El Hierro: The Meridian Island

For centuries, El Hierro was considered the end of the known world (the Zero Meridian was located here until it moved to Greenwich in 1885). Today, it feels like the beginning of a new one. It is the smallest, most remote, and least developed of the Canary Islands.

In 2026, El Hierro is a global icon for sustainability. It was the first island in the world to aim for 100% energy self-sufficiency using wind and hydro power (the Gorona del Viento project). It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Geopark. There are no high-rise hotels, no traffic lights, and very few beaches. Instead, you find natural lava pools, ancient forests, and a silence so deep it rings in your ears.

Why Visit El Hierro in 2026?

To disconnect and to dive. The marine reserve of La Restinga offers the best diving in Europe, especially since the underwater volcanic eruption in 2011 regenerated the ecosystem. In 2026, the island attracts eco-tourists who want to see the future of green travel.

Best Time to Visit

October: The calmest sea (“Calmas”) for diving. The water is warmest (24°C).
May - June: The island is blooming, and the weather is mild.
Summer: It never gets too hot due to the trade winds, but it can be foggy in the high forests.

How to Get There

Fly: El Hierro Airport (VDE) handles inter-island flights from Tenerife North (TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA).
Ferry: Naviera Armas runs a ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife). It takes about 2.5 hours and docks in Puerto de la Estaca.

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. El Sabinar

The symbol of the island. These are ancient Juniper trees twisted into impossible shapes by the relentless trade winds. They look like they are crawling on the ground. It is a haunting, beautiful landscape.

2. La Restinga Marine Reserve

Located in the south. The diving here is spectacular—groupers, rays, and occasionally whale sharks. The underwater lava formations are unique.

3. Charco Azul

El Hierro has few sandy beaches, so locals swim in natural lava pools. Charco Azul is the most famous—a turquoise pool protected from the crashing waves by a natural arch.

4. Mirador de la Peña

A viewpoint designed by the famous Canarian artist César Manrique. It hangs over a massive cliff (El Golfo). There is a restaurant with glass walls offering dizzying views.

5. Garoé Tree

The sacred tree of the Bimbache (original inhabitants). Legend says it distilled water from the clouds to save the people from thirst. Today, you can visit the site and see how the fog water collection works.

Where to Stay

Parador de El Hierro: A state-run luxury hotel located on a lonely volcanic beach. Absolute isolation.
La Restinga: For divers. Small apartments and fish restaurants.
Valverde: The capital (inland). Good for history.
La Frontera: The wine-growing region in the lush El Golfo valley.

Gastronomy: Quesadilla and Wine

Quesadilla: Not the Mexican dish! In El Hierro, a quesadilla is a sweet cheesecake made with fresh goat cheese, eggs, and sugar.
Pineapple: The tropical valley of El Golfo produces sweet, small pineapples.
Wine: The steep vineyards produce excellent white wines (Vijariego Blanco).
Vieja: Parrotfish, usually boiled and served with mojo sauce.

Sustainability & Energy

El Hierro is a living laboratory.

Gorona del Viento: You can visit the hydro-wind plant. It uses wind energy to pump water up to a crater, which is then released to generate hydro power when the wind stops.
Recycling: The island has very strict waste separation rules.

Safety and Tips

Vertigo: The roads are steep and cling to cliffs. Drive carefully.
Seasickness: The ferry crossing can be rough in the channel between islands. Take pills if susceptible.
Tunnels: The island has long tunnels connecting the north and south, making travel surprisingly fast.

Digital Nomad Life

El Hierro is actively courting digital nomads with its “zero stress, zero carbon” lifestyle. The island launched a campaign to attract remote workers, highlighting its high-speed fiber internet which covers even the smallest villages. Co-working spaces have popped up in Valverde and La Frontera. It is the ultimate destination for eco-conscious nomads who want to live in a place that aligns with their values. However, nightlife is non-existent; social life revolves around hiking groups and diving.

Family Travel

El Hierro is an unconventional but rewarding family destination. While it lacks the water parks of Tenerife, it offers “natural playgrounds.” Kids love the volcanic rock pools at La Maceta (safe for swimming) and the enchanted forests of La Llanía. The interactiveness of the Ecomuseum of Guinea, where you can see the giant lizards of El Hierro (Lagarto Gigante), is a hit with children.

El Hierro is mesmerizing. It is small (you can drive across it in 45 minutes) but incredibly diverse—from lava deserts to misty forests. It is an island for the soul.