UPDATE: As the Canary Islands grapple with a surge in overtourism, the lesser-known island of El Hierro is emerging as a sanctuary for travelers seeking tranquility. Just announced, Fodor’s Travel has placed several islands from the archipelago on its 2026 “No List,” citing overwhelming visitor numbers that threaten local life and fragile ecosystems.
The urgent warning follows an alarming increase in tourist arrivals, with Lanzarote surpassing 2 million tourists in the first half of 2025 and Tenerife seeing over 670,000 visitors in March alone. This crisis has led many residents to feel torn, as tourism provides economic benefits but also strains their communities.
El Hierro, however, remains relatively untouched, attracting only 20,000 to 30,000 tourists annually. This small island is the youngest in the Canary archipelago and boasts a rugged terrain shaped by volcanic eruptions over the last 1.2 million years. Its lack of direct international flights helps preserve its hidden gem status, with most travel limited to domestic routes from Tenerife North (TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA).
Davinia Suárez Armas, the island’s tourism director, emphasized the importance of sustainable development in a recent statement:
“We want to increase tourism and continue to improve the island’s standard of living, but not to the detriment of the residents’ quality of life or the island’s natural resources.”
Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Geopark, El Hierro features unique landscapes, including the iconic twisted juniper trees of the Sabinar and the elusive El Hierro Giant Lizard, rediscovered in the 1970s. Instead of sandy beaches, visitors can explore beautiful natural pools known as “Charcos,” formed by ancient lava flows.
Adventure seekers will find a hiker’s paradise, with trails like the challenging Camino de Jinama offering breathtaking views as it ascends over 2,600 feet up a dramatic cliff face. February is particularly appealing, with average temperatures between 17°C and 19°C and approximately seven hours of sunshine each day.
As the Canary Islands face potential ecological collapse due to excessive tourism, El Hierro seeks to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving its unique heritage. Authorities are committed to fostering a sustainable future, ensuring that both residents and tourists can enjoy the island’s beauty without compromising its natural resources.
Travel enthusiasts should keep a close eye on El Hierro as it navigates these challenges, offering a glimpse of what sustainable tourism can achieve in an age of environmental awakening. Time is of the essence; El Hierro’s quiet charm may soon be recognized as a vital escape from the chaos of mass tourism in the Canary Islands.
