Calm, turquoise, unforgettable – Playa de la Cocina
Playa de la Cocina isn’t the best-known beach on La Graciosa – but it’s the calmest, the most sheltered and the best for snorkelling. Nestled at the foot of Montaña Amarilla (172 m)shielded from the north-easterly trade winds by the yellow volcanic cone. The water here is exceptionally clear, the seabed sandy and the underwater world teeming with life.
Beach at a glance
| Beach at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | South coast, approx. 4.5 km from Caleta del Sebo |
| Length | approx. 100 m (small, sheltered cove) |
| Sand | Fine, light-coloured sand |
| Swimming | Yes – the calmest and most sheltered waters on the island |
| Snorkelling | Yes – the best snorkelling spot on La Graciosa |
| Getting there | On foot (approx. 1.5–2 hours) · By bike (approx. 30–40 mins) · Jeep taxi |
| Kiosk/toilets | None |
| Special features | Sheltered from the wind by Montaña Amarilla · Yellow tuff rock · Lagoon-like atmosphere |
The best snorkelling spot on the island
What you’ll find underwater
Die Reserva Marina del Archipiélago Chinijo covering 70,000 ha, this marine reserve protects these waters. The result: significantly more fish, larger creatures and less shyness. At Playa de la Cocina you’ll find Vieja (parrotfish), Goldstripe, Octopuses amongst lava rocks and, occasionally, rays in the sand.
Snorkelling equipment and tips
Bring your own snorkelling gear – there’s no hire available on the beach. Use mineral sun cream – not chemical products. Best time for snorkelling: in the morning, when the light is good and the water is at its calmest.
Montaña Amarilla: a must-see after a swim
After snorkelling, it’s well worth the climb up to Montaña Amarilla (172 m)The summit crater consists of yellow and red tuff – spectacular up close, and even more spectacular from the top with the panoramic view of the Archipiélago Chinijo.
Getting to the beaches
- Bicycles: Bicis La Graciosa +34 680 56 30 08 · La Graciosa Bike +34 692 41 16 16 · El Mar Safari Bike +34 626 50 74 58
- Jeep taxi: Safari Taxi La Graciosa +34 679 45 36 16 · Safari La Graciosa +34 683 30 54 59 · Safari Jeep La Graciosa J.M. +34 606 74 11 75
- No tarmac roads outside Caleta del Sebo
- No self-drive quad bike or 4×4 hire available (nature reserve)
⚠️ Sicherheit & Badehinweise
No lifeguard on site
Bring your own snorkelling gear – none available for hire
Pack enough water for at least 3–4 hours – no kiosk
Sunscreen: opt for mineral-based products – marine protected area
Sturdy footwear for the climb up to Montaña Amarilla
Nature conservation on La Graciosa
- Wild camping prohibited – without exception
- Campfires prohibited – including on the beach
- Bicycles Only on designated tracks
- Do not take any stones, shells, sand or plants with you
- Archipiélago Chinijo Nature Park · Lanzarote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · Reserva Marina del Archipiélago Chinijo
Frequently asked questions
The shelter provided by Montaña Amarilla ensures particularly calm waters. Combined with the biodiversity of the marine protected area, this makes for the ideal combination.
You can shorten the route by taking a jeep taxi to just before Playa Francesa. However, if you want to climb Montaña Amarilla, you’ll have to walk. The combination of beach and summit is highly recommended anyway.
Conclusion
- Playa de la Cocina: the calmest beach and best snorkelling spot on La Graciosa.
- Nestled at the foot of Montaña Amarilla – beach and summit in a single day.
- Bring your own snorkelling gear and use mineral-based sun cream.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
