What to see and do in El Hierro
The meridian island
A guide to El Hierro with 25 hand-picked places. Each one with how to get there, useful tips and any permits you need.
- Nature & scenery (13)
- Adventure & sport (3)
- Camping & vans (1)
- Towns, heritage & food (7)
- Fiestas & tradition (1)
Upcoming events in El Hierro
Nature & scenery
Viewpoint
Mirador de la Peña
Valverde, El Hierro
A César Manrique work perched above El Golfo valley and the Salmor rocks. One of the finest views in the Canaries.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Mirador de Isora
Valverde, El Hierro
A balcony over the Mar de las Calmas and the Las Playas coast, hundreds of metres below.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Las Playas viewpoint
Valverde, El Hierro
A view over the great curve of the east coast, with Roque de la Bonanza and the parador below.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Beach & cove
Playa del Verodal
Frontera, El Hierro
Reddish sand beneath huge cliffs on the west of the island. Wild, lonely and perfect at sunset.
📷 Best light: at sunset
⚠️ Strong currents: better enjoyed from the shore.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Arenas Blancas
Frontera, El Hierro
A rarity on El Hierro: light sand among black lava on the Sabinar coast.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Tacorón
El Pinar, El Hierro
A cove of calm, crystal-clear water in the Mar de las Calmas, with shaded areas. Ideal for snorkelling.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Timijiraque
Valverde, El Hierro
A dark-sand beach on the east coast near the capital, below Roque de la Bonanza.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Rock pool
Charco Azul
Frontera, El Hierro
A natural pool beneath a volcanic rock arch, with water so blue it looks unreal.
⚠️ Check sea conditions before swimming.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
La Maceta rock pools
Frontera, El Hierro
Pools among black lava on the El Golfo coast, with a picnic area. The perfect Sunday plan.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Charco Manso
Valverde, El Hierro
A small cove of volcanic rock with a sea cave. Only for calm-sea days.
⚠️ Check sea conditions before swimming.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Photo spot
Pozo de las Calcosas
Valverde, El Hierro
A hamlet of stone cottages with thatched roofs at the foot of a cliff, next to natural pools.
📷 Best light: during the day
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Garoé tree
Valverde, El Hierro
The sacred tree of the ancient Bimbache people, which “rained” water by catching the fog. History and legend in one spot.
📷 Best light: during the day
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Orchilla lighthouse & the Meridian
Frontera, El Hierro
The lighthouse at the western tip, where the prime meridian ran for centuries. Lava landscape down to the sea.
📷 Best light: at sunset
⚠️ Dirt track at the end: drive slowly.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Adventure & sport
Hiking trail
El Sabinar juniper forest
Frontera, El Hierro
Centuries-old junipers twisted by the wind almost to the ground. A unique landscape and island symbol.
📷 Best light: at sunset
⚠️ Don’t climb the junipers or take branches.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Snorkelling
Tamaduste
Valverde, El Hierro
A calm inlet between lava flows, like a giant pool. Ideal for beginners.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Activity
Diving in the Mar de las Calmas
El Pinar (La Restinga), El Hierro
A Marine Reserve with some of the best seabeds in the Atlantic. Dive with a licensed local centre.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Camping & vans
Campsite
Hoya del Morcillo campsite
El Pinar, El Hierro
A site deep in the pine forest with tables, barbecues and a play area. Tents or caravans, depending on the zone.
⚠️ Prior Cabildo permit and fee required.
📝 Permit or advance booking required: apply here.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Towns, heritage & food
Charming town
Valverde
Valverde, El Hierro
The only Canary capital not on the coast: peaceful, often in the clouds and with sea views.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Sabinosa
Frontera, El Hierro
A village at the far end of El Golfo, with houses perched on the hillside and strong traditions.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Heritage & museums
Guinea Eco-museum & Giant Lizard Centre
Frontera, El Hierro
An old village of stone houses and the recovery centre for El Hierro’s giant lizard.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Candelaria church, Frontera
Frontera, El Hierro
A church in El Golfo valley with its bell tower set apart on top of a small volcanic hill.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Sanctuary of the Virgin of Los Reyes
Frontera (La Dehesa), El Hierro
The patron saint’s chapel in La Dehesa, among junipers and pastures, where the Bajada begins every four years.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Local flavours
El Hierro quesadilla
Valverde, El Hierro
The island’s signature sweet: a fresh cheese and aniseed cake made in Valverde’s bakeries.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
El Golfo wines
Frontera, El Hierro
Vines on volcanic terraces in El Golfo valley, with wineries to taste El Hierro wine.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Fiestas & tradition
Patron saint fiesta
Descent of the Virgin of Los Reyes
Valverde, El Hierro
Every four years, El Hierro’s patron saint is carried across the island from La Dehesa to Valverde, with dancers, flutes and drums.
📅 Every four years, in early July. Next one expected in 2029
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Opening hours, access and permits can change: always check official sources before you go and respect natural areas.
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