El Hierro

The island with a soul

Can an island have a soul? To answer this question you have to come to El HierroThe island is the youngest of the Canary Islands, having emerged "only" 1.1 million years ago. It is difficult to explain the magic of this small Atlantic and volcanic island, a corner of peace and tranquillity to forget the rush and stress.

Well known to diving enthusiasts, who do not hesitate to travel from all over the world to find excellent conditions and incredible underwater landscapes, it is also the island of sustainability. El Hierro is on the way to achieving energy self-sufficiency through clean and renewable energies.

Thanks to its hydro-wind power station, the small island of El Hierro is on its way to becoming completely self-sufficient thanks to renewable energies.

Volcanoes, lava flows, lush forests of Canary Island pine and laurisilva, trees that kneel before the wind, steep cliffs, relaxing natural pools, breathtaking panoramic views... This is what it's like... El HierroAn enigmatic, breathtaking place, a refuge to disconnect from the hectic life of today and enjoy the spring-like climate that reigns in the Canary Islands all year round. 

The gastronomy of this island, declared a Biosphere Reserve, also makes for an unforgettable stay, with fresh produce from the land and the sea of extraordinary quality, not forgetting its wines with Designation of Origin and the original sweets for a treat for the palate.

Yes, an island can have a soul. Y El Hierro has it.

A diving paradise

With more than 40 immersion points, El Hierro is a paradise for divers of all nationalities, who consider the island to be one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving.

There are several factors that combine to make possible the well-deserved fame of this small territory, where one of the three Marine Reserves of the Canary Islands is located. The main one is the transparency of its waters, which allows visibility of up to 30 metres, as well as the great variety of species and spectacular underwater volcanic landscapes. Image List Image

A different landscape at every turn

The small size of the island is no obstacle to finding a surprising variety of landscapes. And the best thing is that, as the distances are so short, you can be taking a relaxing dip on the coast and, in a short time, walking along one of the trails through Canary Island pines or laurel forests. One of the most famous is the Camino de Jinama, an ancient route used by the island's inhabitants, which is just over three kilometres long and has significant slopes, but the reward is incredible.

Meanwhile, on the way to the highest areas of the island, we stop at one of the viewpoints to contemplate breathtaking panoramic views such as the majestic valley of El Golfo, formed after the mega landslide that occurred thousands of years ago, and steep cliffs where the sea beats with force... Or not... Because the ocean on this island also shows us its best side, the absolute calm of the Marine Reserve of La Restinga-Mar de las Calmas.

At El Hierro Nor is there any lack of breathtaking volcanic landscapes, such as the area around the Orchilla Lighthouse, the place considered the end of the world in ancient times and where the Zero Meridian was established until 1884, when it was moved to Greenwich. If we didn't know that America was on the other side of the ocean, it would really seem as if we were at the ends of the earth. The landscape is breathtaking, sober, where we can see volcanoes, vast lava flows where the lavas writhe, absolute silence... Exciting!

The best beaches and natural pools of El Hierro

Punta de Orchilla is the westernmost point of Spain, a place that in ancient times was considered the end of the world and where the zero meridian was established until 1884. Hence, at El Hierro is also known as Meridian Island.

Tacorón, near the famous village of La Restinga and the Mar de las Calmas, is an idyllic bathing area, with transparent and calm waters, with areas for sunbathing and others with shade to enjoy a pleasant picnic.

Natural pools

At El Hierro There are hardly any beaches, which does not prevent you from enjoying the sun and sea in one of the island's paradisiacal natural pools. One of them is the famous Charco Azul, so called because of its transparent turquoise waters. Carved under the volcanic cliffs, it is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a dip in its dreamy waters and forget about the world.

Also on the coast of the El Golfo valley, and sheltered from the sea currents, are the natural pools of La Maceta, with a solarium and picnic area, perfect to enjoy, especially if you are travelling with your family. Another must for those who don't want to miss a single ray of sunshine and a relaxing swim is Tamaduste, a privileged spot on the Herreño coastline due to its calm waters, the beauty of its surroundings and the calm you can breathe in this small village where you can also sample the island's gastronomy in one of its restaurants.

Of rock and sea: puddles you can't miss on El Hierro

There is so much to see and enjoy in El Hierro... And natural puddles are one of them.

After La Graciosa, El Hierro is the island of the Canary Islands archipelago with the highest proportion of protected area, 58 % of its territory. It is also a Biosphere Reserve and forms part of the Global Geoparks Network, an initiative sponsored by UNESCO.

El Hierro from the air

If on land and under water El Hierro offers a fascinating experience, the sensation of contemplating its landscapes from the air, with the wind as the only ally, is indescribable. The trade winds and the island's orography make paragliding possible any day of the year, so the opportunity will never be lacking. And if we add to the excellent conditions the services of professional instructors who accompany us at all times and provide us with the necessary material, there is no excuse. Now all that is missing is an answer: Do you dare?

Enjoying the gastronomy and wines of the island

Fresh fish is the star of the island's cuisine. It is a real pleasure to taste this dish with the typical papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce) and, of course, with the island's exquisite handmade cheese. This product of the gastronomy of El Hierro It accompanies most dishes and is even the basis for making delicious sweets such as the famous quesadillas. Once you've tried them, you're sure to save room in your suitcase to take some with you and continue enjoying this delightful treat for the palate. 

The tropical fruits grown in this volcanic land are also a must. Pineapple, of unbeatable quality, is a good example that always surprises.

Other typical products of the island are limpets, rabbit and kid. If we add to all this the fabulous wines with the Denomination of Origin of the island. El HierroWe will take with us all the flavours of the island that will form part of the unforgettable experience lived in this small Atlantic territory.

Fishing on El Hierro: a sustainable and artisanal model

The fishermen have a unique wealth of fauna just a short distance from the coast.

Don't leave without trying...

The quesadilla is the quintessential dessert of El Hierro. Its main ingredient is handmade cheese made on the island, to which eggs, aniseed, lemon zest, sugar and cinnamon are added.