The El Hierro, sometimes referred to as Isla de Los Meridians, is the smallest and farthest-west of all the Canary Islands, in fact the only island on this small strip of land between Morocco, which is still inhabited by humans. Its capital is Santo Domingo. At 5.1 square kilometres it is by far the smallest of all the eight main islands in the Canaries, though this may be changing due to recent development. At an average elevation of around six metres, it’s one of those places where there are no bad weather, yet it remains one of the most popular resorts for visitors to the island.
The weather in El Hierro is moderate, with sunny spells, but it can become more humid in the summer months. The weather in May is especially hot and dry, but then the rains are generally light and fall after midnight. In summer you can expect to see plenty of waterbirds, especially the Black Swans. But they won’t stay too long, as the waters in El Hierro are shallow and protected by a high barrier reef.
You’ll find that El Hierro has its own unique character. It sits between two oceans on the coast of Northern Africa, and as a result is very isolated from the rest of Spain and beyond.
The waters in El Hierro are warm enough to support fish, though it’s not very likely that any of them will survive long enough to be eaten. Most fish that live here are predatory fish such as anchovies and trout, though many varieties can be caught on your own, either catching them yourself or using nets and baits. Many tourists head to El Hierro to catch the smaller, but equally delicious Blue Striped Sea Bass, which is easily available in plenty of sizes at various restaurants.
As well as fish, you’ll also find plenty of other fish on El Hierro. There are a wide range of crabs, sharks and snapper, and rays, but you can be certain that if you’re in summer there will always be an abundance of roosterfish, which are very large and beautiful and relatively easy to catch, though quite expensive.
If you’ve not seen El Hierro before you should probably have a look, because it’s a wonderful destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and even for a couple of days of fun-filled relaxation. There are also plenty of swimming spots to soak up some sun, as well as a lot of interesting historical sites such as the Spanish fortress of Montserrat and a replica of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
If you enjoy walking or cycling, there are a number of options to explore. The main path through the island begins in Santo Domingo and heads east towards La Cala, where you can take a stroll down the old road to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. From here you can take the old road back to the centre of town and then turn left (right) to go to the beach, or take the coastal route to the village of Cidra de Cala.
The town of Cala de Espalacunas is a favourite among local residents, and with its many beaches you’ll find lots of opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of local life in the Canaries, and the town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a perfect place to stay if you want to explore the area. El Hierro is also popular as a tourist destination, and if you’re looking for more activities you’ll find plenty of things to do in this small, but vibrant resort, so there’s bound to be something suitable for everyone. There’s a lot to do and see in El Hierro, and if you’re staying in one of their hotel complexes you’ll be sure to find something to suit all tastes and budgets.
