El Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest of the main Canary Islands and the southwesternmost point in Europe.

We could already tell that El Hierro was something special when we arrived. You don't often see such a small airport, with only one terminal, one gate, and even just one baggage carousel. The capital, Valverde, has barely 2,000 inhabitants, and the entire island has just over 11,000. Because El Hierro does not have an international airport and only a few classic sandy beaches, the island has been spared from mass tourism (fortunately) and has therefore been little adapted for tourists. But that is precisely what gives this island its charm, as it still feels very original. There is no hustle and bustle or crowds of people here, making it the perfect place to relax and escape from everyday life. If you are looking for the complete opposite of a big city for your vacation, you are in the right place. It didn't just happen to us once that suddenly sheep were blocking the road.

One of the scenic highlights of El Hierro is the valley called 'El Golfo,' a green depression shaped like an amphitheater on the northwestern flank of the island. The best view of the valley is from the Mirador de la Pena viewpoint and the restaurant of the same name. A visit to the restaurant is worth it for the great view alone. Another landmark of the island is the juniper trees bent by the wind, which grow along the hills near El Sabinar. A bizarre and yet beautiful sight.

Also worth mentioning is the sustainable energy supply. In the past, El Hierro, like most islands, was completely dependent on diesel generators to meet its electricity needs. For several years now, there have been five wind turbines that can meet the island's complete electricity demand when there is enough wind. These are combined with a pumped-storage power plant that can bridge three to four windless days. Only when there is a longer period without wind do they have to revert to diesel generators.

We were only on the island for four days, but we enjoyed every minute and can recommend it to anyone for a relaxing vacation in beautiful nature. However, there is one downside, at least for Karo: The menu in most restaurants consists of about 90% goat cheese and seafood (Karo's favorite foods... not). But in the end, she always managed to find something to eat :).