Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are all firm favourites with UK holidaymakers but there’s one lesser-known island worth having on your radar
The Canary Islands need no introduction; they’ve been a popular holiday spot for Brits for decades. However over the years they’ve also been a victim of their own success, with the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote gaining a reputation for being packed with tourists during the peak holiday seasons.
However, there’s one lesser-known island that has breathtaking beaches, azure waters and landscapes so beautiful the entire island has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; yet it doesn’t have the tourist crowds.
El Hierro is one of the smaller islands in the region, and boasts an average temperature of 22C year-round, making it ideal for those who want to escape for some winter sun. You won’t find golden sandy beaches or bustling resorts here; instead, what awaits are volcanic shores with black and red sands, rugged cliffs, and diving hotspots.
For example Playa Puerto de La Estaca is a small beach right by a pier of the same name with dark sands, a wooden walkway and a car park. Meanwhile Timijiraque beach is popular with swimmers in the summer thanks to its spacious stretch of sand, proximity to the Puerto de la Estaca, and access to the likes of a nearby children’s play area, not to mention it boasts a small tunnel leading to a cove with black sands.
However adventurers may want to plan a hike to El Verodal; although you can’t swim in its waters, this beach is part of the rugged coastline that makes El Hierro so spectacular. (For those picture-perfect white sands, then the beach at Arenas Blancas is as close as you’ll get.)
The island is one for those who like to go off the beaten track; you won’t find heaps of bars and clubs, but you’ll find boutique hotels and eco-friendly stays all designed with sustainability at their core.
The main activities range from hiking to diving (according to the Canaries’ tourism officials, it’s “one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving”), but there are some stretches of shore where you can relax and take in the views, or wander into local towns.
It’s not just about the beaches either; the island is renowned for its beautiful natural pools. Charco Azul, aptly nicknamed the ‘blue pond’ never fails to wow visitors with its turquoise waters, tucked away at the base of a volcanic cliff.
Because El Hierro is so small, it can easily be explored on a hike through the pine forests and along the unrivalled coastal paths. Camino de Jinama is particularly popular; it’s only about three kilometres long but is well worth the stroll (although there are a few steep parts), if only for the incredible views it offers of the island and its surroundings.
For those who prefer to explore underwater, La Restinga Marine Reserve is a must-visit. In fact, according to the Canaries’ tourism officials, the island itself is “one of the best places on the planet for scuba diving”.
If you want to visit, you’ll need to fly to the likes of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, and then get a connecting flight across to El Hierro airport, as there are no direct flights from the UK.
Do you have a holiday story you want to share with us? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
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