Holiday in El Hierro
Island in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸
Country
Spain
Type
Island
Best time to travel
Year-round, ideal April–October
Budget/day
80–130 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Tenerife South (TFS) or Gran Canaria (LPA), then domestic flight to El Hierro (VDE, 40 min.) or ferry from Los Cristianos (2.5 h). No direct flights from Germany.
About El Hierro
El Hierro is the smallest and westernmost of the Canary Islands — and a hidden gem for those looking to escape mass tourism. In 2000, UNESCO declared the entire island a biosphere reserve, and since 2014, El Hierro has been almost entirely powered by renewable energy (wind and water) as the first island in the world. There are no hotel complexes, no promenades, and no souvenir shops — just pure, unspoiled nature. The landscape is of extreme diversity: In the west, the El-Golfo valley drops 1,500 meters to the sea in a massive cliff — the result of a prehistoric landslide. The Sabinar forest, with its bizarrely twisted juniper trees shaped by the wind, is a landmark of the island. In the center, the misty forest of El Brezal surprises with moss-covered laurel trees, while the coast offers black lava beaches and natural seawater pools (Charcos). El Hierro is a world-class diving paradise: The marine reserve Mar de las Calmas on the south coast offers crystal-clear visibility (up to 50 meters), encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and giant groupers. The lighthouse Faro de Orchilla marked the westernmost point of the known world until the discovery of America — the prime meridian of antiquity. The island has only 11,000 inhabitants, a few hundred tourist beds, and a pace that forces you to slow down. The local cuisine is based on Quesadillas (sweet fresh cheese flatbreads), fresh fish, and the rare Vino de El Hierro.
Top 5 highlights in El Hierro
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Charco Azul
The natural seawater pool made of black volcanic rock with turquoise blue water is one of the most photogenic places in the Canaries – and usually deserted.
El Sabinar
The mystical juniper forest on the west coast, where centuries-old trees have been bent into surreal shapes by the trade winds – like living sculptures.
La Restinga – Dive Site
The marine reserve Mar de las Calmas is considered one of the best diving areas in Europe with visibility up to 40 meters and volcanic underwater caves.
Mirador de la Peña
The viewpoint designed by César Manrique offers a breathtaking view over the El-Golfo valley and the 1,000-meter high cliff – with a restaurant.
Gorona del Viento
The wind-water power plant makes El Hierro a pioneering island of the energy transition – visitable and a symbol for a sustainable future.
Hotels in El Hierro
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for El Hierro
Recommended travel time
Year-round, ideal April–October
Summer
Pleasantly warm, 24–28 °C, rarely over 30 °C thanks to trade winds, little rain
Winter
Mild, 18–22 °C, occasional rain showers in the northeast, mostly dry in the south
How much does a holiday in El Hierro cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
45–65 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80–130 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
160–280 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to El Hierro
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for El Hierro
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Definitely rent a car – El Hierro has no public transport that would be practical for tourists, but the roads are empty and the coastal roads are breathtaking.
The dive spot La Restinga offers introductory diving from 35 € – even without diving experience, you can experience the volcanic underwater world here.
The natural seawater pools (Charco Azul, La Maceta, Charco Manso) are El Hierro's version of beaches – be sure to bring water shoes.
In the cheese-making village of El Pinar, you can find the best Queso Herreño fresh from the producer – smoky and spicy, a souvenir that is sure to please.
For stargazers: El Hierro has one of the darkest night skies in Europe – the Mirador de Tanajara is the perfect spot for astrophotography.
Food & drink in El Hierro
These specialties you must try!
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