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About El Hierro
Quiet, wild and far away.
El Hierro is the smallest of the main islands and the furthest west. For centuries the old zero meridian ran through its western tip at the Faro de Orchilla, the edge of the known world. It is a quiet island of lava coast, juniper trees bent by the wind and the great curved cliff of El Golfo. The whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Global Geopark, and the sea off La Restinga, inside the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, is one of the best places to dive in Europe.
Don't miss
The best of El Hierro.
- La RestingaA fishing village and dive centre on the south tip, next to the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve.
- El GolfoA huge curved valley on the north-west side, with natural pools like Charco Azul and La Maceta.
- Mirador de la PeñaA viewpoint and restaurant designed by César Manrique, high above El Golfo.
- El SabinarJuniper trees twisted into strange shapes by the wind, in the far west.
- Faro de OrchillaThe lighthouse near the old zero meridian, at the western edge of Spain.
- MalpasoThe highest point of the island, on the ridge above El Golfo.
Maps
El Hierro on the map.
Practical
Everything you need to know.
Getting there
El Hierro Airport (VDE), near Valverde, has flights from Tenerife North and Gran Canaria. Ferries from Los Cristianos on Tenerife sail to the port of La Estaca.
Getting around
A hire car is the best option. There are buses between the main villages, but not many.
When to go
All year. The sea is calmest on the south coast. September and October bring the warmest water for diving.
Where to stay
La Restinga for diving, Frontera or the El Golfo valley for walking and the pools, Valverde for the airport and port.
The island guide · Coming soon
Discover El Hierro
La Restinga, El Golfo, the junipers & the natural pools. Leave your email and we will tell you the day it launches.
