What to see in El Hierro: diving and remote nature
El Hierro is the smallest, most remote and most authentic of the Canaries: a UNESCO biosphere reserve, an island aiming for energy self-sufficiency that has chosen slow, sustainable tourism. No big resorts, no nightlife: you come here for nature, the sea and the silence. Here's what to see.
Diving in La Restinga
El Hierro is one of the best diving destinations in the world, and that's no exaggeration. The Mar de las Calmas, a protected marine reserve, has crystal-clear water, spectacular volcanic seabeds and abundant marine life. The village of La Restinga, at the far south, is the base for the dive centres. Even if you don't dive, the snorkelling here is among the best in the Canaries.
El Sabinar
The island's natural symbol: a grove of sabinas (junipers), centuries-old trees bent and twisted by the wind until they almost touch the ground. An almost surreal, unique landscape. It's one of the most photographed images of El Hierro.
The viewpoints and panoramas
A small but vertical island, with spectacular viewpoints. The Mirador de la Peña, a work by César Manrique (the same artist as Lanzarote), offers a breathtaking view over El Golfo, the great semicircular bay born from the collapse of an ancient volcano. Non-stop panoramas between cliffs and ocean.
The Orchilla lighthouse
At the far west, the Faro de Orchilla marks what for centuries was considered the end of the known world: before the discovery of America, the zero meridian passed here, the westernmost point of the known world. A remote, evocative place, with volcanic landscapes dropping to the sea.
To add
- Pozo de las Calcosas: natural volcanic rock pools by the sea, typical of the island.
- Valverde: the only Canary Island capital that doesn't face the sea, built inland as a defence against pirates.
In short
To see the best of El Hierro: diving or snorkelling in La Restinga, the bent forest of El Sabinar, the Mirador de la Peña over El Golfo, the Orchilla lighthouse at the end of the world. It's the island for those seeking pure nature, an exceptional sea and authenticity, far from everything.