Best places to visit in El Hierro

El Hierro Essentials

El Hierro, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, features a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and ancient traditions. This selection includes the historic Faro de Orchilla, once considered the world's prime meridian, and the sacred Garoé tree, vital to the indigenous Bimbache people for water collection. Natural attractions range from the sea-carved cave of Charco Azul to the red sands of Playa del Verodal. Cultural highlights include the Bimbache petroglyphs at El Julan and the César Manrique-designed Mirador de la Peña overlooking the massive El Golfo valley.

El Hierro Essentials — Map

Hans Bezard / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Faro de Orchilla

The Punta Orchilla Lighthouse is an active lighthouse on the Canary island of El Hierro in the municipality of El Pinar.

Areuland / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Charco Azul

A natural turquoise tide pool situated within a volcanic sea cave. It is accessible via a stone staircase and offers protection from the open ocean.

Kay R. / CC-BY-SA

C

Mirador de la Peña

Designed by Canarian architect César Manrique, this viewpoint and restaurant features stone and wood architecture integrated into the cliffside. It offers panoramic views of the El Golfo valley.

Tamara k / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Ocotea foetens

Ocotea foetens, commonly called til or stinkwood is a species of tree in the family Lauraceae. It is evergreen and grows up to 40 m tall.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

E

Roque de La Bonanza

A 200-meter-high volcanic rock formation rising from the sea in the Bay of Las Playas. Its distinctive shape is a result of coastal erosion.

Philippe Guillaume / CC BY 2.0

F

La Restinga Fishing Village

Actually the southernmost tip of Spain, this fishing village seems like at the end of the world. Very laid-back and charming.

G

Mirador de Las Playas

Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, this viewpoint provides a vertical look down at the semi-circular bay of Las Playas and the Roque de la Bonanza.

H

El Julan

Set out for the unknown and explore these amazing petroglyphs, the only traces of settlement in this inhospitable area.

barraquito / CC BY-SA 2.0

I

Valle de El Golfo

A 14-kilometer-wide amphitheater formed by a prehistoric massive landslide. The valley is the island's main agricultural hub, known for pineapple and banana plantations.

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J

Charco Manso

A natural swimming area characterized by basalt arches and underwater caves. The site includes stone-carved paths and basic picnic facilities.

K

Zona Arqueológica Poblado de Guinea

An eco-museum featuring 20 restored traditional stone houses and the El Hierro Giant Lizard Recovery Center, dedicated to preserving an endemic species.

L

Playa del Verodal

A remote beach notable for its reddish volcanic sand and high vertical cliffs. Strong currents usually make it unsuitable for swimming.

Other Lists

Volcanic Landscapes of El Hierro Historic Churches & Chapels Natural Wonders of El Hierro