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Graciosa, Canary Islands

Graciosa, Canary Islands
Islands information
NameLa Graciosa
ArchipelagoCanary Islands
Geography information
Area29.05 km2 (11.2 mi)
Elevation872.7 ft (266 m)
Highest pointLas Agujas
Administration information
Spain
Autonomous CommunityCanary Islands
ProvinceLas Palmas
Largest cityCaleta de Sebo
Administration information
Population658 as of 2006
Density21.93 km2

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There is also a Graciosa in the Azores, see Graciosa

Graciosa Island or commonly La Graciosa (-esla gɾaˈθjosapron; Spanish for graceful) is a volcanic island in the Canary Islands of Spain, located 2 km north of the island of Lanzarote with the strait named Río. It was formed by the Canary hotspot. The island is part of Parque Natural del Archipiélago Chinijo, Reserve of the Biosphere, "Marine Reserve of La Graciosa and the islands to the North of Lanzarote" it is linked to the municipality of Teguise. The island forms a part of the Chinijo Archipelago. The village is in the southeastern part of the island with houses encircling the harbor which has two piers and a yacht area in the bay. The only two settlements are Caleta del Sebo and summer-residence Casas de Pedro Barba. The island is entirely made up of volcanic rock and sands.

The population is 700. Tourism is the main industry along with fishing. Every year, tourists flock to the island for its tempered climate and its sandy volcanic coasts. The island has a school, lyceum, post office, supermarkets, a bank, port, beaches, and - except bar-restaurants - a square where bicycles can be hired (plaza).

Streets and roads on La Graciosa are unpaved sand. The Gracioseras can often be seen early each morning sweeping the streets smooth of the previous night's footprints. Motor vehicles are strictly prohibited and limited to a handful of licensed vehicles for special purposes. Since the roads are bad, and cars have to be shipped to Lanzarote for repair, about 70% of the motor vehicles on the island are old Land Rovers which often can be repaired by a local serviceman.

Access to the Island is by a 35-minute ferry crossing from Orzola on Lanzarote to the harbour in the village.

Graciosa Island has been raided by pirates for treasures.


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