WHAT'S TO SEE ON EL HIERRO?

The reverence in which the Garoé or Holy Tree has been held by the Bimbache since ancient times is due to the phenomenon known as "horizontal rain". This is a process by which the condensation from its branches is collected in little wells beneath the tree. Since there was no potable water source on the island, this type of collection was an essential means of supply for the settlers. However, in 1610 the Garoé was completely destroyed by a hurricane wind and its place was not filled until 1949 when a lime tree (tilo) was planted.

Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest hotel in the world, it has only 4 rooms and can be found in an impressive volcanic scape in front of Roques de Salmor (Salmar Rocks).

Aboriginal village of the Bambiches on the slopes of the Risco de Tibataje (Tibataje Cliff); was reconstructed using original materials.

Also found on the slopes of Risco de Tibataje, this is where the prehistoric giant lizards were raised in captivity. They can reach up to 1 metre in length and over 400 grams in weight.

Offers a magnificent view of El Golfo with its vineyards, pineapple, banana plantations and country houses. A few steps away is the Ermita de la Caridad (Hermitage of Charity) from which a 3.2km path heads off to Frontera.

The La Peña Restaurant-Lookout, created by César Manrique, is a smart combination of traditional construction techniques and modern architecture. From here, on clear days, you can contemplate the marvellous view of El Golfo and the Roques de Salmor.

An ideal place to enjoy the fabulous view of the east coast of El Hierro as well as the Parador Nacional de Turismo (national inn) and the Roque de la Bonanza (Bonanza Rock) further off in the distance.

From the lofty height of 850 metres, you can appreciate the magnificent panorama of El Golfo and the picturesque village of Sabinosa at the foot of the cliff.

Until the discovery of America in 1492, the island of El Hierro was considered the western edge of the known world and so, according to Ptolemy's criteria in his work "Geography", it was accepted that the line joining the two poles or 0º meridian passed through El Hierro. This remained in effect until 1883 when Greenwich replaced Orchilla as Zero Meridian. The lighthouse is surrounded by tiny craters called "hornitos" (little ovens) and is a place of great silence and tranquillity.

Situated on La Dehesa, this is a pilgrimage destination for native Herreños and visitors who come to see the image of the Virgin, which is carried in procession across the island every 4 years (La Bajada).

An exceptional landscape of great uniqueness where the tops of the junipers bending almost to the ground attest to the constant and fierce winds that sweep the island.

Hundred year old forest of junipers known for their torturous forms that resemble a haunted forest. Travellers are thrilled and fascinated by this spectacle offered by a capricious mother nature.

Pine forest with a camping and recreation area, including a children's playground, camp fires and tables.