Valverde, or El Hierro Airport as it’s more commonly known, opened for its first flights in 1972 and now boasts a small selection of shops and cafes as well as currency exchange facilities, cash machines and low cost car hire desks. Situated on El Hierro island, the airport acts mainly as a link to the other Canary islands. As with any small airport, particularly a small island airport, you’re best to choose and book your low cost car hire before travelling to avoid stress and possible disappointments.
El Hierro is the smallest and most southern of all of the Canary Islands with a tiny population of just over 10,000. Like all of the islands, it is a mountainous, volcanic spot, although it reputedly has only suffered one eruption and that was way back in the late 1700’s. Made up of three municipalities: Frontera, Valverde and El Pinar, the island is a popular destination for divers in particular due to its abundance of deep, clear water. As you can imagine, diver or not, taking advantage of car hire on this island is an absolute must to make the most of your visit.
One of the most popular and well known sites on the island is El Golfo, which is a mind-blowing semi-circular valley which falls rapidly from over 700 meters to sea level and looks out towards the island of La Palma. Another natural attraction for the outdoor fans who visit this picturesque island is the Ventejis mountain range, which is situated in the north east and offers uninterrupted views as far as the eye can see. The Frontera Rural is the largest park on the island. It supports a vast array of ecosystems and plays host to the volcano which last erupted on the island, La Restinga.
The island of El Hierro, which has gained notoriety throughout the world thanks to the species of giant lizards which inhabited the island in prehistoric times is not commercial in any way whatsoever. It does however have a small selection of tourist attractions including a craft centre and an eco museum as well as a reputation for particularly good food.
Not to be missed, apparently are the local cheeses and wine. And somewhat amusingly, the island is home to what is reputed to be the smallest hotel in the world, Punta Grande Hotel, which sits on a wave-battered jetty in a remote location on this remote island. A rather bizarre affair, the hotel has only four letting rooms and an imaginative décor throughout, well worthy of a visit…