The 7 best viewpoints of El Hierro: landscapes that you can not miss
El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, offers spectacular viewpoints that showcase its natural beauty. These observation points are ideal for enjoying unique and diverse landscapes. Through seven outstanding viewpoints, you can appreciate the uniqueness of the island. Each one of them presents special characteristics that enrich the visitors' experience.
El Hierro is a volcanic jewel that offers unforgettable views from every corner. With a dramatic orography and untouched nature, this Canary Island offers some of the most spectacular viewpoints of the archipelago. From cliffs overlooking the Atlantic to viewpoints on top of green hillsides or volcanic areas,
each point offers a unique perspective. In this guide we show you the 7 best viewpoints of El Hierro, perfect to fall in love with its wild landscapes, take the best pictures and connect with the purest essence of the island.
1. Our selection of must-see viewpoints in El Hierro
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2. La Peña viewpoint
This emblematic viewpoint is located in the north of El Hierro and is known for offering breathtaking views of the Gulf Valley, where nature is shown in all its splendor.
Views of the Gulf Valley
From the Mirador de La Peña, the panoramic view of the Gulf Valley is amazing. Visitors can appreciate the contrast between the green vegetation and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. This natural area was formed by a prehistoric landslide, creating an irregular and captivating landscape. The views extend along the coast, allowing visitors to contemplate the beauty of the geological environment and the biodiversity that characterizes the island.
Design by César Manrique
The Mirador de La Peña was designed by the famous architect César Manrique, a reference of art and architecture who knew how to integrate nature with the building. Its unique design is adapted to the topography of the island, using local materials and maintaining an aesthetic that respects the environment. This viewpoint is not only an observation point, but also an example of how architecture can enhance the experience of connection with nature.
Restaurant and gastronomy
Inside the viewpoint, there is a restaurant that invites you to taste the herreña gastronomy. The typical dishes of the island are prepared with fresh, local ingredients, offering visitors a gastronomic experience that complements the views. They will be able to enjoy the food while contemplating the landscape, making this place an ideal stop for those looking to enjoy nature and culture in one place.
3. El Julan viewpoint
This viewpoint, located 850 meters above sea level, stands out for its impressive views and the uniqueness of its volcanic environment. Every visitor can enjoy a landscape that encapsulates the essence of El Hierro.
Volcanic landscape and Mar de las Calmas
The geography surrounding the Mirador de El Julan is characterized by its unique volcanic beauty. The arid tones of the terrain contrast with the deep blue of the Mar de las Calmas, creating an impressive visual spectacle. The vegetation that has managed to adapt to these conditions can be seen in several corners, giving a touch of life to the landscape. This place is ideal to appreciate the natural majesty of the island, where the sky and the sea meet in an almost perfect line.
Proximity to the Interpretation Center
The viewpoint is located a few minutes from the Interpretation Center of the Cultural Park of El Julan. Here visitors can delve into the rich history of the aboriginal Herreños, known as bimbaches. Through exhibits and educational materials, this center allows tourists to gain a broader perspective on how the island’s ancient inhabitants lived and their connection to the environment. This cultural knowledge enriches the experience of visiting the viewpoint.
Cultural route of the bimbaches
El Mirador de El Julan is part of a cultural route that recalls the history and traditions of the Bimbache people. This trail offers the possibility of exploring vestiges of their culture and way of life, making it a place not only to admire landscapes, but also to learn about the cultural heritage of El Hierro. Enjoying the route while stopping at key points of interest allows hikers to appreciate the rich history of this unique island.
4. Viewpoint of Malpaso
Located at an impressive altitude, the Mirador de Malpaso stands as one of the highest points of El Hierro, offering spectacular surroundings and incomparable views.
Altitude and views of neighboring islands
With an elevation of 1,501 meters above sea level, this viewpoint allows you to appreciate a panorama that encompasses not only the beauty of El Hierro, but also glimpses of neighboring islands such as La Palma, Tenerife and La Gomera. On clear days, the horizon is filled with shapes and intense colors, creating a fascinating visual spectacle. The altitude provides a unique perspective that highlights the particular orography and geography of the Canary archipelago.
Traditional path of the Bajada de la Virgen
The Mirador de Malpaso is not only measured by its splendorous views, but also by its cultural value. This point is an integral part of the traditional path of the Bajada de la Virgen, an event that mobilizes the residents of El Hierro every four years in honor of the Virgen de Los Reyes. This historic route connects the island with its traditions and folklore, offering visitors an atmosphere steeped in spirituality and devotion. The journey to the viewpoint is popular among locals, who see it as a journey that transcends the mere act of walking, symbolizing a celebration of the island’s identity.
Cloud and panoramic experience
The experience at the Mirador de Malpaso is magical, especially when the sea of clouds envelops the surroundings. The sensation of being surrounded by an ocean of clouds offers a special charm, making visitors feel as if they are suspended between the earth and the sky. The views of the changing landscape and the sunlight filtering through the clouds add an air of mystery and beauty. This natural phenomenon transforms the visual experience into a contemplative journey, inviting a deeper connection with the natural environment.
5. Viewpoint of Jinama
El Mirador de Jinama is an exceptional place that rises 1,250 meters above sea level, offering amazing panoramic views of the natural environment. Its connection with the past through ancient roads and its proximity to cultural elements give it an added value.
Connection to the old road
This viewpoint is located on an old trail that connects the village of La Frontera with the Jinama area. The route, known for its splendid landscapes, allows a walking tour that not only provides breathtaking views, but also connects visitors with the history of the island. Walking along this trail, you can feel the essence of a past time, where the inhabitants used these roads to communicate between the different herreños villages.
Views of the Gulf Valley
From the lookout platform, the Gulf Valley unfolds in all its majesty. The combination of green vegetation and dramatic cliffs creates a visually appealing landscape. Views embrace the Atlantic Ocean, displaying its brilliant blue, which contrasts with the earthy tones of the nearby mountains. On clear days, the finer details of the landscape can be appreciated, making this an ideal place for photography and nature contemplation.
Cultural and spiritual elements
In the vicinity of the Mirador de Jinama, there is a hermitage dedicated to the Virgen de la Caridad. This sacred place brings a cultural and spiritual element to the environment. Visitors often feel a deep connection with the local history by being in the presence of a place with such emotional relevance for the herreños. The practice of devotion to this virgin has been part of the life of the community for centuries, making the lookout not only a point of observation, but also a place of reflection and respect for the traditions that have shaped the identity of the island.
6. Isora Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located in the area of Valverde and is known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Las Playas. It is a destination that surprises both day and night, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of El Hierro.
Views of Las Playas and the Atlantic Ocean
From the Mirador de Isora you can contemplate panoramic views that encompass the coastline and pristine beaches of El Hierro. The altitude of the viewpoint, which rises up to 1,000 meters above sea level, provides a unique perspective of the seascape. The deep blue of the ocean contrasts with the golden and greenish hues of the coastal areas, creating a visual spectacle that captivates nature lovers.
Available for night access
One of the most outstanding features of this viewpoint is that it can also be visited at night. The absence of light pollution in the area allows you to enjoy an unparalleled starry sky. This makes it an exceptional place for stargazing, ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and those seeking moments of tranquility and connection with nature.
Changes in the landscape at dusk
The changing hues of the landscape as night falls are truly magical. As the sun sets over the horizon, the sky is tinged with warm, soft colors. This transition is accompanied by the entrance of darkness, which envelops the coast and enhances the beauty of Las Playas. The feeling of peace and serenity experienced at this viewpoint at nightfall is indescribable, creating an ideal environment for reflection and enjoyment of the surroundings.
7. Mirador de las Playas
This viewpoint is located in a privileged location on the island of El Hierro, offering breathtaking views of an almost untouched natural environment. Its attraction lies in the combination of majestic cliffs and a deep ocean that creates a spectacular landscape.
Encounter with the unspoiled landscape
The Mirador de las Playas allows visitors to enjoy dazzling views of the bay of Las Playas, an area known for its purity and natural beauty. The area is almost completely unspoiled, providing a visual spectacle without human interference. Different shades of blue can be seen in the sea, contrasting with the green of the surrounding vegetation.
Natural cliff formation
The cliffs surrounding the viewpoint are impressive geological formations resulting from the island’s volcanic activity. These structures rise up to 1,500 meters above sea level and offer a sublime setting for the views. The erosion of wind and water has resulted in a unique landscape that tells the story of the land.
- The height of the cliffs provides a sense of immensity.
- Rocks in different colors reveal the geological history of El Hierro.
Sense of peace and tranquility
The atmosphere at Mirador de las Playas is exceptionally tranquil. The sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks and the distant chirping of birds create an atmosphere of serenity that invites reflection. This place is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.
Visitors often mention the feeling of being in harmony with the environment, facilitating a rejuvenating experience. Observing the horizon, it is easy to get lost in the play of light and shadow that the sea and cliffs present at sunset, making each visit a special moment.
8. Viewpoint of Lomo Negro
The Mirador de Lomo Negro is distinguished by its impressive location and its ability to offer unique perspectives on the geography of El Hierro.
Observation of volcanic layers
From this viewpoint, you can contemplate the layers of volcanic rock that have shaped the island over the years. These formations, with their shades of colors and textures, tell a fascinating geological story. The view allows you to appreciate how volcanic activity has given rise to a unique and diverse landscape, where each layer reveals a different chapter in the history of El Hierro.
Contact with native flora
In the vicinity of the viewpoint, you can find a rich variety of native flora. The vegetation that thrives in this area is the result of a unique ecosystem, adapted to the special climatic conditions of the island. Hardy and endemic plants flourish in this environment, offering a visual spectacle that complements the panoramic views. Witnessing the biodiversity is another of the riches that Lomo Negro has to offer.
Different perspectives of the same area
The strategic position of the Mirador de Lomo Negro allows for a variety of perspectives on the surrounding landscape. By moving slightly, visitors can observe how the light changes the hues of the environment, creating a magical effect. The shadows cast by the mountains and rock formations vary throughout the day, providing unique opportunities for photography and contemplation. This variability makes each visit to the viewpoint a different experience, highlighting the dynamic beauty of El Hierro.