As anti-tourism protests rise across some of Europe’s most popular islands this summer, including in the Canary Islands, one quiet gem is making headlines for quite the opposite reason.
Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife are seeing protests against the pressures of mass tourism, with up to 21,000 overnight stays per square kilometre, which equates to roughly 54,400 overnight stays per square mile, according to the latest data from the European Commission. But El Hierro is taking a very different approach.
A new report by travel platform, BookRetreats.com, reveals that El Hierro receives just 610 overnight stays per square kilometre (about 1,580 overnight stays per square mile), making it an impressive 97% less crowded than Lanzarote. The analysis shows that Malta, Lanzarote and Ibiza are among the most crowded destinations in Europe, but El Hierro stands apart with a population of under 11,000, no international airport and accommodation limited to around 1,000 guest beds across the island.
Unlike its bustling neighbours, El Hierro offers an escape from the all-inclusive, high-rise resort model.
Even its largest hotel has fewer than 50 rooms, with the guest beds spread out across small hotels, rural homes and family-run accommodation, according to the report.
The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a designation that ensures sustainable development and protects its rugged volcanic landscapes, dramatic cliffs and laurel forests.
There is no busy nightlife here, just natural pools, highland farms and walking trails with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
El Hierro is a significantly wilder island compared to the other nearby islands and has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Visitors to El Hierro can explore natural pools formed over thousands of years of erosion, with intricate shapes, as well as stunning sites like the Mirador de la Peña, Ecomuseo de Guinea, the Lagartario sanctuary for the endangered El Hierro lizard, and the unique twisted trees of El Sabinar.
They can also enjoy activities such as diving in La Restinga, hiking ancient trails, and discovering the cultural heritage at El Julán park.
El Hierro’s main town is Valverde, home to the Church of Santa María de la Concepción, the Town Hall, built in the traditional Canary Islands style, and although situated further inland, the natural pools at Tamaduste are just a short distance away from it.
Situated at the farthest southwest point of the Canary Islands, El Hierro ranked as the seventh quietest island per square kilometre in the BookRetreats.com study.
Lanzarote came in second, followed by Ibiza, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The most overcrowded island was Malta, while the quietest was Svalbard in Norway.