Sleeping under the stars – El Salado Campsite on La Graciosa
El Salado Campsite is the only official campsite on La GraciosaIt is situated near Playa del Salado in the east of the island – secluded, unspoilt and without any facilities. It is free of charge, but a permit is required. Anyone staying here will experience La Graciosa at its most unspoilt.
What you need to know
| El Salado Campsite – Facts | |
|---|---|
| Typ | Public campsite in a nature reserve |
| Costs | Free |
| Permit | Required – reservasparquesnacionales.es |
| Capacity | Limited spaces – apply well in advance |
| Facilities | Minimal – no showers, no electricity, basic toilets |
| Location | Playa del Salado – east of the island, approx. 6–8 km from Caleta del Sebo |
| Getting there | On foot, by bike or by jeep taxi |
Current situation (as of 2025/2026):
El Salado campsite has been closed on several occasions in recent years or has only been available intermittently. There is no consistently reliable opening schedule.
The official booking system only displays the campsite if it is currently open. If it cannot be booked, it is simply unavailable – no exceptions, no alternative routes.
Where to check: reservasparquesnacionales.es. There you can see in real time whether dates are available, whether the campsite is open and whether permits are being issued.
The permit: step by step
- reservasparquesnacionales.es Go to
- Select Parque Natural Archipiélago Chinijo
- Choose El Salado campsite, select the desired nights
- Enter your personal details
- Wait for the confirmation email – print out the permit or save it to your mobile
- Show the permit on La Graciosa
What to bring
El Salado is a natural campsite with no facilities. You must bring everything you need with you:
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Tent | A lightweight 3-season tent is sufficient |
| Sleeping bag | Even in summer – nights can get chilly |
| Drinking water | At least 3–4 litres per person per day – NO water supply on site |
| Food | Bring enough for the entire duration of your stay |
| Bin bags | Take everything with you – no waste collection system on site |
| Torch | No lighting on the site |
| First aid | No chemist’s – bring a fully stocked first-aid kit |
The experience: why El Salado is unique
Wer auf El Salado Campsite You fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the Atlantic. The beach is deserted, the salt formations glisten in the morning light, not a soul in sight. In the evening: the Milky Way stretches across one of the darkest patches of sky in the Canary Islands. That’s why you do it.
⚠️ Important information
Wild camping anywhere outside El Salado: prohibited and subject to a fine
Campfires: prohibited – even at the official campsite
Rubbish: Take EVERYTHING with you – there is no rubbish collection system
Practical tips
- Check availability first: Before making any plans, check on reservasparquesnacionales.es to see if the site is even open
- Book early: Places are limited, especially in high season
- Don’t underestimate your water needs: 3–4 litres per person per day is the minimum
- Check low tide times: Playa del Salado is spectacular at low tide
No – wild camping is prohibited throughout the nature park. A permit via reservasparquesnacionales.es is compulsory.
High season: 2–3 months in advance. Low season: often still available 2–4 weeks in advance.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. El Salado has been closed on several occasions in recent years or has only been open seasonally. The only reliable information comes from the booking system itself: If dates are bookable, the site is open. If not, it isn’t.
Conclusion
- El Salado Campsite offers the cheapest and most authentic overnight experience on La Graciosa.
- Before planning, always check availability on reservasparquesnacionales.es—the site is not open all year round.
- Book in advance via reservasparquesnacionales.es – free of charge, but compulsory.
- Bring everything you need with you: water, food, bin bags.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
