In order for mass tourism to become problematic, you have to know a place exists!
It goes without saying at this point that Spain’s top cities and islands haven’t exactly held the door open for tourists pouring in.
In some cases, it has reached the point of full-blown turmoil with marches and protests in the streets where locals simply want their beloved cities back.
Well, that’s where the Canary Islands come into play…or at least one of them.
For those of us who just can’t shake the idea of not visiting Spain, the lesser known island of El Hierro is the perfect middle ground for both travelers in search of a Spanish paradise and locals embracing us.
If you’re dismayed by the fact you may be side-eyed in Spain’s top destinations, don’t overlook this lesser-known island waiting to be discovered!
Spain’s Lone Island Bright Spot For Tourism
The Canary Islands welcome over 6.5 million visitors each year, but El Hierro’s Canary counterparts aren’t nearly as warm and hospitable as they are.
Only around 20,000 people come to El Hierro, while the neighboring islands are busy, and rightfully so.
El Hierro just hasn’t built up household name recognition yet, being the youngest Canary Island.
On the bright side, that means locals can embrace tourists more than perhaps anywhere else in Spain, as their quality of life and incredible sites can easily be shared, and tourism levels are nowhere near the breaking point of the country’s “mass tourism” concerns.
If you’ve been to, say, Barcelona or Ibiza, you surely know more often than not that you’re just another face in the crowd.
El Hierro couldn’t be more opposite. You can easily find yourself enjoying otherworldly landscapes and vivid blue waters with no one else around on this rural island.
Tip: To get here, take a ferry from Los Cristianos, Tenerife, or fly from Gran Canaria or Tenerife North.
Move Over America! El Hierro Is Home To The Red, White, And Blue
Red sand beaches, white sand beaches, and eye-popping blue waters rushing ashore are just a few of the natural beauts you’ll discover in El Hierro.
This island may be one of the Canary’s smallest, but don’t let it fool you – it packs a punch!
El Hierro is rugged and rural yet easy to explore. In fact, it’s UNESCO-protected as a Biosphere Reserve.
With over 160 miles of scenic hiking trails, this is one of the most popular ways to traverse the island for epic views and surprising discoveries.
One such attraction are El Hierro’s charcos, which are essentially swimmable natural pools formed by volcanic rocks.
Albeit you can’t come to El Hierro without hitting up the beach, so here’s a brief breakdown:
- Playa del Verodal – a hidden red-sand cove
- Playa de Arenas Blancas – widely considered the island’s most photo-worthy white sand beach
- Playa del Tacorón – secluded beach with crystalline waters and volcanic views
Just keep in mind, the weather can be moody year-round as El Hierro beholds multiple microclimates, so you never know what you’ll get ranging from the warm Spanish sun, unprecedented high winds and the island’s unique ‘horizontal rain’.
Charming Culture And Welcoming Locals
El Hierro is undoubtedly a nature lover’s paradise where you can explore the vast picturesque scenery and ample aquatic wildlife.
Despite the largest town being home to just 5,000 residents, El Hierro’s culture and history shouldn’t be kicked aside.
In fact, the best way to fill your cup is by purchasing the El Hierro Tourist Passport (only $19) to score access to various museums, natural wonders, and the Biosphere Reserve headquarters housed in a former casino.
What’s more is the endless charm spotted throughout each delightful town where you can’t help but notice traditional homes made of volcanic stone.
Better yet, you can stay in one on Airbnb! Hotels and B&B’s are few and far between, but you’ll feel like royalty being embraced by locals since outsiders are a rare sight.
Best of all, accommodations are super affordable ranging from the $30’s to $70’s. If it were me, I’d choose a volcano stone house on Airbnb or Parador de El Hierro with an elevated pool overlooking the ocean.
Credit: Source link
