El Hierro
4 places in and around El Hierro, 1 of them among my favourite picks.
Chapter One
The story of El Hierro
The smallest of the major Canary Islands and the furthest west. It was considered the edge of the known world, and in the 17th century Europe adopted it as the line of “longitude zero”. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Figures of El Hierro
- 1100–around 1165
al-Idrisi
The geographer from Ceuta mentioned the “Eternal Islands” (al-Jazā'ir al-Khālidāt) in the far reaches of the encircling Ocean, in his “Nuzhat al-Mushtaq”, which are reckoned to include the Canary Islands.
- Around 1362–1425
Jean de Béthencourt
He conquered El Hierro in the name of Castile around 1405 CE.
- 1601–1643
Louis XIII
The King of France who in 1634 approved making the meridian through El Hierro a reference line (longitude zero).
Chapter Two
Places in El Hierro
4 places I chose, arranged in chapters. A gold star marks one of my favourite picks.
Centro de Buceo El Hierro
· La Restinga
The Mar de las Calmas, in the south of El Hierro island, is a marine reserve rated among the best diving sites in the world: volcanic walls, rock arches, clear blue waters, and manta rays and sometimes angel sharks. The area witnessed an underwater volcanic eruption in 2011.
My tip
The water is relatively warm all year; reach El Hierro by plane or by ferry from Tenerife, and allow at least 3 days.
Mirador de La Peña
· Guarazoca (El Hierro)
A terrace designed by César Manrique on the edge of a sheer cliff overlooking the El Golfo valley on El Hierro. The most beautiful view on the island.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- A car park and a short level walk; suitable for everyone.
My tip
Free, and the restaurant is optional; come in the morning before the clouds come in. Combine it with the nearby Jinama viewpoint.
El Sabinar
Twisted juniper trees whose branches bent with the wind until they are horizontal, a symbol of the island of El Hierro. In the wild west of the island, near the Bascos viewpoint.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- A rough dirt road for small cars; a short walk on exposed ground.
My tip
A dirt road at the end; close the gate behind you because of the livestock. Walk a little among the other trees, away from the famous one.
Charco Azul
· La Frontera (El Hierro)
A natural swimming pool inside an arch of volcanic lava on the El Golfo coast, with clear blue water. One of the island's most beautiful quiet swimming spots.
- Moderate effort · needs a car
- A long staircase and large rocks for the descent; not suitable for the elderly.
My tip
Swim at low tide when the sea is calm; water shoes are essential. There is another nearby site, “La Maceta”, which is easier.
Chapter Three
When to go to El Hierro
Pick a month to see its weather and events.
Among my best months An event or holiday
January
No events listed in January. A quiet month, and prices are often lower.
Chapter Four
What to bring home
What deserves to come home with you from El Hierro: the genuine article, and what carries a protected origin.
El Hierro cheese
Queso herreñoA mixed cheese from goat, sheep and cow milk, lightly smoked, produced by the island's central cheese cooperative.
El Hierro quesadilla
Quesadilla herreñaA fresh cheese cake with sugar, anise and lemon, shaped like a flower, the symbol of the island; its best-known maker is Quesadillas Adrián Gutiérrez in Valverde.
Tropical pineapple
Piña tropical de El HierroA small, very sweet pineapple grown in the El Golfo valley.
Figs
Higos de El HierroFresh figs in summer and dried all year round, from which jams and pastes are made.
Chapter Five
Getting around El Hierro
Last reviewed1 October 2026