El Hierro is the tiny western outpost of Spain’s Canary Islands, a place of lava cliffs, laurel forests and natural rock pools. When it comes to things to do on El Hierro, the focus here is on simple pleasures. Swimming in natural pools, walking coastal paths, eating fresh fish in tiny harbours and driving quiet mountain roads with huge views.
Why visit El Hierro in the Canary Islands
El Hierro is the smallest Canary Island in terms of population and area, and that size really shapes the experience. Distances are short, but the scenery changes fast, from high misty ridges to bright blue rock pools at sea level. It has UNESCO biosphere reserve status and feels like the “quiet cousin” of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with far less nightlife and far more silence.
For anyone wondering if El Hierro is worth visiting, the answer leans towards yes if you enjoy hiking, diving, slow drives and tiny villages rather than shopping and beach clubs.
Essential things to do on El Hierro
The main things to do on El Hierro revolve around its landscape and the way people have adapted to it.
Swim in El Hierro’s natural pools
- Charco Manso combines deep natural rock pools, arches and blowholes, with concrete platforms where locals spread towels and climb in and out of the water when the Atlantic is calm.
- La Maceta is a cluster of natural pools in El Golfo valley with steps, railings and a more family‑friendly feel, backed by terraced hillsides and small bars.
Walk El Hierro’s volcanic trails and viewpoints
- Mirador de Isora looks down on huge cliffs that drop straight to the ocean, with views along the coast and walking paths that skirt the rim.
- Mirador La Llanía sits at the edge of forest and open slopes, and links into short loop walks through laurel and heather.
- Pico de Malpaso, the highest point on El Hierro, offers wide views across the island and, on clear days, towards other islands.
See the twisted juniper trees of El Sabinar
- El Sabinar is an area where old juniper trees have been twisted over decades by the trade winds, creating surreal, almost sculptural shapes.
Dive and snorkel around La Restinga’s marine reserve
- La Restinga is a small fishing village on the south coast that doubles as the main hub for diving on El Hierro.
- The surrounding marine reserve offers clear water, volcanic rock formations, drop‑offs and a good chance of seeing rays, groupers and shoals of smaller fish.
Visit the Ecomuseum of Guinea
- The Ecomuseum of Guinea is a restored village that shows how people lived on El Hierro in previous centuries.
- Guided visits often include access to a lava tunnel, where you walk into a cooled lava tube created by old eruptions.
Chase El Hierro’s sacred trees and natural arches
- The Árbol Garoé site recalls a legendary sacred tree that collected moisture from clouds and drip‑fed water, with a modern replacement.
- Natural arches such as Arco de las Puntas or formations near Charco Manso and Punta de la Sal frame the sea and make good photo stops on coastal drives.
Sample El Hierro’s local food
- Bimbachinches are informal local eateries that serve straightforward Canary dishes.
- Quesadillas de El Hierro are small baked sweets made with local cheese, eggs, sugar and sometimes a hint of anise.
- Queso herreño (Herreño cheese) is the island’s emblematic cheese, often smoked and sometimes grilled and served with mojo sauces.
- On more traditional menus, you might also find hearty Canary stews such as potaje de berros (watercress stew) and sancocho canario (salted fish with potatoes and mojo).
Hidden gems on El Hierro for off-the-beaten-path explorers
Once the main highlights are ticked off, El Hierro still has a surprising number of tucked‑away corners.
- Around areas like Campanario de Joapira, the contrast between red earth, green crops and white buildings creates striking landscapes that many visitors miss.
- The area around Faro de Orchilla, once thought of as the edge of the known world. If you go with a guide, you'll get access to hidden lava tubes.
- Arenas Blancas and other pale‑sand coves contrast sharply with the black lava coast.
Things to do on El Hierro with kids
El Hierro works well for families who like outdoor days without a packed schedule.
- Some natural pools, such as parts of La Maceta or sheltered corners near villages, have ladders, walls and flat platforms.
- Short paths around miradores like La Llanía or easily reached viewpoints along the main roads.
- Watching fishing boats in La Restinga, looking for lizards on dry stone walls or doing a bit of basic stargazing on clear nights all add low‑key adventures without much extra cost.
Where to stay and best areas on El Hierro island
Choosing where to stay on El Hierro is mostly about deciding which kind of landscape you want to wake up to.
- The largest town on El Hierro acts as the main services hub, with supermarkets, banks, schools and a few modest hotels and guesthouses.
- Smaller villages scattered across the island range from farming communities inland to fishing villages on the coast.
- Areas in El Golfo valley and around La Restinga tend to attract hikers and divers, while hill villages appeal to those who like cooler nights and views over the ocean from a distance.
Explore holiday rentals on El Hierro
Comparing El Hierro with other Canary Islands
El Hierro sits in an interesting place within the Canary Islands. It shares the volcanic base and mild climate of the rest of the archipelago, but the atmosphere is closer to a remote, self‑contained island than to a busy holiday hub.
Compared with La Palma, El Hierro is smaller and feels more intimate, with fewer towns and a simpler road network. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer longer sandy beaches, more nightlife, shopping and a wider choice of resorts.
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