New data has revealed just how cramped and crowded some of the popular Canary hotspots can get – while highlighting an under-appreciated island with hardly any tourists
Avoid the coach loads of holidaymakers and rowdy anti-tourist protests on this little-known Canary Island once considered to have been ‘the end of the world’.
The Spanish-owned archipelago, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa, has long been a firm favourite amongst Brits, thanks to its year-round sunshine, close proximity to the UK, and endless beauty. Last year, a staggering 15.5 million tourists flocked to the Canaries in search of sun, sand, and sangria – a 10 per cent spike compared to 2023.
However, the influx has sparked backlash amongst locals – many of whom argue they’re being priced out of the property market due to the soaring demand for short-term holiday lets. This has resulted in a slew of demonstrations erupting across the islands, as banner-cladded residents demand Brits ‘go home’.
But many people do not realise that the Canary archipelago is much more than just Tenerife and Lanzarote – and also comprises of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. If you’re wanting a true week of rest and relaxation – the latter needs to be on your bucket list.
BookRetreats.com has analysed tourist numbers along with the size of the destination to work out which Canary Island is the most overcrowded. Unsurprisingly, it found Lanzarote witnesses a staggering 21,600 overnight stays per km2 of land – while Tenerife recorded 16,873 overnight stays per km2 last year. Gran Canaria follows closely (16,709 overnight stays) while Fuerteventura – often touted as the quiet island – was ranked as Europe’s 12th most crowded destination. However, the tiny island of El Hierro only saw 610 visitors per km2.
Popular with scuba divers due to its wildlife-rich waters and unspoiled corals, El Hierro is a true coastal gem. “The smallness of the island does not prevent you from finding a surprising variety of scenery on it,” states the Canary Island’s official tourism board. “Best of all is that, as the distances are so short, we can have a relaxing swim at the coast one minute and be walking along a trail among Canary Island pines or laurisilva species a short while later.”
Hikers will absolutely adore El Hierro and have to check out the famous Camino de Jinama trail. The old route which used to be used by the island’s inhabitants is only just over three kilometres long but offers some pretty stunning views. There is one small catch with El Hierro, which could explain why it hasn’t been thrusted under the tourist limelight: there are hardly any beaches. Luckily, you can still bask in the sun in one of El Hierro’s many natural pools, including the famous Charco Azul.
You cannot fly directly to El Hierro from the UK, meaning Brits will first have to get to Tenerife. Luckily, many airlines fly this popular route – meaning you can get direct fares from Bristol, London, Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return flights for as little as £60 in July. Once in Tenerife, you’ll need to catch a 40-minute flight over to El Hierro. These tend to only run once a week and cost around £80 for a return trip.
There is a range of accommodation types on the island to suit most people’s budget. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 14-21) at the no-thrills Casita con Encanto will set you back £383. This is based on two adults sharing a one-bedroom house with two single beds. For those wanting something a bit more luxurious, check out La Huguera. This spacious chalet, which boasts both mountain and sea views, costs £609 for the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
Which Canary Island is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below