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El Hierro
The unspoilt Island of the Canaries
El Hierro is the smallest Island in the Canaries and it has an immense diversity of natural formations with an extremely steep rocky coast with height differences of up to 1,000 m, and is partly inaccessible to a certain extent, partly with bathing-coves and natural swimming pools. In the centre of the Island, there is a high plateau and its highest point is Malpaso at 1,501m. Set on the very edge of the Atlantic, man first landed on the Island at Punta de Orchilla, marking the farthest point of the known world before the Europeans discovered America.
The Island is a perfect location for nature lovers with its peaceful setting. El Hierro was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000 which means that the majority of the fauna and flora are protected. The coast is also included in the Reserve and the underwater life is protected. El Hierro is a rural Island that is mostly untouched by mass tourism. The Island contains the natural habitat of some enormous lizards, the 'lagartos de Salmor' nearly extinct and they are protected by law. The average temperatures vary from 19ºC in winter to 23ºC in summer.
When the Canaries were conquered during the 15th Century, tales were relentlessly told about an eighth Island which was occasionally seen to the West of La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. When sailors tried to get to it and approached its shores, mountains and valleys, the island was enveloped by mist and disappeared. The island was identified as the mythical St Brendan's whale-Island, and was named "San Borondón" in the Canary Islands. The determination of this legend in the Islands' myths is incredible. As far as the Canary Islanders are concerned, this mythical Island exists – if only in their imagination.
The Giant Lizard of El Hierro Lizard is considered the most endangered reptile in Europe. They were thought to be extinct for many years, until a few giant lizards were found inhabiting a small area near Valle de Frontera in 1975. Numerous studies were conducted to ensure the protection and continuation of these giant lizards following their discovery. Their typical life span is fifteen years and throughout this time, they never stop growing. A fully grown lizard can measure up to 60cm and weigh around 300g. These lizards that once inhabited the entire island are now only found in the Tibataje and the Los Roques de Salmor natural reserves.
The reserves include a recovery centre that is financed by the European Union. It comprises of two laboratories and a large reptile tank with windows allowing visitors to view these astounding reptilians.
Scuba diving in the waters around El Hierro is absolutely amazing; the coastal shelf drops off sharply to almost a hundred metres in several areas close to the coast. An abundance of tropical marine life can be seen and during the summer months you will see large rays, hammerhead sharks, tuna and grey triggerfish. The Marine Reserve also has a large variety of caves, arches and volcanic tunnels, with copious vegetation and species of interesting marine life. The Mar de Las Calmas which has typically calm waters has over 20 dive sites and a number of diving clubs and schools.
Walking is excellent and is the major leisure activity on El Hierro and there are a number of viewing points, one of these overlooks Las Playas and the east coast. Some walking routes take you through places such as Echedo, in the heart of wine-growing land, or the Village of Isora which is known for its cheese production. From Echedo, a track leads to the "Charco Manso", with incredible natural swimming-pools located in a rugged coast, with lava arches and blow-holes.
Accommodation on the Island comprises of a few hotels, villas for rent, guesthouses and studio apartments.
The Fishing Club Alegranza in La Restinga offers Deep Sea fishing trips. The boat can be rented for either day or night fishing. During summer time they go out for fishing for around 9 hours a day and in winter for 7 hours.
El Hierro offers some of the finest wine and produce in the Canaries. There are a few fresh fish restaurants in La Restinga and there is an excellent choice of restaurants in Frontera. The wine from La Frontera is famous all over the Islands and bananas, figs, grapes and pineapples grow in abundance here.
Valverde
Valverde is the capital of El Hierro and is between 600-700 metres above sea level. It is the only Canary Islands capital that is not on the coast. This tranquil town is surrounded by natural beauty and has a tiny population, formed by an arrangement of steep little streets and whitewashed houses.
The attraction here is the Church of Santa María de la Concepción, built in the 18th Century and is the most significant in the town. In addition to the 18th Century carving of the Virgin, there is the Cristo de la Columna, a Genoese sculpture of immense artistic importance. The city hall is opposite the Church and is an excellent example of traditional Canary Islands architecture.
Valverde is the gateway to the fertile countryside around it. Monacal, which is located in the north of the Island, has copious vegetation and two natural swimming pools on the coast. In close proximity are the Pozo de las Calcosas, which is an old settlement that is created by stone houses with straw roofs.
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