About El Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest and most south-westerly of the Spanish Canary Islands, situated off the northwest coast of Africa. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the other Canary Islands due to its sparse population, making it an ideal peaceful getaway. It isn’t without its fascinating cultural history either, most notably the museum in Valverde which showcases all aspects of rural life on the island, as well as the site of the legendary holy tree that miraculously provided water to the indigenous Bimbaches. Also, as a UNESCO Geopark, El Hierro has an impressive landscape comprising dramatic cliffs and a lush juniper forest, which is home to the critically endangered El Hierro giant lizard. From the port of Valverde on the northeast coast, there are ferry routes provided almost every day to Los Cristianos on Tenerife, a town known for its sandy beaches and excellent whale watching spots.

About Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the second most populous island in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. A ‘continent in miniature’, Gran Canaria is locally known. This is due to the huge variety of landscapes and micro-climates, with vast mountains, long beaches and green ravines all coming together on this 1,500 square-kilometre landmass. A third of Gran Canaria is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, but elsewhere, you will find a rich history in the cosmopolitan capital of Las Palmas, a charming hilltop village in Tejeda and a network of superb cycling routes winding through the valleys. Travelling by ferry is a convenient way to explore the Canaries, and, given Gran Canaria’s central location, it’s within easy reach from nearly every other island. There are also some long-distance connections from mainland Spain which are operated by a couple of excellent ferry companies.