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The Canary Islands are undoubtedly amongst the most beloved holiday destinations for people in the UK, offering budget-friendly direct flights, reasonably priced food and drink, and comfortable lodgings that won't empty your wallet.

However, there's one tiny island in the Canaries which has been hailed as the archipelago's "best kept secret" - and it sits just 30 minutes from Lanzarote. In fact, this pristine tropical haven is so well-hidden that the majority of holidaymakers remain completely unaware of its existence.

This little Canarian jewel is distinctive in every way - it boasts absolutely no tarmacked roads owing to its heavily safeguarded status as Europe's largest Marine Reserve and as a National Park, meaning motor vehicles are entirely absent from the island.

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The sole permitted vehicles are bicycles and 4x4s belonging to residents (holidaymakers can hire them as taxis to get around the island).

A paradise for travellers craving peace and seclusion, La Graciosa is an unparalleled treasure. Its rugged, unspoilt and genuinely isolated character is perfect for those weary of tourist hordes and relentless travel chaos at other well-trodden sunny destinations, reports the Express.

Getting to La Graciosa couldn't be easier. Simply catch a direct flight from the UK to Lanzarote and then a short ferry.

At the time of writing, a direct single ticket from London Stansted Airport to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on March 3 cost just £25 - with one complimentary cabin bag included.

Upon touching down in Lanzarote - another budget-friendly sunshine haven in the Canaries - a 30-minute ferry journey from Órzola port (no need to worry as ferry services run regularly and frequently throughout the year) will deliver you to La Graciosa. However, it's sensible to verify ferry schedules when organising your journey.

Much like Lanzarote, costs on this petite island gem remain wallet-friendly, with a pint of local beer setting you back around £2 (yes, it's almost too good to be true).

Heavenly beaches, pristine white, golden and crimson sands, azure waters, and untamed landscapes ideal for rambling - there's something to suit every type of holidaymaker in La Graciosa.

The optimal way to navigate this island is either on foot or by bicycle, whilst soaking up the magnificent views of genuinely unspoilt nature. La Graciosa isn't geared towards mass tourism, and its amenities and services reflect this accordingly.

This haven of tranquillity and peace is inhabited by approximately 700 people, the majority living in Caleta del Sabo - the island's only village. There's also Pedro Barba, a municipality and modest cluster of holiday homes on the island, deserted for much of the year.

These represent the only two populated zones on the island of La Graciosa. Close to the harbour in the quaint fishing village of Caleta del Sabo, restaurants dish up mouthwatering cuisine enhanced by spectacular ocean vistas.

Guests can savour the freshest catches whilst soaking up the splendour of this isolated haven. A handful of mini-markets cater for everyday essentials, whilst a compact medical centre stands ready for any emergencies.

The lodgings available on this off-the-beaten-track island are well-kept and reasonably contemporary. Additionally, several bike hire outlets are on hand should you fancy exploring the island on two wheels.

Whilst La Graciosa may not boast luxury amenities - a necessary sacrifice to preserve nature in its purest state - it more than compensates with some of the world's most pristine waters and magnificent beaches.

Despite spanning merely 27 square kilometres, La Graciosa offers an abundance of activities.

Playa de las Conchas ranks as the island's most celebrated beach, positioned roughly an hour's stroll from the principal village, and stands amongst the key draws - although it can occasionally fall victim to inclement weather and powerful currents.

Two further gorgeous sandy stretches, Playa de las Cocinas and Playa Francesa, feature amongst the island's highest-rated attractions (particularly suited to families and those with young kids), both sufficiently protected and offering the most spectacular panoramas of Lanzarote's imposing Famara cliffs.

At high tide, La Francesa morphs into a lagoon-like paradise, creating the perfect environment for snorkelling enthusiasts and marine life spotters.

Meanwhile, Las Cocinas is an isolated, untouched bay nestled beneath the iconic Montaña Amarilla Volcano, offering the sort of breathtaking scenery that exists only in one's imagination.

Other immaculate beaches dotting Graciosa's coastline include Del Ámbar, Del Salado, and De la Laja – each one crying out to be discovered by intrepid travellers.

Enjoying a wonderful temperate climate throughout the year (hardly shocking given it's the Canaries), La Graciosa embraces a laid-back pace of life, and even a brief stay on this tropical haven will leave you feeling more refreshed than any crowded tourist hotspot ever could.

For those craving additional excitement, boat trips to the neighbouring Isla de Lobos provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.

The Canaries' most untamed island also features numerous glass-bottomed boat excursions to surrounding islands, alongside deep-sea fishing adventures.

Whatever activities you choose – the island's volcanic terrain, striking panoramas, and crystal-clear azure waters guarantee an unforgettable experience.

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