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Date Published: 06/06/2024

Spain has just gained a new island in the Canaries

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Spain welcomes La Graciosa to the Canarian Archipelago

Spain has just gained a new island in the Canaries

In a historic move, Spain has officially welcomed a new member to its beloved Canary Islands. After years of lobbying and grassroots movements, La Graciosa has finally received recognition as the eighth island in the archipelago.

Formerly categorised as an islet and little-known outside of Spain, La Graciosa has been gaining popularity due to its breath-taking beauty and impressive marine reserve, drawing tourists and environmentalists alike.

Until now, the Canary archipelago was made up of seven islands: La Palma, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. But about five years ago, a popular movement began the procedures to achieve recognition for La Graciosa as an independent community. Previously, it was administratively linked to Lanzarote.

Measuring about eight kilometres in length with a total area of just 29 square kilometres, around 600 lucky people call La Graciosa home. The bulk of these residents inhabit the capital, Caleta del Sebo, and its surrounding boroughs.

Tourism plays a considerable role in preserving the island's ecosystem, as the influx of environmentalists maintains the delicate balance of native flora and fauna.

With a gentle climate averaging a comfortable 20°C year round, La Graciosa boasts inviting turquoise waters and sandy beaches. Coupled with favourable trade winds and a balmy 78% humidity level, the island is a true haven for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Despite its remote character, La Graciosa faces complex challenges, such as managing energy supply, handling solid waste, conserving scarce natural resources and controlling fishing activities. Nevertheless, this newly minted island does not possess any paved roads, adding to its rustic appeal while necessitating unique problem-solving strategies.

Initially, La Graciosa will continue to fall under the administrative wing of the municipality of Teguise, though it now bears the distinction of becoming the eighth ‘terroir’ in the Canary Islands. Eventually, this shift might lead to autonomy, granting the island its own ‘Cabildo’ or council, similar to the governing bodies found on the remaining seven islands.

Until then, La Graciosa proudly assumes district status, gaining independence in managing its public resources. Through this, citizens will reap the rewards of enhanced self-governance, opening doors for improved infrastructure and increased attention to protecting precious marine reserves.

In other news: TUI transforms tourism in the Canary Islands with long-term housing investment

Image: Nikodem Nijaki via Wikimedia Commons

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