The smallest Canary Island runs on 100% renewable energy and has strict two-floor building limits. Swim in volcanic pools, hike past twisted juniper trees, and dive in black coral reefs.
El Hierro is the smallest of Spain's Canary Islands, where you can swim in volcanic pools at Charco Azul, walk through juniper trees twisted by centuries of wind at Sabinar, and dive among black coral formations at La Restinga. The island runs entirely on renewable energy, and local building codes limit structures to two floors, keeping the landscape dominated by volcanic cones and low-rise stone houses.
Swimming in El Hierro's Natural Pools
The volcanic coastline forms several swimming spots where Atlantic waves have carved pools into the rock. At Charco Azul near El Golfo, you can swim in a turquoise pool protected by natural rock barriers. The site includes changing rooms and a restaurant serving locally caught fish. Tamaduste has a chain of connected pools along the coast, with water calm enough for children to swim safely. At Las Calcosas, you can swim while looking up at traditional stone houses with thatched roofs built into the cliffside.
Hiking Through Volcanic Landscapes
Walking trails cross El Hierro's terrain from pine woods to volcanic rock fields. The Camino de Jinama trail leads up 3 kilometers of switchbacks that islanders have used for centuries, ending at a lookout 1,230 meters above sea level. On the La Llanía route, you'll walk 7 kilometers through pine forests and past volcanic cones, taking about two hours. Signs along the path explain how volcanic activity formed the island and identify the plants growing there.
Diving in La Restinga Marine Reserve
La Restinga has 46 dive sites where you can see up to 30 meters deep underwater. The volcanic seabed forms caves, arches, and tunnels where groupers, moray eels, and sea turtles swim. Diving schools in La Restinga rent equipment and lead guided dives for beginners through advanced divers. The protected waters contain large areas of black coral and many species of local fish.
Getting Around El Hierro
You can fly to El Hierro's airport from Tenerife or Gran Canaria daily. Ferries connect Puerto de la Estaca with Tenerife several times weekly. Buses run between main towns, but not frequently. Renting a car gives you independence to reach hiking trails and viewpoints. While main roads are paved, you'll need to drive on dirt tracks to reach some swimming spots and trails.
Local Food and Wine
Small restaurants in La Frontera and Valverde cook fish caught that day, serving it with papas arrugadas - potatoes boiled in sea salt. Local cheesemakers use milk from island goats to make cheese, which goes into quesadillas - pastries filled with cheese, aniseed, and cinnamon. Vineyards in El Golfo valley grow grapes in volcanic soil to make white wines, which you can taste at the island's wine cooperative or local restaurants.
