Are you planning your next vacation to the Canaries and wondering whether El Hierro should be on your list of destinations?
El Hierro is a volcanic island untouched by mass tourism. Ell offers spectacular volcanic landscapes, ancient forests and natural pools sculpted from lava. A little gem!
Here we share all our main reasons for recommending El Hierro, as well as a few points that may be negative in full transparency.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is El Hierro worth a visit?
Yes, absolutely. El Hierro is the ideal destination if you’re looking for calm and authenticity, far from the crowded seaside resorts. This small volcanic island offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes: black lava fields, primary forests, breathtaking cliffs and unique geological formations. Lovers of nature, hiking and diving will be delighted by this unspoilt land.
Reason 1 – For peace and quiet
El Hierro represents the antithesis of the mass tourism that characterizes other islands in the archipelago. We were struck by the silence that reigns on this island of just 11,000 inhabitants. You’ll be able to walk for hours with very few people in sight, enjoy the magnificent scenery on your own and recharge your batteries in a peaceful atmosphere.
This tranquility makes El Hierro an ideal destination for those fleeing the hustle and bustle. And with little construction, you can see the stars at night!
Our 3 favorite places to stay in El Hierro:
- Las Puntas, for the scenery
- Tamaduste, for the scenery and pools
- Restinga, for the scenery and the diving
See the best-rated accommodations on the island
See our detailed comparison of the best places to stay on the island (with map and photos).
Reason 2 – For the palette of landscape colors
El Hierro’s chromatic diversity really impressed us. The island offers a mosaic of colors that varies according to the area explored. The deep black of the lava fields rubs shoulders with the intense green of the laurel forests, while the cliffs reveal strata of ochre, red and grey testifying to the various volcanic eruptions. Volcanic cones dot the landscape in shades of brown, reddish and black.
This visual richness creates striking panoramas. We were particularly struck by the contrast between the dark lava flows and the deep blue or turquoise Atlantic Ocean.
The pine forest of El Pinar offers a luminous green, while the ancestral laurel forest is draped in darker, more mysterious hues.
Reason 3 – For its spectacular lava fields
El Hierro boasts two fascinating types of lava fields that bear witness to the island’s geological activity. Near La Restinga, you’ll discover immense pahoehoe lava flows, fluid lava that has created undulating surfaces and tunnels. We spent hours observing the frozen shapes of these rivers of lava as they tumbled down the slopes to the sea. The shapes make you feel like you’re among dinosaurs sometimes! It’s like with clouds: use your imagination.
On the Tamaduste side, the volcanic landscape takes on a different character. More explosive eruptions have left fields of slag and lapilli, creating a lunar setting of raw beauty.
Walking on this volcanic terrain is a unique sensory experience, where you can fully feel the geological power that has shaped the island.
Reason 4 – For its arches and lava formations
Marine erosion has sculpted the solidified lava to create remarkable geological formations along El Hierro’s coastline. At La Bonanza, you can admire natural arches that bear witness to the ocean’s ceaseless work on the volcanic rock. It’s one of the most magical views on the island, between the colors of the water, the cracks in the cliffs and the rock so small yet so large.
The island is also rich in arches: some high, others long.
All waterfront promenades. And although the turquoise sea offers magnificent contrasts, we prefer to see them with the waves crashing down with all their might, continuing the work of erosion.
Reason 5 – For its exceptional vegetation
El Hierro is home to three remarkable forest ecosystems that represent a botanical wealth unique to the Canaries. The Canarian pine forest of El Pinar stretches along the southern slopes of the island, offering a luminous forest where the pines stand majestically. We admired these trees adapted to the dry climate, creating a surprisingly Mediterranean atmosphere.
The laurisilva, or primary laurel forest, is a remnant of the subtropical forests that covered Europe millions of years ago. We strolled through this mysterious wetland ecosystem, where moss- and fern-covered trees create an enchanted forest atmosphere. We recommend discovering them under two conditions: at sunrise, with the soft, penetrating light, and in the rain.
Canary juniper completes this plant diversity with its shapes tormented by trade winds. These twisted trees growing on exposed ridges offer spectacular silhouettes that are particularly photogenic at sunset.
There’s so much to discover: be sure to rent a car.
It’s not a very touristy island, so book early for the best choice.
Reason 6 – For its natural pools
The island of El Hierro boasts several natural pools carved out of lava, little jewels where the ocean mingles with volcanic rock. These protected basins allow you to bathe in surprising landscapes.
Be careful, however, to respect the flags for your own safety. Waves can quickly pass over lava walls.
Even if you don’t go swimming, we recommend a visit in any weather. These lava cliffs are always spectacular.
For the size of the island, El Hierro has a large number of natural pools.
Reason 7 – For its spectacular views of landslides
El Hierro’s geological history has been marked by major landslides that have shaped the island’s current morphology. The Gulf of El Golfo, an immense natural amphitheater to the northwest, is the result of a massive collapse that took place around 130,000 years ago. We were struck by the majesty of this landscape, where a 1,500m-high cliff dominates a fertile plain.
From the viewpoints of La Peña or Jinama, you can contemplate this exceptional geological formation.
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Reason 8 – For the pleasure of hiking
El Hierro is a paradise for hikers, with a network of trails that cross all the island’s ecosystems. We explored itineraries of varying difficulty, from easy strolls through the pine forest or along the seafront, to more demanding climbs from the coast. The diversity of our routes means that there’s something for everyone.
The coastal paths offer spectacular views of the ocean and volcanic formations. The paths through the laurisilva offer a different experience, where you walk in a damp, cool atmosphere under the dense canopy of ancestral laurel trees.
Reason 9 – For the favorable Canarian climate
El Hierro benefits from the Canary Islands’ subtropical climate, which guarantees pleasant temperatures all year round. With averages ranging from 18°C in winter to 25°C in summer, the island offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities in all seasons.
However, the island’s microclimates vary according to altitude and orientation. The northeast receives more precipitation from the trade winds, favoring the development of laurisilva. The drier southwest is home to pine forests and arid volcanic landscapes. We recommend that you bring appropriate clothing if you plan to hike at altitude, where temperatures can be cooler.
Reason 10 – For exceptional scuba diving
El Hierro’s seabed is one of the most spectacular in the Canaries, attracting divers from all over the world. The La Restinga marine reserve offers remarkable biodiversity and often excellent visibility of up to 30m. Here you’ll find an abundance of underwater life: manta rays, angelfish sharks, barracudas, giant groupers and a host of tropical species.
Some disadvantages of a trip to El Hierro
Limited access
El Hierro remains the least accessible island in the Canary archipelago. Flights are rare and mainly come from Tenerife. An alternative is to take the ferry from Tenerife. The crossing takes around 2h30.
Limited tourist infrastructure
The range of accommodation and restaurants remains limited compared with the other Canary Islands. There are no large hotels, and you’ll find mostly small, family-run establishments or vacation rentals. Restaurants close early in the evening, especially in low season. We recommend that you book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during vacation periods.
See the best-rated accommodations on the island
Winding roads
El Hierro’s roads wind constantly between sea and mountains, with many sharp bends. Renting a car is still essential for exploring the island, but the journeys are time-consuming despite the short distances.
Some will have difficulty on certain passages. But the main roads are in excellent condition.
There are also tunnels under the mountains.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO El Hierro
- Best of
Why visit El Hierro
Best attractions in El Hierro
Hiking (coming soon)
Arches (coming soon)
Natural pools (coming soon)
- Practical advice
How to get to El Hierro
Getting around (coming soon)
Rent a car and drive (coming soon)
When to visit (coming soon)
How long
