Research by Avis has identified El Hierro, a volcanic island in the Canary archipelago, as Europe's least crowded island, with a tourist density far lower than its neighbours. Despite the Canary Islands' overall popularity—Tenerife attracts about seven million visitors annually against a population under one million—El Hierro receives only 25,000 visitors per year. This seclusion makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet road trip or peaceful exploration, away from the anti-tourist sentiment seen in Tenerife and Lanzarote.
El Hierro's Unique Appeal
As the second-smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro offers a compact yet diverse landscape. Its perimeter can be driven in about an hour, with stops at volcanic terrain covered in pine trees, natural sea pools, and turquoise waters. The capital, Valverde, is a hilly town surrounded by mountain scenery sloping to a rugged coast. Attractions include the Casa de las Quinteras museum, focusing on local history and archaeology, and the 18th-century baroque Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, a popular photography spot.
Natural Highlights and Activities
From Valverde, visitors can explore El Charco Manso, a spectacular coastline where turquoise waves meet black volcanic rocks, with walking paths along the cliffs. For swimming, Playa de Tacoron offers ladders built into the cliffside for easy access to clear blue waters. Piscina Natural La Maceta features lava pools filled with natural seawater, providing calm swimming with views of the rocky sea. Boat trips from El Hierro offer whale watching, snorkelling, and scuba diving in clear waters with minimal other tourists.
Access and Travel Tips
There are no direct flights from the UK to El Hierro, contributing to its low visitor numbers. Travelers can fly from the UK to Tenerife or Gran Canaria, then take a 40-minute island-hopping flight to El Hierro. Alternatively, a ferry from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to Valverde takes about two and a half hours, offering scenic views of both islands. The top 10 most secluded European island road trips, according to Avis, include El Hierro, Lesbos, Samos, La Gomera, Gotland, Korčula, Faroe Islands, Brač, Isle of Skye, and La Palma.
