The Canary Islands are a favourite travel destination among Brits seeking some winter sun – especially as cold weather spreads across the UK.
But with great popularity comes many downfalls – rising prices and heaving throngs of crowds are two such problems that plague many Spanish cities.
One so-called ‘secret’ Spanish island might be perfect for a winter break, though.
It has all the best of the region – pretty beaches, gorgeous villages, excellent food – yet without the exhorbitant prices and queues of visitors.
‘El Hierro is the secret winter escape everyone’s talking about,’ Travel and Tour World wrote.
And yet it’s wildly underappreciated – despite having temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
It also boasts peaceful, quiet beaches, as well as hidden coves.
Plus, it’s perfect for adventurers – with dramatic volcanic terrain, mountains and natural beauty, the smallest island in the region has much to write home about.
El Hierro in the Canary Islands is a highly underrated travel destination
The island of El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain boasts many pretty villages such as Valverde (pictured)
A beautiful viewpoint with a paved path in El Hierro in the Canary Islands, ideal for long walks
It won’t break the bank either – with reports that a pint can start from just €1.50 (£1.30) in the quietest parts of the quiet island.
The average price across the island is still low, at just €2-3 (£1.75-£2.60) according to Numbeo, a cost-of-living comparison site.
It’s easy to reach, too – you can fly to Tenerife from just £18.99 with easyJet, and then take the ferry across to El Hierro for around €13 (£11.30).
It’s a haven for diving enthusiasts, who come from all over to explore what’s beneath the sea.
Plus, El Hierro’s tourism website says the island ‘is en route to being fully energy self-sufficient through clean, renewable energies’.
It adds: ‘Volcanoes, lava flows, lush forests of Canary Island pine trees and laurisilva, trees that bow down to the wind, abrupt cliffs, relaxing natural pools, dizzying views…
‘That’s El Hierro: enigmatic, awe-inspiring, a shelter where you can disconnect from busy modern life and enjoy the springtime climate that reigns in the Canary Islands all year round.’
The food on the island is also excellent, with fresh local ingredients and fantastic cheeses.
It comes after Fodor’s, a publisher of travel guides, put together an annual ‘No List’, a useful guide of places to skip on your next holiday – and included the Canary Islands on the list.
The Canary Islands are one of the most popular spots for Brits heading abroad on holiday.
But locals have had enough – so much so that earlier this year, residents of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote protested under the banner, ‘Canarias tiene un límite’ (‘The Canaries have a limit’).
With overtourism, increasing costs of housing and pressure on the environment, travel to the region comes at great cost – and locals are keen to deter tourists.
