In this post we want to share with things to do in El Hierro and places to eat. As you may know, El Hierro is the southernmost island in the Canary Islands and one of the smallest in area. This does not mean that there are few places to visit, on the contrary. The island has a lot to offer and we are going to tell you about it below.
Things to do in El Hierro
El Hierro is divided into three municipalities: El Pinar, Frontera and Valverde. The capital of the island is Valverde. Although you do not expect Manhattan, it is a town of less than 2000 inhabitants. The island claims to be a benchmark in sustainability with a clear commitment to renewable energy, being practically self-sufficient.
Here is a list of all the places to visit in El Hierro and what you cannot miss in our opinion. We go by municipality so that you don’t go around too much, do you think?
1. La Restinga, El Pinar
La Restinga is a fishing village and a diving paradise. Here you can try a dip, as well as delight yourself with good fresh fish from the area.
Don’t miss out on the places we recommend to eat in La Restinga at the end of the post.
2. Tacorón cove, El Pinar
A few kilometers from La Restinga we have the cove or beach of Tacorón. A bath with views and on to the next stop!
3. Orchilla lighthouse, El Pinar
The Orchilla Lighthouse is one of the southernmost points of El Hierro. All the landscape that surrounds the lighthouse is volcanic and, therefore, virgin. From here you can see a beautiful sunset.
4. Meridian 0, El Pinar
If by any chance you have a 4×4 or trail bike like us, we encourage you to visit the point that for hundreds of years was considered the 0 meridian of the planet (until it was moved to Greenwich). The road is with stones and dirt, so that we recommend that you don’t go through it you do not have a suitable vehicle. If you would like to discover El Hierro on a trail motorcycle, have a look at this post.
5. Hoya del Morcillo, El Pinar
Although it may not seem like it, such a small island has a beautiful pine forest at its highest part. If you like camping, we recommend the Hoya del Morcillo campsite. It is the only place where you can camp in El Hierro. It has bathrooms and showers, cabins, although you can also camp in your own hut. Here it can be chilly.
Keep in mind that you must apply for a camping permit and pay a small fee at the campsite to the rangers. The site is only in Spanish, click on the link “acampada en Hoya del Morcillo”.
6. Las Playas Natural Monument, Valverde and El Pinar
It is a quite beautiful and photographic volcanic formation. It is located in the direction of the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda.
7. Tamaduste, Valverde
The Tamaduste is a kind of natural pool that goes into the town of the same name. Here you can take a salty bath and enjoy the good local atmosphere.
8. La Peña viewpoint, Valverde
It is possibly one of the most beautiful viewpoints on El Hierro, although there are many other spectacular ones. This is also known because it was designed by the Canarian architect César Manrique. Inside it has a Canarian haute cuisine restaurant that we will talk about a few paragraphs later.
9. Árbol Garoé (Garoé Tree), Valverde
The Garoé tree was capable of collecting water to supply the ancestors of El Hierro or Bimbaches. That is why they considered it a sacred or holy tree and today it is a symbol and emblem of the island. Apparently a hurricane knocked it down and it was replaced by the one that can currently be visited (there is an interpretation center). It is a very enigmatic and magic site, try it yourself!
10. Pozo de Las Calcosas, Valverde
Another thing to do in El Hierro is visiting the Pozo de Las Calcosas. Here you will be able to appreciate the architecture of the houses of El Hierro or also known as “pajera houses”. That is, volcanic stone walls and a roof finished with rye or colmo straw. To access you must go down some long stairs, although from above you can appreciate the houses and natural pools.
11. El Verodal, Frontera
It is a red or copper-colored volcanic sand beach. It is a totally virgin site and recommended to visit. The sea may be rough, but at least you can come and see it.
12. La Sabina, Frontera
Here you will find vestiges of this famous Canarian tree. The peculiarity of the Sabina de El Hierro is that due to the wind, the trees here are totally crooked. Bring a coat, it’s cool here!
13. Charco Azul, Frontera
Located in the El Golfo area, it is one of the most famous natural pools in the Canary Islands. It stands out for its turquoise waters that contrast with the volcanic stone. There are long stairs to access it and it has wooden tatami mats for sunbathing or enjoying the views.
14. La Maceta, Frontera
Another of the best known bathing areas in El Hierro is La Maceta. A large natural pool where you can take a dip overlooking the immense Atlantic.
15. Nuestra Señora de Los Reyes hermitage, Frontera
El Hierro is full of symbols and this hermitage represents the most important festival on the island that is celebrated every four years: the descent of the Virgin of Los Reyes. It is located within the Natural Park of La Dehesa de La Sabinosa. So that, it is surrounded by nature.
Places to eat in El Hierro
In case you didn’t know, El Hierro is a paradise for fresh fish, quesadillas, wine, figs and tropical pineapple. We’ll tell you all about it below, so keep reading!
a) Casa Juan and El Refugio, La Restinga
A trip to El Hierro without enjoying good fish in La Restinga is not complete. Here we recommend El Refugio and Casa Juan. The price is low compared to the quality and quantity of food that you can enjoy. The next photo was at El Refugio restaurant, a dish of shrimps.
b) La Mirada Profunda, Valverde
It is one of the best places to eat in Valverde. They have a bit of everything, fish, meat, salads, etc. Of course, all with excellent service and cuisine pampered by its owner and chef.
c) La Higuera de la Abuela
This restaurant located in the town of Echedo is a classic for El Hierro lovers. Here they try to include in all their dishes local raw materials such as pineapple from El Hierro, figs, quesillo, shrimp, etc. You must bear in mind that it is only open for 6 months a year (from June to November).
d) Mirador de La Peña
It is one of the most spectacular places to eat in El Hierro, although you also pay for it. We talked to you about this viewpoint before, it has a restaurant where you can simply have a drink if your budget is tighter.
e) La Maceta restaurant
This place is also one of the most posh to eat in El Hierro, although perhaps not as expensive as La Peña. The views of the natural pool of La Maceta are very beautiful. Likewise, the restaurant is very beautiful with volcanic stone and details of all kinds.
f) Bar Chachi, El Pinar
If you just want to have breakfast or have a good sandwich, they make them delicious here. If I remember correctly, they had sandwiches with meatloaf and local cheese.
Where to buy quesadillas from El Hierro
If you come to El Hierro you have to try the quesadillas from El Hierro. They are made from local cheese, egg, Matalahúva anise, flour and sugar. A delicacy, believe us. If you want to know where to buy quesadillas, you can get them in Valverde. In Quesadillas Adrián Gutiérrez they prepare a box to take away. What a delight!
Lodging in El Hierro
In El Hierro there are practically no hotels, you only have the option of the National Parador and little else. However, there are several rural houses, many of them even preserve the traditional architecture from the island (volcanic stone).
There are also some apartments and holiday homes. Do not forget that you can also camp in the middle of nature as we mentioned at the beginning in El Morcillo. Then we leave you a link where you can see the entire offer of accommodation in El Hierro.
How to get to El Hierro
To travel to El Hierro you will have to take a plane from Tenerife North airport or from Gran Canaria. The airline that operates between the islands is Binter. On the other hand, if you would like to take the car or motorcycle, you can also go by boat with Naviera Armas from the Port of Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife. The duration of the boat trip is almost 3 hours. The flight is less than an hour.
We hope that this post about things to do in El Hierro has inspired you. If you have any questions, leave us a comment, it will surely help other readers.
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