The Canary Islands have for years been one of the most popular destinations for those seeking sun and crystal clear sea without having to cross the ocean. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura attract millions of tourists every year, curious to experience the sandy coasts, volcanic landscapes and a climate that easily exceeds 21°C in winter. In the Spanish archipelago there is also another island, which most travelers have not yet discovered: we are talking about El Hierro, the smallest and most south-western of the Canary Islands, which has remained on the fringes of mass tourism. And this is precisely its strong point.
Volcanic beaches and secret coves
The landscape of El Hierro is like nothing found on its more celebrated sister islands. The beaches are characterized by black or red volcanic sand, with isolated coves, natural pools and stretches of coast where silence is still a real component of the experience.
Playa del Verodal, which we can admire in the image below, is perhaps the most scenic: the red sand stands out against imposing cliffs in a context of rare wild beauty. Swimming is not recommended due to the currents, although the scenery alone is worth the visit.
In the next image something more suitable for those who want to dive, Cala de Tacorón, a protected inlet between lava rocks and turquoise waters, locally nicknamed “the calm sea”. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling in complete tranquility.
The island also has the long black pebble beach Las Playas (photo below), with four kilometers of protection, and the nearby Playa de Timijiraque, popular with surfing enthusiasts.
Natural pools: a heritage to discover
Among the most original attractions of El Hierro are the natural pools formed thanks to ancient lava flows. Among these we can mention Charco Azul, near Playa de los Bucios, considered one of the best for bathing: the waters are calm, the inlet is sheltered and the environmental context is of great impact (photo below).
The larger and more equipped swimming pools of La Maceta, which we can admire in the next image, offer spectacular views of the coast and a certain logistical convenience, with nearby services and easy access. The formula is simple: a day in the sun, a dip in the Atlantic waters, no crowds.
Excursions between volcanoes and historic lighthouses
The mountainous and uncontaminated territory of El Hierro lends itself to excursions that combine nature and history. The La Llanía trail runs around the island offering views of the coast from the top of the volcanic peaks. Along the route you come across the Roque de la Bonanza and the Orchilla lighthouse, one of the symbolic places of the island, which for centuries marked the zero meridian of ancient geographical maps.
Low prices and genuine cuisine
El Hierro is not just a destination for nature lovers. The island has a network of restaurants and authentic venues where it is possible to eat at local prices and savor genuine cuisine, far from the standardized menus of the more popular tourist areas. A beer can easily be found for 2.50 euros, although in many corners of the island it goes down to 1.50 euros. Numbers which, alone, say a lot about the type of tourism that El Hierro has chosen not to become.
