About El Hierro
El Hierro is the smallest island of the Canary Islands. Despite this, the island is a tiny planet, where you can find all the possible climates and landscapes (except the polar), from the desert around La Restinga to the most exuberant tropical in the Valverde area, without forgetting the beautiful and shocking volcanic landscapes.
Source: Wikipedia
Essential Information
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Symbol: €
Language
Spanish
Also: Catalan, Basque, Galician
Phone Code
+34
International dialing code for Spain
Driving
Drive on the right
Standard for Spain
Region
Europe
Southern Europe
Connectivity
Mobile coverage on El Hierro is not on par with the more touristy/populated Canary Islands, let alone mainland Spain. All four Spanish carriers have a network but they cover mainly La Frontera with surroundings, major roads in the central north of the island and small spots here and there elsewhere. In the south and west of El Hierro there are large areas without any mobile coverage.
How to Get to El Hierro
Transportation options and arrival information
Naviera ArmasandFred Olsen Expresssail fromLos Cristianosin Tenerife to Valverde (2 hours 30 minutes, one sailing a day each and prices range between 50 and 60 euros. You can compare prices and crossing time onFerryhopper).
Getting Around El Hierro
Local transportation and navigation tips
The Túnel de Los Roquillos on the HI-5 highway may only be transited by vehicles that have a licence plate; not on foot, by bike, e-scooter, horseback or the like. There are manned control booths at the tunnel openings, and one of the tasks of the guards is to watch that nobody gets into the long tunnel by a slow mode of transportation. If you need to get through, hitchhike or take the bus.
Safety in El Hierro
High Safety (Global Peace Index: 1.603)
About the Global Peace Index: Global Peace Index measures peacefulness on a scale of 1 (most peaceful) to 5 (least peaceful)
The greatest danger is when swimming in the sea, especially in winter when the Atlantic is often very agitated even in good weather. On the beaches (e.g. Playa del Verodal) there is a strong undercurrent away from the land. Also the bathing pools created by lava barriers (e.g. Charco Azul, Pozo de las Calcosas) are repeatedly (and surprisingly!) overrun by several breakers in winter.
Where to Stay in El Hierro
Accommodation tips and recommendations
In addition to the hotels, there are a number of individual houses that short-term visitors can rent.
Ready to Explore El Hierro?
Find the perfect time to visit and discover all that El Hierro has to offer.