When you hear the word Canary Islands, you might think of Tenerife, Lanzarote, or Fuerteventura. But there are a total of eight of them, and some remain fairly underrated. El Hierro is the smallest and least developed of Spain’s Canary Islands, sitting in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, rugged cliffs, and rich marine life, it has long attracted divers, hikers, and travelers seeking solitude away from the crowds of Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
UNESCO designated the entire island as a Biosphere Reserve in 2000, recognizing its pristine ecosystems and commitment to sustainability. El Hierro aims to be powered entirely by renewable energy, with its wind-hydro plant already covering most of its electricity needs.
Historically, the island was considered the “end of the known world”, because before Europeans knew about the Americas, it was considered the farthest western point of the inhabited world. Its population is small, just over 11,000, and life moves at an unhurried pace, shaped by traditional agriculture, fishing, and a growing eco-tourism industry.
It’s worth noting that El Hierro doesn’t have many beaches, but wild swimming fans can get their fill thanks to the various natural pools with their postcard-worthy blue waters. El Hierro’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, with hiking paths that wind from fragrant pine woods down to the rugged coastline. A standout is the Camino de Jinama, a centuries-old trail once used by locals to move between villages. Stretching just three kilometres, it’s a short walk with a few challenging slopes, but the views of the island make every step worthwhile.
A visitor on Tripadvisor said: “I’ve been once and loved my visit but it’s nothing like any of the other Canary Islands. I would suggest that the south of the island is definitely best for the weather but my observation would be that you don’t visit El Hierro for the weather.”
Another added it’s a destination for those seeking adventure, but people shouldn’t await the usual tourist experience.
“If you like an adventure then it’s perfect. Some things to note though: No beaches. Limited number of hotels and nothing that could b considered a resort. Would help to learn a little Spanish. Hire a car, buses not really scheduled for tourists. No large supermarkets (most shops are what you would class as a convenience store), there are a couple of slightly larger shops in Valverde.”