El Hierro, one of the smaller Canary Islands, offers breathtaking beaches, azure waters, and landscapes so beautiful the entire island has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, yet it doesn't have the tourist crowds found on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, or Fuerteventura.
A Haven for Off-the-Beaten-Path Travelers
The island boasts an average temperature of 22C year-round, making it ideal for winter sun seekers. Instead of golden sandy beaches and bustling resorts, visitors find volcanic shores with black and red sands, rugged cliffs, and diving hotspots.
For example, Playa Puerto de La Estaca is a small beach by a pier with dark sands, a wooden walkway, and a car park. Timijiraque beach is popular with swimmers in the summer due to its spacious sand, proximity to Puerto de la Estaca, and a nearby children's play area, plus a small tunnel leading to a cove with black sands.
Natural Pools and Scenic Hikes
Adventurers may want to hike to El Verodal; although swimming isn't allowed, this beach is part of the rugged coastline that makes El Hierro spectacular. For picture-perfect white sands, Arenas Blancas is the closest option.
The island is known for its beautiful natural pools. Charco Azul, nicknamed the 'blue pond', wows visitors with turquoise waters tucked at the base of a volcanic cliff.
Because El Hierro is small, it can easily be explored on hikes through pine forests and along coastal paths. Camino de Jinama is particularly popular; at about three kilometres long, it offers incredible views despite a few steep parts.
Diving and Getting There
For underwater exploration, La Restinga Marine Reserve is a must-visit. According to the Canaries' tourism officials, the island is "one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving".
There are no direct flights from the UK; visitors must fly to Tenerife or Gran Canaria and take a connecting flight to El Hierro airport.
