Your vacation guide to El Hierro, Canary Islands
With the COVID-19 vaccine rolling out, we can start -- tentatively -- planning some trips.
But even though the future of travel is still uncertain, and we encourage travelers to book with caution, it's great to get some inspiration. So here's all you need to know should a jaunt to one of the lesser-traveled Canary Islands be on your radar.
The smallest of the Canary Island archipelago, El Hierro is tiny but is chock-full of incredible natural wonders. It's no surprise the entire island is deemed a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and runs on sustainable energy.
If you're a dedicated eco-traveler who thrives on getting off-the-beaten-path, this is the island for you. Forget luxury cookie-cutter resorts, high-rise hotels and package tourists. Here, you'll stay in a charming boutique hotel or unique home rental, and see what life is really like on this eco-friendly island.
For those loving nightclubs, all-inclusive hotels and general vacation debauchery, this is not the Canary Island for you. Head to Tenerife or Gran Canaria instead. But if you really want to explore, hike, or scuba dive (the island boasts 46 dive sites), or simply relax in a tranquil setting, El Hierro is the spot.
Getting there and around
You can't fly nonstop to El Hierro. You'll have to stop on one of the larger islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria for a connection, before arriving at El Hierro's capital, Valverde (VDE).
Another option is to take the ferry from Tenerife, which takes about two to three hours. Car rental is essential for getting around the island and seeing all the key sites. Check with your rental company if you'd prefer to book a car in Tenerife and take it over on the ferry with you.
There are electric car charging ports on the island, as well as electric cars for rent. If you plan on getting off-road, though, it may be best to rent a 4x4 vehicle.
Where to stay
You won't have to choose between volcanic peaks and the glittering ocean when staying at the Parador de El Hierro. The hotel sits atop a volcanic hill overlooking the sea and a stunning black sand beach.
On the other side of the island, you can have an adults-only stay at the Hotel Puntagrande. This one-of-a-kind boutique property has stunning ocean and mountain views by day and incredible stargazing by night.
Those in the market for a relaxing spa experience should stay at the Balneario Pozo de la Salud, located on a cliff jutting out over the sea.
What to do and see
Beaches on El Hierro are wild and unspoiled, and almost all feature dark sand and volcanic rock. One of the most spectacular on the island is El Verodal, which has reddish-brown sands. The dark, secret cove of Tacorón has both sand and rocks and is a great spot for snorkeling.
The island also features many natural swimming pools. One of the most famous is the Charco Azul (not to be confused with a waterfall with the same name on the island of Gran Canaria). La Maceta actually has three different natural pools to choose from. Charco Manso's emblematic rock formations make for a picture-perfect natural swimming pool experience.
Divers won't be disappointed on El Hierro. Contrary to many other destinations that are dealing with coral bleaching and loss/destruction of underwater habitats, a 2011 volcanic eruption off the coast of El Hierro actually helped regenerate the island's seabed, which is now thriving. The island has almost 50 different dive sites, 10 of which are situated in the Restinga Marine Reserve. Dive through tunnels and caves to spot manta rays, turtle sharks, stingrays, sea eagles, turtles and if you're lucky, a whale shark.
Hikers have plenty of paths to choose from. One of the most famous, more advanced treks is the Camino de Jinama trail, which starts at the Candelaria Church and ends at the Caridad Shrine, covering cliffs and valleys in between. Beginners or anyone wanting a more relaxing walk have options, too. La Llanía is a four-mile walk (round trip) that takes you through humid, tree-covered forests to bland sand beaches. Those wanting to explore the highest point, Pico Malpaso, should head up in the early morning for the clearest weather.
What to eat and drink
Cuisine on the island of El Hierro is simple and delicious. Expect "mom and pop" restaurants, no-frills taverns with affordable prices and the occasional modern restaurant with sea views (like the one designed by artist César Manrique at the La Peña viewpoint). The island's sustainability extends to food, too. Regardless of the spot, you can expect locally sourced produce and fresh seafood almost everywhere you eat.
Besides the traditional seafood and wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón sauce, the island is famous for its cheese soup. A nod to the island's former sheep-herding culture, many of the most traditional recipes include sheep (or goat or cow) cheese. One of the most delicious is the caldo de queso, a cheese soup.
Pair the island's cheese with a glass of full-bodied white wine, the island's specialty. After all, El Hierro's wine culture goes back centuries -- to 1526, to be exact. The island even has its very own wine certification (DO).
Bottom line
Sustainable travelers, hikers, stargazers or those simply wanting a special spot to relax in the peace and quiet will love the island of El Hierro. Far away from the busy "scene" of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, this tiny island is a natural paradise perfect for a true getaway.
If you aren't quite sure if El Hierro is the right island for your visit, check out these guides which may help you choose another island right for you:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.