Pure nature, peace and relaxation. That's what you'll find on the smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro, located below La Palma.
Few tourists stray here, which gives the small volcanic island its very special charm. There are no big hotels, no crowded beaches and no shopping streets. Instead, rustic villages nestle in the green hillsides, crystal-clear water in the natural pools of cooled lava invites you to swim and over 500 volcanic craters tell fascinating stories about the formation of the island.
The natural paradise is especially suitable for those seeking peace and quiet, just like hikers and divers who want to experience sustainable tourism at first hand. El Hierro is the only island in the archipelago that is Co2-neutral and supplies itself exclusively from renewable energies. In addition, the entire island has been classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Find out what there is to experience and discover on the island of El Hierro:
1. The main "town" Villa de Valverde
Of a total of 6,000 people, about 1,700 live in the island capital of El Hierro, which is located in the interior of the island on a mountain cliff. You won't find large pedestrian zones with lots of hustle and bustle here. Small, sometimes steep alleys wind through old houses of typical Canarian architecture. Time seems to have stood still here. On a walk through the charming village, you can enjoy the idyllic atmosphere. In the centre you will find the town hall and the church Iglesia de la Conceción as well as a few restaurants and small shops.
There is also a lot to discover around Valverde. The village is surrounded by flowerbeds and fruit and vegetable gardens, through which a number of footpaths lead.
2. Frontera Nature Park
El Hierro's largest nature park is located in the valley of the same name in the north-east of the island and measures around 12,400 hectares. Here you will find a great variety of landscapes and animal and plant species. In the upper part, you can hike through the mystical forests in the mountains, and in the lower part, beautiful natural pools await you, where you can swim and dive. The highlight of the landscape park are the bizarrely shaped trees that have been bent by the harsh climate on the mountainside. A walk through this natural phenomenon is unique and should not be missed.
3. Charco Azul
"The blue pond" is perfect for a swim in the rough Atlantic Ocean. This natural swimming hole on the coast of the El Golfo valley was formed by cooled lava and shaped by the waves. You can now swim or snorkel in the turquoise water while being protected from the strong waves of the sea. However, swimming in the Charco Azul can still be dangerous if the waves are too high, so caution is advised. While swimming in the shallow water, you can enjoy the extraordinary view of the rocky coast and the wild Atlantic Ocean. There are wooden platforms at the edge of the pool where you can enjoy the sun.
There are no hotels on El Hierro, but tourists can still find nice accommodation from which to explore. Cosy private holiday homes on El Hierro can be found all over the island.