colour on a mountain, the sight of a bird returning home after a long journey or a wave’s final flourish before dying on the shore.

Places and emotions can be connected. You may discover places that become special to you – the kind places where you leave a part of yourself behind.

This Collection is made up of three incredible walking routes that take you to the north, south and upland interior of La Graciosa, the eighth – and last to be recognised – Canary Island. I’d like to encourage you to discover the rich landscapes and biological wealth of this island, along with the rest of the Chinijo archipelago, which was declared a natural park in 1986. The itineraries I present are completely different in terms of their length and the natural areas they cover.

The northern route features wild coastal landscapes where you can appreciate the power of the sea, as well as several unspoilt beaches, the islets of Alegranza and Montaña Clara, and the East and West rocks.

The southern route is much shorter and perfect for enjoying a dip in the sea. The path takes you along the coastline to show off the best beaches, which nestle peacefully under the watchful eyes of the Famara cliff and Montaña Amarilla, the Yellow Mountain.

The central route is 13 kilometres (8 mi) long and discovers the island from the heights. The ascent to Agujas Grandes, the highest volcano on La Graciosa, is an adventure boasting breathtaking panoramic views and characterised by awkward terrain.

The whole archipelago – including the Famara cliff — is the largest marine-terrestrial reserve in Europe. As well as being home to a rich endemic flora, it’s a very important nesting area for migratory birds, so much so that it was declared a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) in 1994.

These are the ingredients that make this an amazing place to enjoy nature. You would be hard pressed not to be enthralled by any of the three itineraries, but bear in mind the distance and elevation gain when choosing the most suitable for you and your companions.

The National Park Authority is in charge of preserving the natural environment of La Graciosa. However, the island has tourism to thank for the way in which it continues to thrive. It’s for this reason that it’s up to us, the visitors, to contribute to the conservation of this paradise. Respect signage at all times, don't leave the marked path, don't feed the animals and, of course, leave no trace.

The only way to get to La Graciosa is by ferry from Órzola, Lanzarote. You can find out about timetables and prices here lineasromero.com/en/info-horarios and here biosferaexpress.com.es. You can reach Lanzarote by air or sea from the mainland or from other Canary Islands.

As you may know, the Canary Islands enjoy good weather all year round. However, bear in mind that in summer temperatures can be very high and the island is much busier.

Remember to bring enough water and food for the day, as well as sun protection. As for footwear, I recommend sneakers with mid-calf socks to avoid irritation caused by the sand rubbing against your skin.

It only remains for me to wish you a happy trip. Take pictures with your soul, love this beautiful land and leave no trace.