We Discover The Magic Of The Wonderful Island Of El Hierro
In the western and southernmost region of the Atlantic Ocean that bathes the Canary Islands is the seventh island of the archipelago. The island of El Hierro is the smallest and perhaps the most unknown, but in recent years its beauty has gradually managed to give it the place it deserves. You want to know why? Join us!
Some facts about the island of El Hierro
The island of El Hierro is part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife together with Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera. It is the smallest of the seven islands and also the least populated. All this without taking into account La Graciosa, a small island that belongs to Lanzarote. In 2017, the island’s population was 10,000.
Like the rest of the islands, its origin is volcanic. It is considered the youngest island, since it began to form a million years ago. At the bottom of the sea, a Y-shaped gap opened from which magma began to emerge. The island was remarkably active during the years 10,000 to 4,000 BC.
Currently, it is the Canary Island with the most volcanoes. In total, there are 500 visible craters and 50 volcanic caves and volcanic tubes. All these elements influence the morphology of the island: practically the entire coastal area is steep and the island is very mountainous.
Curiosities of the island of El Hierro
El Hierro, the island that cares for the environment
Being barely populated, its nature has remained practically intact, to the point of being declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000.
In addition, work has been done to make it the first island in the world to be supplied with renewable energies in its entirety. In 2014, a hydroelectric plant was installed thanks to which El Hierro is supplied with renewable energy. And that same year, it was also declared a geopark.
Underwater life under the waters of El Hierro
In total, there are about 50 dive sites where you can investigate the seabed and all the species that inhabit it. Some of them are Punta Restinga or Muelle Restinga. Also the Bajón and the Baja Bocarones.
In them, you can appreciate a unique landscape full of life thanks to the volcanic activity in the area. It is made up of bends, reefs, caves and deep areas one kilometer deep. The waters are transparent and clean, the richness of the ecosystem allows the existence of many plant and animal species.
For this reason, scuba diving has become one of the most popular activities in the area, along with visits to its lush forests and volcano craters.
The Garoé, a sacred place
The Garoé is the sacred tree of the inhabitants of El Hierro since the origins of the island. Its importance is such that it is currently part of the island’s coat of arms.
To see it is to immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere in which the moisture-laden winds penetrate the vegetation and “horizontal rain” occurs. It is a unique phenomenon in which water collides with the treetops and allows them to grow. Thanks to this, the population can supply itself.
An island with free WiFi
If it is already fascinating to think that the island of El Hierro is full of volcanoes and it is like being in a pot close to exploding, we come to the next step. No matter how remote and quiet the island is and its nature is preserved, free WiFi is available throughout it. It is not as incredible as other data, but it is curious. Or not?
The list of essentials on the island
The island of El Hierro offers you many possibilities for activities of all kinds. And they all have something in common: getting in touch with nature. It is, without a doubt, the most significant thing on this island. What makes it unique, special and so attractive.
The first thing we recommend is to go scuba diving in one of the marine areas. Also, visit the Garoé and the Frontera Rural Park.
In addition, you have the option of visiting the Charco Azul, a natural saltwater pool located in the Valle del Golfo, the most popular area of the island. Ideal to rest enjoying contact with nature.
And finally, we recommend you visit the Peña viewpoint, from where you can admire the best views of the island. It was designed by César Manrique and it is usually very typical to take pictures in the area and enjoy the restaurant inside. It can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Without a doubt, visiting the island of El Hierro is a unique experience for a summer vacation. An island different from the rest of the Canaries.
