Planning to visit El Hierro in 5 days? An excellent choice! This island, the most isolated of the Canary archipelago, concentrates a remarkable variety of landscapes in a modest area: laurel forests, steep cliffs, lava fields and exceptional seabeds. We were won over by its authenticity and lack of mass tourism.
In this article, we suggest an itinerary organized by geographical area to optimize your travel and enjoy your 5 days in El Hierro.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting El Hierro in 5 days
What can you see in El Hierro in 5 days? Is it long enough?
Five days are enough to cover all the essentials of El Hierro: viewpoints, natural pools, lava fields, laurel forest and even a session of diving or coastal hiking.
See our complete guide to visiting El Hierro.
Maps of must-see attractions
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here’s our map of El Hierro’s main tourist attractions:
To create your own itinerary, check out our article on all the best attractions in El Hierro.
Getting around El Hierro
A car is essential for exploring El Hierro. The bus network is very limited, and most natural sites are only accessible by vehicle. We advise you to book a car as soon as you arrive at the airport or port.
A standard vehicle is suitable for most roads. Mountain roads are winding and sometimes narrow, requiring careful driving, especially at night.
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.
Our ideal itinerary: 5 days in El Hierro
We’ve designed this itinerary by geographical area to reduce the number of daily commutes. As El Hierro is a small island, you can adapt the order of the days according to your accommodation and the weather. Days alternate between active exploration and relaxing by the water.
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).
Day 1 – Roque de la Bonanza and Tamaduste
Head down to the bay of Las Playas to admire the Roque de la Bonanza, one of El Hierro’s most photographed sites. This volcanic rock stands on the edge of the sea, facing a backdrop of dark cliffs and calm waters. We loved this place. Walk along the foot of the cliffs to discover different perspectives on the bay and the rock. A real favorite!
The bay offers a peaceful setting for a contemplative break. About 20-25min drive from Valverde. Swimming is possible on the beaches, but the water can be rough depending on conditions. We recommend taking at least half a day to enjoy the views across the bay, or making a 30min stop if you prefer to go further.
In the early afternoon, head for Tamaduste, a small coastal village just 10-15min drive from Valverde. Its natural lagoon, formed by volcanic rocks, is one of the locals’ favorite swimming spots. We enjoyed the local atmosphere of this place, both relaxed and authentic.
Start with a hike through the lava field bordered by colorful volcanoes and the sea in the background. This is an out-and-back walk: go as far as you like before turning back. Walking shoes are recommended. On your return, take a refreshing dip in the lagoon. The well-sheltered pool offers calm waters suitable for children and beginners. Extend your visit with a stroll along the coastal promenade, which offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic and the rock formations of the northern coastline.
Day 2 – La Llanía Forest and Charco Manso
In the afternoon, continue on to La Llanía forest, a dense laurel forest in the heart of Frontera rural park. We loved its singular atmosphere: the trees are ancient, twisted by the wind, often shrouded in mist. This primary forest is part of an ecosystem that existed millions of years ago throughout the Mediterranean basin, before being confined to a few Macaronesian islands.
Nearby, the Hoya de Fireba volcano bears witness to the island’s geological activity. Several signposted trails start from the road. It’s a 30-40min drive from Valverde. Don’t think of the fog as an obstacle: it’s in these conditions that the forest reveals all its intensity. You can do the whole loop or just sections from the road – the forest, the volcano – depending on your energy.
Next, head for Charco Manso, a natural basin located on the north coast, in a secluded, wild setting. Its name literally means “tranquil basin”, even though the waves were strong when we went there! We were seduced by the site’s accessibility from the coastal path and by the deep blue color of the water. Allow 20-25min drive from Valverde. Access can be slippery, especially at high tide. Don’t swim in heavy seas. Bring water shoes, water and snacks, as no services are available on site.
It’s time to book your ferry crossings!
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Day 3 – El Golfo: viewpoints, La Frontera and Ecomuseo
Spend the day in the El Golfo valley, on the western side of the island. Start at the Mirador de Jinama, located on the ridge overlooking La Frontera. From here, you can see the entire gulf, its terraced fields and the sea in the distance. We found this viewpoint particularly revealing for understanding the geography of El Hierro: the island is actually an ancient volcanic crater, part of which collapsed into the ocean, forming this extraordinary valley.
The panorama may be obscured if the clouds are low; in this case, head downhill at the start of the hike to admire the rocks. The descent on foot to El Golfo is possible for experienced hikers, but it is very steep!
Continue on to the Mirador de La Peña, arguably El Hierro’s most famous viewpoint. Perched at over 1,000m above sea level, it overlooks the gulf and its fertile, deep-green plain. We were impressed by the sheer scale of the panorama: on one side the sheer cliffs, on the other the sea and, on a clear day, the silhouettes of La Palma and Tenerife on the horizon.
This viewpoint houses a restaurant designed by Canary Islands architect César Manrique (1919-1992), a major figure in Canary Islands art and architecture. Reservations are recommended for lunch. A tea room with terrace completes the offer. Allow 15-20min from Valverde; the parking lot is equipped and the site is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
In the early afternoon, head down into the valley to discover La Frontera, the main town on the western slope. This municipality boasts a rare architectural feature: its Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church is separated from its bell tower, the Campanario de Joapira, built in 1952 on an isolated volcanic rock. We recommend climbing up to the bell tower for a 360° view of the gulf.
End your day at the Ecomuseo de Guinea, located in El Golfo. This well-preserved complex includes a reconstructed ancient pre-Hispanic village and an eco-museum dedicated to the culture of the island’s first inhabitants, the Bimbaches. We found the teaching approach to be clear and well-documented. The site also includes the Lagartario, a breeding center dedicated to the giant El Hierro lizard (Gallotia simonyi), an endemic species that almost became extinct in the 20th century. Some individuals can reach 60cm in length. You can also opt for a guided tour of a nearby lava tube, formed during ancient eruptions when lava on the surface solidifies while magma continues to flow underneath.
Day 4 – Las Puntas, coastal hiking and natural pools
Start your morning at Las Puntas, on the north coast of El Golfo. This singular location is home to Hotel Puntagrande, long listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest hotel, housed in an old fisherman’s cottage. The nearby natural arc of volcanic rock, the Arco de las Mujeres, adds an interesting geological dimension to the site. Take the time to stroll along the seashore, especially if it’s rough: the waves breaking on the rocks are a breathtaking sight. In the distance, you can see the Roques de Salmor.
Continue with the La Maceta coastal hike, one of the most accessible sections of the island’s trail network. We enjoyed this walk for the variety of landscapes it traverses: basalt cliffs, coves, rock formations and coastal vegetation adapted to the spray. The itinerary is signposted, out and back, mainly on footbridges and paths along the volcanic lava. Allow around 2.5 to 3km one way, or 5 to 6km round trip, for 1h to 1h30 of leisurely walking. The difficulty is low, with very little change in altitude. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the El Golfo coastline and, in the distance, the Roques de Salmor.
At the end of your walk, take a dip in one of the area’s natural pools. We particularly enjoyed the Charco Azul, whose deep blue waters are filtered by volcanic rock. The area attracts local families and travelers alike. Descent is by staircase, but beware: the water can be rough depending on the swell. Don’t swim if the waves hit the pools directly.
The La Maceta area is also home to a number of natural swimming pools that are relatively easy to access, a good option if your legs are tired after hiking. The waters here are generally calm thanks to the protection of rock formations.
Day 5 – La Restinga and the volcanic south
On the way to La Restinga (if you’re not staying there), stop off at the Mirador de Las Playas, offering a bird’s-eye view of Las Playas Bay and Roque de la Bonanza from the air. We spent a long time there, drawn by the verticality of the cliffs and the depth of the blue below. The viewpoint is well laid out, with plenty of trees and several observation angles.
At the southern tip, the small fishing village of La Restinga is surrounded by fields of black lava. This mineral, almost lunar landscape contrasts sharply with the intense blue of the Atlantic. We found this place fascinating for what it tells of El Hierro’s geological youth. The lava here is recent and still raw, and the rock formations retain unexpected shapes. Walk along the lava fields from the village; the terrain is uneven and the volcanic rock can be sharp, so closed shoes are essential.
La Restinga marine reserve is recognized as one of Europe’s top diving destinations. Visibility is often exceptional and biodiversity impressive: nurse sharks, rays, moray eels, groupers and a dense invertebrate fauna. Several diving centers offer supervised outings from La Restinga, accessible to beginners and experienced divers alike. Snorkeling from the shore also offers beautiful glimpses of this underwater world.
If diving isn’t your thing, take a detour to Tacoron’s pools for a refreshing swim after surveying the lava fields. This bathing site, not far from La Restinga, is the perfect way to round off this volcanic day.
Heading north, stop off at the Mirador de las Pernadas, one of our favorite viewpoints on the island. From the ridge road between San Andrés and Frontera, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the coastline, a strikingly colored volcano and the village of Tamaduste below. We found a rare serenity in this viewpoint.
Alternative 1: with more nature and hiking
If you’re a seasoned walker, El Hierro is the place for you. The island boasts over 600km of marked trails covering all levels of difficulty. Here are a few suggestions to enrich your itinerary:
- The descent from Jinama to El Golfo: a steep path linking the mirador to the valley, for a vertical immersion in the island’s landscapes.
- Loops around volcanic craters: several itineraries take you around volcanic formations in the island’s highlands.
- Punta de la Sal and Arco de la Tosca: on the west coast, this natural arch carved out of basalt rock by marine erosion is spectacular. The site is reached by a path from the road; access requires a minimum of caution on the rocks.
- Malpaso summit (1501m): the highest point on El Hierro, it offers views over the whole island on a clear day. The hike is suitable for walkers accustomed to steep gradients.
We recommend that you visit the Valverde and La Frontera tourist offices for detailed maps and hiking information sheets.
Alternative 2: with more swimming and natural pools
El Hierro abounds in natural pools and bathing sites. If you’d prefer to spend more time relaxing by the water, here are some other options to incorporate into your program:
- Pozo de las Calcosas: a village of fishermen’s cottages at the foot of the northern cliffs, accessible only on foot (approx. 30min descent). This hamlet, largely uninhabited outside the summer season, has its own natural rock pools. The site rewards effort with rare isolation and a timeless atmosphere.
- La Caleta swimming pools: a pleasant way to end the day.
- Charco Manso: the natural basin on the north coast, with its wild, isolated setting.
- Tamaduste Lagoon: ideal for swimming in calm waters.
- Charco Azul: deep blue waters filtered by volcanic rock.
- La Maceta pools: easy-to-access, rock-protected pools.
Alternative 3: with more culture and heritage
If you’d like to deepen the cultural dimension of your stay, El Hierro offers several sites and museums that complement the main itinerary:
- Valverde: the Canaries’ only non-waterfront island capital. Perched at an altitude of over 570m, it boasts a peaceful setting and architecture typical of Canarian villages. We enjoyed its central square, quiet streets and small mountain town atmosphere.
- Orchilla lighthouse and the old meridian: at the south-western tip of the island, this lighthouse is steeped in history. From the 17th century until 1884, the international reference meridian passed through El Hierro, before being moved to Greenwich by international convention. Today, a stele marks the spot. Access is via a track, only by adapted vehicle or on foot.
- The island’s hermitages: El Hierro has several hermitages scattered throughout the countryside and forests. The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, in the west, is the most venerated: it houses the patron saint of El Hierro and is at the heart of a traditional pilgrimage.
- Mocanal and its open-air museum: this small village in the north of the island, on the road between Valverde and the coast, is well worth a visit. Informative signs along the way create an original trail. Nearby, the Ermita San Pedro, a small rural chapel of sober architecture, blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
- The Museum of Volcanism: linked to the underwater eruption of 2011, it retraces the island’s geological history in an accessible way. The latest eruption, which lasted several months and created a new lava zone near La Restinga, is extensively documented. The museum is open to all.
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What you need to know for your stay in El Hierro
The weather in El Hierro
El Hierro enjoys a mild oceanic subtropical climate all year round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C depending on the season. However, the relief creates strong local variations: the north and higher ground are often covered in clouds or mist, while the south and west remain sunnier. We advise you to bring several layers of clothing to move from one area to another.
The crowds at El Hierro
El Hierro is the least touristy of the Canary Islands, which is one of its major assets. You’ll never encounter crowds, even in high season. However, accommodation is still limited in number, so we recommend booking well in advance, especially during the Spanish school vacations and July-August.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
Rain rarely affects the whole island at once. If the north is cloudy, the south is often clear, and vice versa. In the event of widespread bad weather, museums are good alternatives: the Ecomuseo de Guinea, the Volcanism Museum and the Lagartario will keep you pleasantly busy. You can also opt for a guided tour of a volcanic tube next to the Ecomuseo. The villages of Valverde and La Frontera can also be visited in the rain, and some forests, such as La Llanía, are more atmospheric in wet weather. We found that the mist added an extra charm to the laurel forest.
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
