30 Unique Facts That Make El Hierro the Coolest Canary Island

Hidden El Hierro: 30 Weird and Wonderful Island Facts

El Hierro isn’t your typical sun-and-sand getaway. It’s raw, remote, and proudly different—clinging to traditions, guarding geological secrets, and revealing unexpected quirks the deeper you explore. While it’s the smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro has its own magnetic pull for those who love offbeat facts, ancient mysteries, and curious stories tucked away from guidebooks. This list dives into 30 hidden, non-touristy facts that make the island fascinating beyond its cliffs and forests. Here’s your first taste of what makes El Hierro so special.

1. The Island Was Once the Prime Meridian of the World

Long before Greenwich became the global standard, maps placed El Hierro at the very edge of the known world. In fact, for centuries, its westernmost point—Punta de Orchilla—was considered the “Zero Meridian,” the dividing line between east and west. This designation came from Ptolemy’s geography and was later endorsed by the Paris Academy of Sciences in the 17th century. It made sense to ancient navigators: beyond El Hierro, there was nothing but ocean. Though replaced by Greenwich in the 19th century, El Hierro’s meridian marker still stands—a silent witness to a time when the island was the center of world navigation.

2. El Hierro Has a Giant Natural Lava Tubing Network Underground

Beneath El Hierro’s volcanic crust lies a labyrinth of lava tubes—tunnels formed by ancient eruptions where molten rock flowed and cooled in bizarre patterns. These natural tubes stretch for kilometers and remain largely uncharted. The most well-known, Cueva del Caracol, snakes its way under the island and has been the subject of geological curiosity for decades. Some caves are home to unique micro-ecosystems and troglobitic (cave-adapted) species found nowhere else. Because these tunnels are untouched by mass tourism and often hidden in remote terrain, they remain one of the island’s best-kept natural secrets—and a dream for adventurous speleologists.

3. The Garoé Tree Was Worshipped for Producing Water from Air

To the indigenous Bimbache people, the Garoé tree was nothing short of sacred. Nestled in El Hierro’s misty highlands, this giant til tree could capture water from the air through a process called “horizontal precipitation.” Moisture-laden trade winds would condense on its leaves, dripping fresh water to the ground—vital for survival on an island with scarce rainfall. Spanish conquistadors were stunned to find the locals with a consistent water supply and later destroyed the tree in the 17th century during a storm. Today, a descendant stands near the same spot, celebrated as a symbol of sustainability, resilience, and natural ingenuity.

4. The Island Has an Official "Zero Kilometer" Cheese

El Hierro takes local to the next level with its own protected, “zero kilometer” cheese—made entirely within a stone’s throw of where the goats graze. This handcrafted cheese is created using raw milk from the native Herreña goats, without additives, preservatives, or modern industrial techniques. Local shepherds follow generational methods, often smoking the cheese with fig or cactus wood. Each village has its own subtle flavor variations, reflecting differences in altitude, herbs, and traditions. The result is a cheese so rooted in place that it’s impossible to replicate elsewhere. It’s not just food—it’s edible heritage, wrapped in waxy simplicity.

5. El Hierro Produces More Energy Than It Uses—Thanks to Wind and Water

El Hierro made headlines by becoming the first island in the world to meet all its electricity needs through 100% renewable energy—at least on optimal days. Its hybrid energy project, Gorona del Viento, uses wind turbines combined with a pumped hydroelectric system. When wind energy exceeds demand, it pumps water uphill into a volcanic crater. When wind drops, the water is released downhill to generate electricity. This closed-loop system ensures grid stability without fossil fuels. More than just a technical achievement, it reflects El Hierro’s bold commitment to ecological living and has become a model for isolated communities worldwide.

6. The Indigenous Language Has Been Lost, but Traces Linger in Place Names

Though the Bimbache people disappeared centuries ago, their language left ghostly echoes in the geography of El Hierro. Place names like Echedo, Guarazoca, Timijiraque, and Mocanal are believed to derive from Bimbache dialects—possibly related to Berber languages from North Africa. Since there are no written records of the Bimbache tongue, linguists must rely on oral traditions and etymological clues. These names offer precious insight into how the island’s first inhabitants saw their world—what they considered sacred, fertile, or dangerous. Though the language is officially extinct, its essence lingers on in the names travelers still speak without knowing their ancient roots.

7. A Submarine Volcano Emerged in 2011 Near La Restinga

In 2011, the tranquil waters near the fishing village of La Restinga began to boil. Fishermen reported a sulfuric smell, strange bubbling, and dead fish floating to the surface. It was later revealed that a submarine volcano—Tagoro—had erupted just off the coast, forming a new seafloor crater and disrupting marine life. Though it never broke the ocean surface, it temporarily reshaped the coastline and created new underwater ecosystems. Marine biologists now monitor the area closely, as rare species have begun to colonize the fresh lava fields. The eruption also sparked island-wide emergency drills and a renewed respect for El Hierro’s living geology.

8. El Hierro Is a Biosphere Reserve—but Also a Geopark

El Hierro is one of the few places in the world to carry both UNESCO titles: Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark. While the first recognizes its ecological efforts—like sustainable farming and renewable energy—the second honors its extraordinary geological heritage. The island is essentially a living textbook of volcanic processes, with over 500 volcanic cones, ancient landslides, and unique lava structures. Its dramatic cliffs and lava shelves aren’t just scenic—they're geological phenomena rarely found together in such density. El Hierro’s dual designation isn’t symbolic—it reflects how the island has learned to live in harmony with its fierce and fascinating terrain.

9. Locals Used to Build Circular Stone Corrals to Trap Mist for Crops

Before modern irrigation, farmers in El Hierro invented a clever technique to coax water from thin air. They built circular or horseshoe-shaped stone structures—sometimes called “aljibes de niebla”—in high-altitude areas where trade winds bring dense fog. These mist traps would condense moisture, which would then seep into underground cisterns or nourish the surrounding soil. The technique dates back to pre-colonial times and was critical for sustaining crops like potatoes and barley. Though largely abandoned today, remnants of these mist-trapping walls still dot the hillsides, silent reminders of an old-world water technology born of necessity and deep environmental knowledge.

10. The Island Has Its Own Unique Breeds of Livestock

El Hierro isn’t just isolated geographically—it’s a genetic island too. The livestock here, especially goats and sheep, have evolved into distinct breeds over centuries of isolation. The Herreña goat, in particular, is small, tough, and adapted to steep rocky slopes. Its milk has a high-fat content, perfect for making El Hierro’s famous cheese. These animals are more than just farm stock—they’re cultural icons, featuring in local festivals and oral traditions. Preservation programs are now in place to protect their bloodlines from mixing with imported breeds, ensuring that El Hierro’s agricultural legacy continues to be as unique as its landforms.

11. El Hierro Was Once Planned as a Prison Island

In the early 20th century, Spanish officials considered turning El Hierro into a massive penal colony—much like Australia or Alcatraz. Its remote location, rugged terrain, and isolation made it seem like the perfect place to send convicts. The plan was eventually abandoned due to the logistical nightmare of transporting and housing prisoners on such difficult terrain. But the idea lingered long enough that some locals still refer to it with dark humor. Ironically, today El Hierro is a sanctuary for peaceful living and conservation—far from the carceral outpost once envisioned by distant bureaucrats.

12. The Island's Forests Are Shaped by Wind, Not Just Rain

While many islands rely on rain for green growth, El Hierro’s cloud forests thrive thanks to horizontal precipitation—mist rolling off the Atlantic. The constant trade winds carry moisture that clings to the trees, especially in the highland laurel forests around El Pinar. Over time, the wind shapes these trees into surreal, wind-sculpted forms—crooked, twisted, and bent toward the ocean. Some look like frozen dancers, others like tangled creatures. It’s not just picturesque; this ecosystem captures precious water in an otherwise arid climate and supports endemic plant species. The trees tell a story, not only of survival—but of adaptation.

13. El Hierro Once Had Its Own Currency—Sort Of

During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, El Hierro faced such isolation that official currency couldn’t reach the island. So, local authorities issued emergency “vouchers” and makeshift notes for use in trade and daily life. These weren’t legal tender outside El Hierro, but within the island, they helped keep the economy going. A few of these rare paper currencies have survived in private collections and museums, offering a glimpse into a time when El Hierro functioned like its own tiny nation. It’s a quirky symbol of the islanders’ resilience and knack for making do with whatever’s at hand.

14. The Bimbache Practiced a Unique Form of Matrilineal Land Inheritance

The island’s first inhabitants, the Bimbache people, lived in isolated communities and followed traditions distinct from those on the other Canary Islands. One of the most remarkable was their system of land inheritance—passed down not through the male line, as was typical elsewhere, but through women. Land, animals, and tools were given from mother to daughter. This matrilineal structure helped preserve community ties and may have contributed to the Bimbache’s relatively egalitarian society. Archaeologists have uncovered burial sites and cave dwellings suggesting this female-centered culture thrived peacefully—until the Spanish conquest brought it to an abrupt end.

15. There’s a Hidden “Eternal Spring” in a Lava Crack Near Sabinosa

In the cliffs near Sabinosa, one of El Hierro’s most remote villages, lies Pozo de la Salud—a spring bubbling out of a lava crack. Locals have believed for centuries that its mineral-rich waters hold healing properties, especially for skin diseases and digestive issues. Before modern medicine, pilgrims would trek here to bathe or drink from the source. A spa was later built around the spring, but the original site remains tucked into the rugged cliffs. It’s not a flashy tourist spot—just a trickle of water in a rock cleft—but it carries a deep sense of local belief and quiet reverence.

16. Some Locals Still Practice "Whistled Speech" to Communicate Over Valleys

Though more famously preserved on La Gomera, the ancient art of “Silbo”—a whistled form of language—also existed on El Hierro. It was used to transmit messages across ravines and mountains, particularly in places like El Golfo where villages are separated by steep terrain. While it’s no longer widely used, a few elders still recall how their grandparents could whistle entire sentences. Some schools on the island have reintroduced the technique in cultural education programs, keeping the practice alive as a symbol of ingenuity in harsh landscapes. It’s not just whistling—it’s talking through airwaves, Herreño-style.

17. The Island Has a Secret Stone Idol Hidden in a High Cave

High above the Valverde valley, in a barely accessible cave known as La Cueva de las Vírgenes, lies a mysterious stone figure carved centuries ago. It may represent a fertility goddess or protective spirit worshipped by the Bimbache people before the arrival of Christianity. The cave is hard to reach and rarely visited, partly due to its vertical cliffs and partly due to local superstition. Stories say that those who disturb the figure may face strange dreams or misfortune. Though largely forgotten, this relic hints at the island’s spiritual history—one that predates chapels and colonial crosses.

18. El Hierro Is Slowly Sliding into the Ocean—Literally

The island’s volcanic structure makes it geologically unstable—and scientists have confirmed that El Hierro is gradually shifting westward toward the sea. The entire island rests on a sloping base, and over millennia, parts of it have collapsed into the ocean. In fact, the dramatic El Golfo valley was formed by a massive landslide tens of thousands of years ago. Today, GPS sensors track tiny movements, some only millimeters per year. It’s not cause for panic, but it does serve as a reminder that this island is alive—shaped by forces that stretch far beyond human timelines.

19. The Island Has a Lighthouse That Marks the End of Europe

Punta de Orchilla lighthouse isn’t just a scenic photo spot—it marks the symbolic westernmost tip of Europe. Before transatlantic exploration began, sailors believed this was quite literally the edge of the known world. The lighthouse itself wasn’t built until the 1930s, but the sense of myth around the area stretches back centuries. Ancient Roman maps placed the zero meridian line here, and some 19th-century travelers wrote of standing at Punta de Orchilla and watching the “sun fall off the earth.” The lighthouse still operates, beaming quietly into the Atlantic, where ancient beliefs meet the modern world.

20. El Hierro Has the Most Endemic Species per Square Kilometer in Europe

Because of its isolation and volcanic terrain, El Hierro is a biodiversity hotspot—especially when it comes to endemic species. Per square kilometer, it has more native species found nowhere else than any other location in Europe. From the elusive giant lizard (Gallotia simonyi) to rare mosses and insects hiding in cloud forests and lava rocks, the island is a living laboratory. Even scientists are still discovering new life forms in El Hierro’s forests, caves, and tide pools. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about uniqueness. Every step you take here might reveal a species that exists nowhere else on Earth.

21. El Hierro's Seabed Hosts Ancient Coral Reefs in Volcanic Caves

Beneath the waves off El Hierro’s southern coast lie underwater lava tubes and crevices that act as hidden homes for ancient coral species. Some corals here are thought to be hundreds of years old and thrive in the low-light, nutrient-rich conditions of volcanic seabeds. Scientists have found species once believed to exist only in the Caribbean or Indo-Pacific. This underwater biodiversity makes the island a dream for marine biologists. These deep-sea gardens are rarely seen by tourists or even divers, but they form part of the island’s incredible biological wealth—quietly thriving in the dark, cool waters offshore.

22. The Island's Dialect Contains Archaic Words Found Nowhere Else

While Spanish is the official language, the Herreño dialect includes curious archaisms and unique vocabulary, preserved by the island’s isolation. Locals use words from Old Castilian or even Portuguese influence, like “guayoyo” for a light coffee or “milana” for a flock of sheep. Some expressions are entirely unique to a single valley. Linguists consider El Hierro a linguistic time capsule, where phrases long extinct in mainland Spain still survive in everyday chatter. These quirks may sound strange to outsiders but are cherished by locals as a badge of island identity—words that carry history in their syllables.

23. El Hierro Has No Rivers—Just Seasonal Ravines Called "Barrancos"

Despite its volcanic elevation, El Hierro has no permanent rivers or lakes. Instead, the island relies on seasonal watercourses called barrancos, deep ravines that channel rain during the wet season. Some of these are dramatic gashes in the landscape, with sheer drops and rich vegetation fed by trickles of water. Historically, these ravines were vital for farming, channeling runoff into terraced fields and cisterns. Today, they also serve as ecological corridors for wildlife. The absence of rivers has shaped how Herreños live, build, and farm—relying instead on fog, springs, and clever water management rooted in ancient techniques.

24. The Island Has a Volcano With No Crater—Only a Fissure Ridge

Unlike the classic cone-shaped volcanoes of other islands, El Hierro’s Volcán de Tanganasoga is a fissure ridge—a long, cracked seam through which magma escapes rather than erupting from a single peak. The result is a bumpy, uneven mountain range rather than a central crater. Tanganasoga was responsible for the seismic activity that led to the 2011 submarine eruption, and it still rumbles quietly today. While hikers often overlook it, the ridge plays a crucial role in the island’s geodynamics. It's a reminder that volcanoes don’t have to look explosive to be active—and even silent cracks hold power.

25. There's a Festival Where People Dress as Demons to Chase Away Evil

In the village of Tigaday, locals celebrate La Fiesta de los Diabletes (The Festival of the Little Devils), where costumed figures dressed as horned demons run through the streets scaring children and villagers. This quirky tradition dates back centuries and is believed to be a mix of pre-Christian rituals and colonial Catholicism—symbolizing the battle between good and evil. Participants paint their faces red, wear sheepskins, and carry cowbells to create eerie music. It’s not widely publicized and rarely seen by outsiders, but for Herreños, it’s a beloved, spine-tingling rite that keeps the spirit world respectfully at bay.

26. El Hierro's Stone Terraces Are Ancient Engineering Marvels

Scattered across the island’s hillsides are thousands of stone terraces—painstakingly built by hand over centuries to trap soil and water for agriculture. Known as bancales, these terraces enabled locals to grow potatoes, vines, and cereals in steep, rocky terrain. The walls are built without mortar, designed to shift and breathe with the land during storms or earthquakes. Some terraces date back to Bimbache times and are still in use today. From a distance, they look like natural steps carved into the island—but up close, they reveal a deep history of land mastery and survival in harsh conditions.

27. There's a Tiny Hamlet Only Accessible by Foot or Boat

On the northern coast lies Pozo de las Calcosas, a tiny hamlet nestled in a dramatic lava cove. It’s built entirely from volcanic stone, including its black rock houses with thatched roofs. There are no roads here—just a winding footpath from El Mocanal or access by boat in calm weather. Once a seasonal fishing settlement, today it’s a ghost village in winter and a quiet hideaway in summer. No cars, no streetlights—just wind, waves, and the smell of salt air. It’s one of El Hierro’s most hidden corners, where life slows to the rhythm of tides and footsteps.

28. The Island's Giant Lizards Were Thought Extinct—Until Rediscovered in 1975

El Hierro’s Gallotia simonyi, a giant lizard species, was believed extinct for over a century—until a tiny population was rediscovered in 1975 on a remote cliff face. These lizards can grow over 60 cm (2 feet) long and are endemic to the island. A conservation program was quickly launched, creating protected enclosures and captive breeding facilities. Today, their numbers are slowly recovering, though they remain critically endangered. Seeing one in the wild is extremely rare—but for scientists and nature lovers, their survival story is one of the greatest conservation victories in the Canary Islands.

29. Some of El Hierro's Churches Were Built with Lava Rock and Whalebone

Many of El Hierro’s rural chapels, like the tiny Ermita de la Virgen de los Reyes, were constructed using whatever materials were available—namely, lava rock and timber salvaged from the sea. In some rare cases, even whale bones found on the coast were used to support beams or create symbolic decorations. These minimalist structures reflect the island’s spiritual resilience and connection to nature. The blending of religious architecture with volcanic materials gives each chapel a grounded, earthy feel—rooted in both faith and geology. They’re more than places of worship—they’re monuments to island resourcefulness.

30. The Island's Map Was Once Featured on Spanish Money

In a lesser-known nod to its symbolic importance, El Hierro was once featured on a 100 peseta Spanish banknote issued in the mid-20th century. The map of the island appeared as part of a broader design referencing Spain’s overseas provinces and territories. It was a quiet tribute to the island’s historical role as a “gateway to the Atlantic.” While most people never noticed the fine print, Herreños took pride in the detail. For an island so often overlooked, being etched onto national currency—even briefly—was a small but meaningful recognition of its place in the country’s history.

🌋A Land of Quiet Wonders and Living Mysteries

El Hierro may be the smallest of the Canary Islands, but it packs a world of secrets into its volcanic bones. These 30 facts barely scratch the surface of a place where science, mythology, and tradition live side by side. From underwater volcanoes to prehistoric water trees, from disappearing languages to demon festivals, El Hierro remains proudly offbeat. It’s not an island of postcards—it’s an island of stories. If you ever make your way here, look past the guidebooks and into the cracks of its stone walls, the whispers in its forests, and the echoes of its primeval past.