Absolutely stunning, but not a beach for swimming – Playa de las Conchas
Playa de las Conchas is the most beautiful beach on La Graciosa – and one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. White sand, turquoise water, Montaña Clara directly opposite. Anyone standing here will immediately understand why this island is considered an insider’s tip.
However: Playa de las Conchas is not a beach suitable for swimming. Strong surf and dangerous currents make swimming here life-threatening. This beach is for enjoying – not for swimming in.
Beach at a glance
| Beach at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | North-west coast, approx. 6 km from Caleta del Sebo |
| Length | Over 500 m |
| Sand | Fine, light-coloured sand |
| Swimming | Not PROHIBITED – but life-threatening currents |
| Snorkelling | Possible in some areas (but dangerous) |
| Getting there | On foot (from approx. 2 hours), by jeep-taxi or approx. 0:45 hours by bike |
| Kiosk/toilets | None – bring everything with you |
| Best time to visit | All year round – quietest in the mornings |
| Special feature | Montaña Bermeja behind you · view of Montaña Clara |
What makes this beach special
The panorama: Montaña Clara within touching distance
Montaña Clara is so close that you’d think you could swim across to it. The uninhabited neighbouring island is less than two kilometres away – a sight that’s unique in the Canary Islands. In the background Alegranzathe northernmost point of the Chinijo Archipelago.
Montaña Bermeja: the red sentinel
Montaña Bermeja (157 m) marks the eastern end of the beach – red basalt that glows in the evening light. Those who venture up the slope are rewarded with the best view of the beach and the neighbouring islands.
The dunes: a wild natural backdrop
Behind the beach lies a narrow dune zone – sand dunes, sea lavender and spurge. A natural buffer between the beach and the lava plain. Do not walk on the dunes – nature reserve.
Getting there
On foot: the spectacular trail
The walk from Caleta del Sebo takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the route. Through the wild north of the island, along the basalt coast and across the Las Hoyas sand plain – you should allow 4 hours. Alternatively, you can walk through the centre of the island, past the spurge fields – approx. 2–2.5 hours. The journey itself is the experience – not just the beach at the end.
Jeep taxi: comfortable and direct
Die Jeep taxi drivers will take you right up to the beach. Option: walk there, take a jeep taxi back – or vice versa.
Getting to the beaches
- Bicycle: 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 SWIMMING BEACH – life-threatening currents, no exceptions
Even when the sea is calm: undercurrents are treacherous and invisible
No lifeguard – no assistance in the event of an incident
No kiosk – bring water and provisions from Caleta del Sebo
Plan your return journey: pre-book a jeep taxi or download a GPS track
Nature conservation on La Graciosa
- Wild camping prohibited – without exception
- Campfires prohibited – including on the beach
- Bicycles may only be used on designated tracks
- Do not take any stones, shells, sand or plants with you
- Archipiélago Chinijo Nature Park · Lanzarote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · Archipiélago Chinijo Marine Reserve
Frequently asked questions
Its north-westerly location exposes the beach to direct Atlantic swells. Strong surf and dangerous undercurrents make swimming life-threatening – even on days when the sea appears calm.
Not recommended – the currents are too dangerous. For snorkelling: Playa de la Cocina or Playa Francesa.
From Caleta del Sebo, about 2.5 hours. The return journey by jeep taxi is the most comfortable option.
Conclusion
- Playa de las Conchas is breathtakingly beautiful – and not a beach for swimming. Both are true.
- The walk there through the north of the island is just as unforgettable as the beach itself.
- Come, marvel, leave – and never forget this view.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
