If the rise of anti-tourist protests have you reconsidering your trip to Spain, remember that there are cities beyond Barcelona and Tenerife. It is certainly true that there is tension toward tourists in some areas of the European country – a response to housing shortages and increasing rental prices exacerbated by mass tourism.
However, that does not mean that British tourists are not welcome in the country. In fact, there are plenty of villages and islands eager to host foreign tourists. One such island is El Hierro in the Canaries.
Situated on the westernmost point of Spain, this small volcanic island was named by The Telegraph as Spain’s ‘least visited island’. While it is certainly a shame the island does not get the attention it deserves, its under-the-radar status has allowed it to cultivate an unparalleled biodiversity and become a model of sustainable practices.
Despite emerging 1.1 million years ago, El Hierro is considered the youngest of the Canary Islands. It also has a reputation for being ‘the island with soul’ because of its tranquility and slow pace, facilitated by its minimal infrastructure and impressive natural landscape.
While relatively unknown to many sunshine holidaymakers, El Hierro has a world-class reputation among diving enthusiasts. The island has over 40 dive points and divers come from all over the world to explore and photograph the unique underwater landscapes in the region.
The reason El Hierro is considered one of the best places in the world for scuba diving has to do with a variety of converging factors. For one, the water in the area is known to be particularly clear, allowing for visibility of up to 30 metres.
This transparency combined with the diversity of marinelife and underwater volcanic landscapes offers an enriching experience. Divers are sure to encounter shoals of Mediterranean parrotfish, manta rays, tuna, turtles and whale sharks.
Even if you are not yet a trained diver, there are diving schools on the island to help you get started and rent equipment. The Open Fotosub Internacional Isla de El Hierro – one of the most important underwater photography championships in the world – is also held on the island every year and a great opportunity to get a closer look at life underwater.
While there are hardly any beaches on El Hierro, travellers can also swim in one of the many natural pools. One of the most famous pools is Charco Azul – named ‘blue pond’ for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. The pool is dug out of the base of the volcanic cliff, making it a secluded location for a swim and a soak.
On the Valle de El Golfo coast travellers will also come across the La Maceta natural pools. This area is naturally sheltered from the marine currents making it a great spot for sunbathing and is even fitted with a picnic area.
The little village of El Tamaduste is also another must-visit destination on the island. Once an old sailor settlement, the village is home to crystalline, calm waters and is a great place to explore the region’s culinary offering.
The food of the island reflects its natural environment and is characterised by simple, fresh dishes – with Spanish influence, of course. On bimbachinche menus – traditional food houses on the island – travellers can expect to find fried, stewed and grilled fish dishes, handmade cheese, roast goat and wrinkled potatoes.
For the active-inclined, there are also plenty of walking trails through the island’s dense forests. One of the most famous trails is the Camino de Jinama, a 3-kilometre route that leads to one of the highest areas on the island for panoramic views. For the particularly bold, paragliding activities also take place on El Hierro.
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