La Graciosa, the island that is a recognized jewel in the Atlantic’s Canary Island archipelago, has for many centuries been the focus of stories of pirates, treasure and ships. Its history and beauty continue to captivate visitors to this day.
History of piracy in La Graciosa: the island of hidden treasures
Over the centuries, La Graciosa was subject to many pirate raids.
Its location to the north of the Canary Island archipelago, close to the African coast, and the fact that as an uninhabited island perfect for hiding on, meant that raiders took advantage of the El Río anchorage, between La Graciosa and Lanzarote, to access the island. They hid, took shelter from the storms, repaired their ships, prepared their campaigns and reprovisioned their ships with water – a very scarce and prized resource in the area – from the springs of Famara on their voyages.
La Graciosa’s history of pirate raids has led to legends of hidden treasure on the island
La Graciosa: the heart of piracy in the Canary Islands.
English, Dutch, French, Barbary, Turk and Algerian pirates sailed the waters of the Canary Islands, attracted by the myth of the happy lands beyond the Pillars of Hercules. Along the way, they captured slaves and plundered ships sailing in the area. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the anchorage of La Graciosa became a strategic point of passage for hundreds of pirate ships bound for America.
In 1589, on learning of the existence of four English ships, Agustín de Herrera, Marquis of Lanzarote, led a militia to La Graciosa, defeating the English and seizing the ships, which he later presented to Henry III of Castile.
If you find this story captivating, find out how to get to the island of white sands and crystal-clear waters that has welcomed travellers and adventurers since ancient times.
How to get to La Graciosa?
Just follow these simple steps:
1. Travel to the port of Órzola (Lanzarote), which connects directly by boat to La Graciosa.
2. Buy your ferry ticket to Caleta de Sebo.
3. Prepare your luggage for your stay in La Graciosa, and don’t forget to pack your adventurous spirit!
4. Book a bicycle to get around the island. Then you can lose yourself in a search for the many treasures the island has to offer.
