El Hierro, natural treasure, the magic of the Canary Islands

The first settlers of the island of El Hierro are part of its fascinating pre-Columbian and culturally rich history. Before the arrival of Europeans, the island was inhabited by the Guanches, a group of aborigines who also inhabited other islands of the Canary archipelago. These ancient inhabitants left a cultural and archaeological legacy that can still be seen on El Hierro in the form of archaeological sites, rock art and traditions passed down through the generations.

The Guanches lived in small communities scattered across the island. It is believed that they came to the Canary Islands in migratory waves from the African continent, possibly from North Africa. You can see their legacy in the caves, petroglyphs and archaeological sites scattered around the island, where they developed ways of life adapted to the volcanic environment and natural conditions.

With the arrival of the Europeans in the 15th century, the Guanche culture underwent a drastic transformation due to colonisation and interaction with the new settlers. However, its legacy lives on in the island's historical and cultural memory. Conservation efforts and archaeological research continue to shed light on the life and traditions of El Hierro's ancient settlers, ensuring that their influence lives on in the island today.

Furthermore, of all the islands, El Hierro is known for being the island with the most volcanic craters compared to its surface area. This distinctive feature is a testament to its geological origin and volcanic history. The island was formed through a series of volcanic eruptions over millions of years, which has resulted in a unique and diverse topography.

Its volcanic craters and geological formations on El Hierro attract geologists, scientists and nature lovers from all over the world, as the island offers a rich opportunity to study past volcanic activity and its influence on the formation of today's landscape.

This unique volcanic heritage is also one of the reasons why El Hierro is such an attractive destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The trails that wind through the craters and volcanic areas will offer you breathtaking views and a direct connection to the island's incredible geological history.

The seabed features caves, arches, tunnels and canyons that offer exciting opportunities for exploration. The unique underwater topography creates a varied habitat for rich marine life and allows divers to discover new wonders every time we enter the water.

One of the features we fell in love with, and you will too, is the impressive biodiversity we have, due in part to its geographical isolation. The island has a wide variety of endemic flora, including species such as Canary Island pine, cedar, heather and tajinaste. In addition, these waters are home to a rich marine life, from dolphins and whales to tropical fish species and sea turtles. El Hierro is a birdwatcher's paradise, with migratory and endemic birds finding refuge in its diverse ecosystems.

Tampoco podemos dejar de hablar de la gastronomía, reflejo de su cultura e historia. Una mezcla deliciosa de sabores tradicionales canarios y platos únicos que aprovechan los ingredientes locales. El pescado fresco es una base importante de la dieta, y productos agrícolas de la isla, como las papas arrugadas y el gofio (harina de cereales tostados), también juegan un papel central en la cocina local. 

Explorar la isla de El Hierro es un viaje a través del tiempo y la naturaleza. Desde sus orígenes misteriosos hasta su abundante vida silvestre y su rica gastronomía, cada aspecto de la isla te cautivará y te dejará con recuerdos imborrables.