Reaching El Hierro, and why it is not a stopover
El Hierro is the least accessible island in the archipelago, and that is part of what preserves it. There are no direct flights from Europe: you come from Tenerife or Gran Canaria, by plane or by boat. Planning it badly is the mistake that turns a good trip into two days of transport.
The two routes
By plane, from Tenerife North or Gran Canaria. It is quick and the airport is in the north of the island. The peculiarity: these are small aircraft serving an island with relief and wind, so weather can affect operations.
By boat, from Tenerife. Longer and dependent on the sea, with the advantage that you can bring a car.
In both cases the rule is the same as for La Palma and for the same reason: do not book your flight home with minimum margin after an inter-island flight.
How many days
Fewer than three does not justify the journey. With three or four you can do the north, El Golfo, the south and La Restinga without rushing. The island is small in kilometres but has mountain roads and steep gradients: journeys cost time.
The car, which here is not optional
The island has a small population spread across small settlements, and public transport is not designed for visiting. Without a car your range shrinks considerably. The boat lets you bring your own; there is hire at the airport, but book ahead: the fleet is small and runs out in season.
What to book before travelling
- The car, for the reason above.
- Accommodation, because supply is limited.
- Diving, if you are diving: there are few centres and they are why many people come.
This is the island in the archipelago where improvising works worst, not for lack of places but because supply is small.
And the warning that only applies here
If you dive, plan your last day without a dive, because you cannot fly after diving and El Hierro is reached by plane. It is the detail that ruins most plans, and it is solved simply by knowing it before you buy tickets.
Frequently asked questions
›How many days do I need for El Hierro?
Three or four. Fewer than three does not justify the journey: although the island is small in kilometres, it has mountain roads and steep gradients, so travel takes time.
›Do I need a car in El Hierro?
Practically yes. The population is spread across small settlements and public transport is not designed for visiting. The boat lets you bring your own and there is hire at the airport, but book ahead because the fleet is small.
›What should I book before travelling?
The car, accommodation and, if you are diving, the dive centre. The island’s supply is limited, so this is where improvising works worst. And if you dive, leave the last day free of dives: you cannot fly after diving.