Respect is essential – Nature Park rules on La Graciosa
La Graciosa is situated in the Archipiélago Chinijo Nature Parkforms part of the UNESCO Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve and borders the Archipiélago Chinijo Marine Reserve – Europe’s largest marine protected area. These three protected statuses mean one thing: clear rules. By knowing and following them, you help protect what makes La Graciosa so extraordinary.
What is prohibited – the complete list
| Prohibitions on La Graciosa | |
|---|---|
| Wild camping | Strictly prohibited – no exceptions. Only option: El Salado Campsite with a permit. |
| Campfires | Prohibited – even on the beach, even with a barbecue |
| Off-road driving | No driving outside marked tracks – not even in a jeep taxi |
| Self-drive quad bikes/4x4s | Prohibited – only licensed jeep taxis with a driver |
| Drones | Only with official permission – enquire in advance at the Nature Park Office |
| Taking shells/stones away | Prohibited – everything must remain on the island |
| Spearfishing | Prohibited in the Reserva Marina |
| Chemical sun cream | Not prohibited, but harmful in the protected area – use mineral-based sun cream |
| Dogs off the lead | Dogs must be kept on a lead in the nature park |
| Picking plants | Prohibited – nature reserve |
Camping: the only legal option
El Salado Campsitethe only official campsite on La Graciosa. Free of charge, but a permit is required via reservasparquesnacionales.es Places are limited; apply well in advance. Minimal facilities – no electricity, no showers.
Current situation (as of 2025/2026): El Salado Campsite has been closed on several occasions in recent years or has only been available seasonally. The only reliable information comes from the booking system itself: if dates are bookable, the site is open.
What the nature reserves mean
Archipiélago Chinijo Nature Park
Archipiélago Chinijo Nature Parkcomprises La Graciosa and the four uninhabited neighbouring islands. Protected since 1986. Entry to the neighbouring islands is prohibited without authorisation.
UNESCO Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve
Since 1993 – international recognition for nature conservation. Strictest protection zone: the Archipiélago Chinijo Nature Park.
Archipiélago Chinijo Marine Reserve
70,000 ha marine protected area – the largest in Europe. No trawling, no spearfishing in core zones. The result: 228 species of fish, turtles, angel sharks.
⚠️ Important information
Wild camping: fines of up to several hundred euros may be imposed
Drones without a permit: confiscation may occur
Chemical sun cream: harmful to the Marine Reserve – use mineral-based alternatives
Always take your rubbish with you: there is no collection system on the beaches
Yes – from the Cabildo de Lanzarote (the authority responsible for the nature reserve). Allow plenty of time; do not apply on the spot.
Fines, depending on the offence. Wild camping or campfires can result in hefty penalties.
Conclusion
- The rules on La Graciosa protect what makes the island so extraordinary.
- Wild camping prohibited, campfires prohibited, drones only permitted with authorisation.
- Anyone who knows and follows the rules is the best kind of visitor this island could hope for.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
