El Hierro is the smallest island within the Canary Island group and is an ideal place for taking a relaxing holiday in direct contact with nature. The steep rocky coast is very different from the wide beaches which are generally found on the other islands of the archipelago. Even here, however, at Golfo, there is a beach that extends for some 14 kilometres of pristine costal scenery.

One of the most spectacular views is experienced from the central tableland where volcanic craters populated by pleasant woods are dominated by the highest mountain peak of El Hierro, Malpaso which reaches a height of 1,501 metres.

Of particular interest on this almost undiscovered island are the cultural traditions that have evolved since the earliest days of colonisation. Because of its remoteness and difficulty of access, the timeless customs of El Hierro have developed a distinct identity that is matchless for originality and colour. Songs and dances that are seen nowhere else in the Spanish islands or mainland are handed down over the generations, a living celebration of the power of unwritten ideas.

Facts and figures: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Hierro

Routes and Places worth a Visit

The Canary Island pine forest consists of a unique forest of wax myrtles and thousand-year-old Canary Junipers that have been twisted into tortured shapes by the action of the wind.

Diving off the azur coast. Diving on El Hierro is a wild adventure. The continental shelf drops off sharply to nearly one hundred metres in many places very close to the coast and its possible to see all sorts of exotic sea-life.

Important Fiestas

The most important fiestas on El Hierro is the Descent of the Virgin (Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes) which is held every four years at the beginning of July (2009 is a big year). The procession, comprised of dancers wearing multicoloured caps, playing castanets, and dressed in traditional red and white costumes, carries a sculpture of the virgin from where it resides in the hermitage to the town of Valverde.