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You probably think that winters in Europe all about paved cities submitted in fog, cozy Christmas markets and snow -covered landscapes, and although that is certainly true for Prague, Edinburgh, and the like, this hidden island does not seem to have I have the memo .
In fact, it seems that it is forever stuck on spring, with highlights of 68 ° F and lows of only 66 ° F in the winter, many sunshine hours, and very, terribly Limited rainfall-and for snow, it is an unheard of phenomenon.
If you long for it Old world cultureBut you also long for that vitamin D boost, El Hierro in Spain is the answer to your prayers:
A forgotten jewel of the Atlantic Ocean
The second smallest and most Westerly of Spain’s Canaries, an archipelago lying off the coast of Africa, El Hierro is a relaxed island format 103.67 square miles that make up for its relatively small land mass with a thriving nature.
It is definitely not the side of Europe that you might expect, with the medieval castles and storybook cities, with Unique geological formationsOld forests and breathtaking volcanic landscapes that are central.
Charco Azul, a natural swimming pool formed by a lava stream and filled with unusually clear, turquoise watersIs one of the most famous sights of El Hierro: it is a popular place to swim, and there are no entrance fees, although the nearby café charges € 2 for the toilet.
A symbol of El Hierro, El Golfo is a valley that results from a powerful eruption thousands of years ago and the shape of an amphitheater – even when nature is the prevailing force, you simply cannot escape from the ubsic culture of Europe.
The moderately challenging uphill trek to Mirador de la Peña is a must-do, not just for the breathtaking view That awaits at the top but also for the stone built restaurant Mirador de la Peña, who serves traditional Canary food in a picturesque environment.
UNESCO-secured laurel forests and unspoilt beaches
Other natural miracles are El Sabinar, a row of winding and bending juniper berries that have somehow survived the hard environment, Charco Manso, another natural swimming pool, protected by basalt rock and distinguished by the photo-perfect arch, and Laurisilva:
Just like the other Canary Islands, El Hierro is usually a dry nature, but in the center of the center the moss -covered Laurel Maze is one UNESCO World Heritage Offering a refuge to Canary animals in the wild and crossed through hiking trails.
As far as the beaches are concerned, El Hierro does not have the vast sea dunes, both Tenerife and Gran Canaria, famous coastline is remarkably robust-keeps blancas, a beach with white sand embraced by a Teal Atlantic, a rather unusual view of one volcanic island.
Experience the Canary Culture in Valverde
Valverde is the capital and the cultural center of El Hierro, located on the northeastern part of the island: it is clear that it is the smallest capital of a Canary Island, as well as the only one that does not extend over the ocean (instead is surrounded by a green countryside).
It is the best -equipped municipality on El Hierro, as well as where most restaurants and people made by people are located: for Great seafood at affordable pricesYesimar is the place and do not miss a baroque purísima conceptción parish church.
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, El Hierro was inhabited by the Bimbaches, Berber peoples from Noord -Africa, and in El Julan you can still see their old rotogyphs carved on rocks, with guided tours that are your best bet to decipher them .
The most fascinating attraction on the island, however, is Punta de Orchilla, the westernmost point in non-enclosed Spain … and the exact place Where Christopher Columbus hit. To discover the new world.
Affordable accommodation
Despite the compact size and the small population of the island, with only about 11,000 Spaniards who call it at home, it is not bothered by the lack of tourist infrastructure: there are exactly 47 accommodation providers on the island, from guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Casa Carlos is located near ISORA and is a typical El-Hierro-national homestay, with houses with two bedrooms that only cost $ 95 a night; In Mocanal, Casa Rural Aguarijo is a building with three bedrooms where overnight stays You will reset with just $ 88.
In Valverde there are options for good value-for-money in Hotel Boomerang ($ 74) and an apartment with one bedroom in vv Juana ($ 48), or if you are here for the view of the coast and luxurious facilities, the Parador The El Hierro costs $ 213 to book per night.
The only flights to Valverde-El-Hierro (VDE) are operated from Gran Canaria and Tenerife-North, so to reach this Atlantic Eden, you first have to go to one of the most important resort islands of the Canary Archipelago.
As an alternative you can take the ferry from Los Cristianos, in Tenerife, to El Hierro: There are departure 6 days a weekAnd the company that is active on this route is Naviera Armas, with a crossing time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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