Compared to the millions of Brits that flock to Tenerife and Grand Canaria every year, hardly anyone visits this lesser known island filled with natural beauty
Escape the crowds while still taking advantage of the year-round sun and Sangria. The Canary Islands have long been a go-to for Brits thanks to their consistent climate, cheap booze, and close proximity to the UK.
However, with almost 18 million tourists visiting the Spanish archipelago, located off the coast of northwestern Africa, hotspots like Tenerife and Gran Canaria can sometimes get a little busy. Last year also saw a slew of protests erupt across the main islands as locals petitioned against over-tourism and being priced out of the housing market.
So, if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter for your next winter-sun break, you need to try El Hierro. Also known as the Meridian Island, this destination is the second smallest of the Canary Islands and was once considered ‘the end of the world’.
Around 20,300 tourists visited the island back in 2023, meaning it’s hardly a hidden gem. However, when you compare it to Tenerife – the largest Canary Island which brought it a whopping 6.57 million holidaymakers the same year – you’ll definitely feel like you have this place to yourself.
El Hierro is the westernmost point of Spain and was formed around 1.1 million years ago. It has since become a ‘paradise’ for scuba divers – with crystal clear waters, unspoiled corals, and a wide range of wildlife that call the Atlantic Ocean home.
“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. One of the most famous trails is the Camino de Jinama, an old route that used to be used by the island’s inhabitants. It’s just over three kilometres long and [has] lots of ups and downs, but the reward at the end of it is incredible.”
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If you’re wanting a more chilled out holiday, taking in the volcanic landscape with a glass of wine and a platter of seafood is another option. El Hierro is famous for its pineapples, ‘wrinkly potatoes’ and fresh fish – so you know every meal is going to taste amazing.
However, if you’re wanting to spend your days lounging on a golden sandy beach – you might be a tad disappointed. There are barely any beaches on the island – a stark contrast from the likes of Tenerife – but you can still go for a dip in one of El Hierro’s natural pools “One of them is the famous Charco Azul, named ‘blue pond’ for its transparent, turquoise waters,” Hello Canary Islands added. “Dug out of the base of the volcanic cliff, it is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a splash in its dreamy water and forget the world.”
Getting to El Hierro isn’t as straightforward as flying to the more popular islands. There are no UK airports that travel directly to El Hierro Airport, meaning you’ll have to fly to Tenerife and then transfer onto another plane to get there. This also hikes up the price, with return flights in February costing at least £152 (compared to £28 for a trip to Tenerife).
What’s your favourite European destination? Let us know in the comments section below