El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, is a destination that delights with its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Despite its size, the island offers a range of unique experiences, thanks to its subtropical climate, which makes it an ideal choice at any time of year. Discover what to see on El Hierro – a paradise for those who cherish nature and seek tranquillity.
What to see on El Hierro in one day
If you only have one day to explore El Hierro, don't worry, you can still enjoy some of its most emblematic places.
- La Restinga: Start your day in this small fishing village, the southernmost point of Spanish territory, known as a diving paradise, with its clear waters rich in marine life.
- El Sabinar: Visit this enchanting forest, where wind-twisted junipers create a remarkable landscape.
- Orchilla Lighthouse: Don't miss the chance to visit this historic lighthouse, once the site of the Zero Meridian.
- Charco Azul: Relax in these natural pools formed by volcanic lava. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for a refreshing swim.
- Mirador de La Peña: End your day with panoramic views of the El Golfo Valley from this viewing point designed by architect César Manrique.
El Hierro in two days
If you are lucky enough to have two days to explore El Hierro, you will be able to immerse yourself even further in the essence of this magical island.
- El Julán Cultural Park: Start the second day exploring this archaeological site that will take you through the island's aboriginal history, with rock carvings and archaeological remains.
- Verodal Beach: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on this impressive red sand beach.
- Guinea Ecomuseum: Learn about the island's traditional heritage by visiting this open-air museum.
- Garoé Tree: Don't miss the Holy Tree, a symbol of resilience and mysticism, which was essential to the lives of the ancient inhabitants.
- Pozo de la Salud: End your day at this natural spa, famous for its healing thermal waters.
What to see on El Hierro in three days
If you’re wondering how many days are needed to explore El Hierro, a three-day stay can be enough if you make the most of your time. With three days, you can enjoy a more comprehensive and diverse experience of the island.
- Our Lady of Los Reyes Sanctuary: Spend a morning visiting this pilgrimage centre, located in a unique natural setting.
- La Llanía: Hike along this path that offers spectacular panoramic views.
- Tamaduste: Spend a quiet afternoon in this small coastal town, known for its natural pools.
- El Charco Manso: This spot is a privileged place to watch the sunrise on El Hierro.
- La Maceta: If you’re wondering what to do on El Hierro at night, you can take a dip in this natural pool and enjoy a truly unique sunset experience.
What to see on El Hierro with children
El Hierro is an ideal family destination, offering a wide range of activities and attractions that kids will love. One must-visit spot is Playa de la Maceta, known for its safe and child-friendly natural pools. Here, children can splash and play in the water while parents relax in the sun and enjoy the sunset views.
Another highlight is the Guinea Ecomuseum, where kids can discover how the island's ancient inhabitants lived. This open-air museum features traditional houses and provides an interactive way to learn about local geology and history.
What to eat on El Hierro
El Hierro’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich culture and traditions, offering dishes that showcase fresh ingredients and authentic flavours. The island is renowned for its Herreño cheese, a delicious artisanal treat that is a must-try.
One standout traditional dish is the potaje de berros (watercress stew), a nutritious and flavoursome Canary Islands classic made with local ingredients like watercress, potatoes, and pork.
Be sure also to try the sancocho canario, a salted fish stew served with potatoes and mojo sauce. And for those with a sweet tooth, the bizcocho herreño is a delightful treat you won’t want to miss.
How to get to El Hierro
Reaching El Hierro, the westernmost and southernmost island in the Canary Islands, may seem difficult due to its remote location. However, there are several convenient options to get there.
- Aeroplane: The quickest way to get there is to fly to El Hierro Airport (VDE) from Tenerife North (TFN) or Gran Canaria (LPA). The flight time is approximately 40 minutes.
- Ferry: If you prefer a sea crossing, you can take a ferry from the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife to the port of La Estaca on El Hierro.
Once on the island, it’s best to rent a car to explore at your own pace. How long does it take to get around El Hierro? In just two or three hours, you can visit the entire island, making it easy to reach all the key attractions and scenic spots.
El Hierro's surroundings
Exploring El Hierro's surroundings offers the chance to discover unique landscapes and cultural experiences that enhance your visit to the island. Despite its small size, the area around El Hierro is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Here’s a selection of nearby attractions that you shouldn’t miss.
- La Gomera: Just a short ferry ride from Tenerife, this neighbouring island is known for its lush vegetation and Garajonay National Park.
- La Palma: Known as "La Isla Bonita", La Palma offers stunning volcanic landscapes and hiking trails, including the famous Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
- Tenerife: Although more tourist-oriented, Tenerife boasts Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, along with a vibrant cultural scene and unique beaches.
- Gran Canaria: This island features a striking contrast between the desert dunes of Maspalomas and the lush, green mountains inland.
Living on El Hierro
Living on El Hierro offers a unique blend of natural serenity and community warmth. With a population of just 11,000 and its capital in Valverde (the largest town, followed by Frontera), the island provides a relaxed lifestyle deeply connected to nature. The mild temperatures and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal place for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Moreover, El Hierro offers a safe, family-friendly environment, perfect for raising children in a healthy and enriching setting. If you’re considering slowing down your pace and a more authentic lifestyle, El Hierro could be the perfect destination for you.
Living in Torrox: Costa del Sol's sunniest spot
Located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía region, you’ll find Torrox. This whitewashed municipality makes a rather bold claim: to have the best climate in Europe. Its position, sheltered by mountains and moderated by the Mediterranean, creates genuinely mild winters and pleasant summers, making the idea of living in Torrox particularly appealing. Home to around 20,000 people, including a considerable number of international residents from Britain and Germany, which
Things to do in San Sebastian: pintxos, beaches and city views
Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastián—or Donostia, as it's known in Basque—is a city that effortlessly combines Belle Époque elegance with its status as a world-class foodie playground. It's framed by the glistening bay of La Concha on one side and rolling green hills on the other.
Spanish passport ranking 2025: how powerful is a passport from Spain?
For those considering a move or already living in Spain, the strength of the local passport is a significant factor. A passport's ranking is a global measure of travel freedom, essentially counting the number of destinations its holder can visit without arranging a visa in advance. Spain consistently features near the top of these lists, offering its citizens remarkable mobility across the world.
A look inside Spain's UNESCO heritage cities
Spain has an extraordinary number of entire towns and cities recognised as World Heritage Sites, places where the streets themselves tell centuries-old stories. In these UNESCO heritage towns, Roman, Moorish, and Renaissance history aren't just scenery for a quick visit; it's the backdrop to everyday life, and it’s easy to find yourself wondering what it would be like to call one home. The sheer scale of this heritage is quite something, and getting a sense of Spain's UNESCO World Heritage sit
Valencia's best public swimming pools to cool off this summer
With the arrival of warmer weather, finding a spot to escape the heat becomes a priority for both residents and visitors. In this regard, Valencia’s municipal swimming pools offer one of the best options for cooling off, enjoying the sun and spending a special day out with the family as an alternative to the beach. Discover which pools will be open in 2025.
Spain's World Heritage story: 10 must-see UNESCO sites
Spain is brimming with cultural treasures, including ancient Roman structures, mind-bending modern architecture and history-defining rock art. To give you an idea of how significant the history is here, the city of Córdoba holds the record for the most UNESCO recognitions in the world. In fact, Spain has one of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
7 lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain
When most people think of UNESCO sites in Spain, their minds usually jump to the Alhambra or Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona. And while they're undoubtedly must-sees, they're just the start of the story. Spain is one of the top nations for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, with an incredible list of protected spots. Some of Spain's lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage sites are the places that offer a different sort of experience, giving you a quieter glimpse into the country's deep history and