Why there are no cars
The island is part of the Chinijo Archipelago natural park. There are no asphalt roads, the streets of Caleta de Sebo are sand, and private vehicles are not brought over on the ferry. Transport is on foot, by bicycle, or in the licensed 4x4 taxis that work from the harbour. Nothing on the island is more than about six kilometres from the village, which sounds close until you walk it in the open sun.
On foot: the honest distances
| From Caleta de Sebo | Distance | One way on foot |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Francesa | ~2 km | 25–30 min |
| Montaña Amarilla and Playa de la Cocina | ~4 km | 50–60 min |
| Pedro Barba | ~4 km | 50–60 min |
| Playa de las Conchas | ~5.2 km | 60–75 min |
By bike: which one, and where it stops working
A bike turns the island into a half-day instead of a full one, and the tracks are flat. Two things catch people out: the trade wind, which you fight all the way back, and the deep sand on the final approach to some beaches, where you push rather than pedal. An electric bike removes most of the first problem and some of the second, which is why it costs more and is worth it on a windy day.
Both rental desks are in Caleta de Sebo, a few minutes from where the ferry lands. Book before crossing on a summer weekend: the island's stock of bikes is small and it does run out.
By 4x4 taxi: what the tour actually includes
The licensed jeeps run a fixed circuit rather than a private hire. The complete version takes about 2.5 hours and covers the hamlet of Pedro Barba, the basalt arches at El Caletón de los Arcos, Playa de las Conchas and Montaña Amarilla, with time to get out at the beaches. Shorter versions of about 1.5 hours cut the northern section.
It is the only option that reaches the far corners and returns you in time for an afternoon ferry, and the only one that works in strong wind or with children who will not walk ten kilometres.
Which to choose
Arriving on the 10:00 boat and leaving in the late afternoon gives you roughly six hours. On foot that is Playa Francesa plus lunch, or Las Conchas and nothing else. By bike it is the whole island at a rush. By jeep it is the whole island plus swimming time, with the crossing planned around it. Check the ferry timetable and the return you can actually catch before you decide, and read the wind guide: above 30 km/h the bike stops being fun.
Sources checked
Visit La Graciosa: distances between the village and the beaches
GetYourGuide: activities in Caleta de Sebo