El Hierro is the smallest islands of the seven larger islands in the Archipelago of the Canary Islands (Isla Canarias). The Canaries Archipelago consist of seven large and six smaller islands based in the Atlantic Ocean, lying some 100km off the North West coast off Africa (Morocco and Western Sahara) and about 1100km from the Spanish mainland (Cadiz). The Canary Islands are split into 2 Spanish provinces; The Westerly Islands of Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera and Hierro from the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (chief town Santa Cruz) while the Eastern Islands of Gran Canaria, FuerteVentura and Lanzarote from the province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (chief town Las Palmas).

El Hierro is the hidden island of the Canaries and it still retains its mystery! It is located in the extreme Southwest of the Canary Island chain, Only 287 square meters and with an altitude of 1,501 meters, it still conserves its environment as natures first created it. With its lush vegetation and protected species - with its large forest containing Canary Island pines and Canary Junipers to name but a few, Spectacular cliffs that have a peak of 1,200 meters high and the strong contrast of gentle rolling hills in the centre and twisted lava formations, it truly is an amazing island! More than half of its beautiful landscape is protected by the Natural Spaces Act. You can enjoy its unspoilt countryside and warmth and legendary hospitality of the islanders, the "Herreños".

The weather in El Hierro is very similar to the rest of the Canary island with a wonderful warm climate throughout the year! During the winter months the temperature varies between 18 - 20 degrees Celsius and for the rest of the year 22 degrees Celsius and up!

To get around and explore the island is a must! Hiring a car for two to three days will give you an overall idea of the island! Although most villages on the island has its own taxi driver that will gladly be your tour guide for the day at a very reasonable price! The Buses leave all the villages and take you to the Capital, Valverde, but they return around midday so other than the taxi's and hiring a car there are no other ways of getting around and exploring the island!

Although as a tourist resort there are not any theme parks, water parks and zoo's etc - but there is plenty to see with the spectacular landscape. But El Hierro is a place for you to visit and is perfect for relaxing!

The coastline is very rocky and steep - not sandy like the other Canary Islands coasts. Although there are many coves with natural pools for you to lie and relax and have a lovely cool swim!

If you like adventure and water sports then this island is heaving with it! With its amazing marine life, scuba diving and snorkeling is a must! Also surfing, windsurfing and para-gliding are very popular too! Walking, caving, rock climbing and mountain biking for the not water lovers!

If you  want to go out for the evening then Valverde is where you will find the nightlife - a far cry from lively, but there are lots of traditional bars, restaurants and even a couple of discotheques!

There are only a few small hotels in El Hierro ranging from a simple one-star guest house to a 3 star hotel - it is advisable during the peak season to book well in advance as there are estimated as only 800 guest beds on the island!! Although there are private apartments and villas that are available too!

You can get to the island by air, to the El Hierro Airport close to Valverde it connects to Los Rodeos Airport in Tenerife  up to three times a day at peak season and Gran Canaria Airport up to twice a week. Also you can get there by boat to the La Estaca harbour on the island operating from Los Cristianos Harbour, Tenerife up to four times a week!

Some tour operators arrange package deal's for El Hierro, but if you would like to come independently then you a search on this website or any good travel agents will do holidays there! If you are planning on staying on another island and visiting El Hierro then I recommend to take a couple of days to explore this beautiful island!