La Graciosa has experienced significant transformation, with its economic and social model now firmly focused on tourism. Such a shift demands close monitoring to prevent the horrors of overdevelopment on this fragile territory
On 26 June 2018, the Senate officially recognised La Graciosa as the eighth inhabited Canary Island. ‘This designation marked the culmination of a process of transformation thirty years in the making.’ According to Miguel Páez, a local social commentator, ‘This has undoubtedly brought positive changes to the island, as life dependent on fishing is incredibly tough.’
‘Sporting events, such as the 8th Island Challenge, provided a welcome financial boost for La Graciosa around 2012, as the island was deserted during the long winters, even more so in previous years. Today, the daily influx of visitors, even if just for the day, is more sustainable, as the island regains its peace and quiet after the last ferry departs,’ explains José Miguel Guadalupe from his four-wheel drive.
Lorenzo Luzardo, from the Lanzarote Council’s Sports Department, points out, ‘Although the 8th Island Challenge has been put on hold, primarily for environmental reasons, events like La Travesía El Río (29 September) still take place, but with places limited to 500 participants, down 200 from previous years. The Ultrabike Santa Rosa time trial (3 May) continues, along with other smaller sporting events.’
‘Being officially recognised as the “Eighth Island”,’ adds Miguel Páez, ‘has drawn many more visitors. Driven by curiosity or novelty, around 9% of those who visit Lanzarote also come to La Graciosa, and this is even more noticeable during peak periods like Easter Week, local festivals, and the summer months when the population can swell to 5,000.’
‘As well as the curiosity sparked by the island’s official designation, we saw a surge in interest following the pandemic, further fuelled by the glossy magazine media attention surrounding Anabel Pantoja’s wedding in October 2021, which created a frenzy of excitement. Now, you see properties in Caleta de Sebo advertised online for €280,000, €750,000, or €900,000, and even upwards of a million euros in Pedro Barba. A one-bedroom flat just off the seafront in Caleta recently sold for €300,000…in just two hours! Combine that with the island’s businesses and holiday lets, and you’ll understand why booking a table is now a must. Clearly, the island’s tranquillity is a thing of the past!’ explains Leonor Falcon, a dietician and estate agent.
Teguise’s Councillor for Urban Planning and Tourism, Rita Hernández, explains, ‘Since La Graciosa was declared the eighth island, Teguise Council and SPEL Turismo de Lanzarote have jointly promoted it alongside Lanzarote, highlighting its sustainability and status as an environmental treasure.’
‘The registered population is around 750,’ adds Hernández. ‘Though this can certainly increase fivefold in the summer. However, legal urban development is heavily restricted by a mountain of red tape involving various authorities. A hotel, for example, is out of the question on La Graciosa. And we’re currently taking action against numerous unauthorised building extensions.’
Faelo Morales, a local resident and radio presenter in Lanzarote, is far less optimistic. ‘La Graciosa still retains its wonderful essence, but it’s now overcrowded,’ he says. ‘The authorities are failing on issues like cleaning and maintenance. The roads, even the port, are in a terrible state. Heavy traffic, combined with a lack of subsidies, makes even basic necessities incredibly expensive. And in the summer, finding accommodation is virtually impossible. It has become an extension of Lanzarote.’
‘In terms of investment,’ Morales concludes, ‘wealthy people from Lanzarote own properties here, and because supply is so limited, prices have skyrocketed, and speculation has taken hold. At least the authorities in Lanzarote have announced a review of holiday rentals.’
