A man is standing on a balcony with a view of El Hierro.
Spain’s secret eco paradise island that can power itself
Credit: Shutterstock and Maxi Perez
Overcrowded? Forget it costas, wild hen dos, and package holiday mayhem – Spain is hiding a breathtaking natural wonder that’s quietly making history. El Hierro – the small Canary Island is not only beautiful but also a leader in sustainability. With rolling green forests, lava-sculpted coastlines, and an ocean bursting with marine life, this off-the-radar gem is officially one of the world’s first energy-self-sufficient islands. What? Yes, that’s right. Continue reading to learn more.
Powered by nature: An eco-tourist destination that is powered by wind and water.
El Hierro, on the other hand, is enjoying fossil fuels while the rest of world struggles with rising energy costs. Thank you to the Gorona del Viento project, the island has managed to do something no other place on Earth had achieved before – generate 100% of its electricity from renewable energy. How? How? By harnessing the two forces of nature that are unstoppable: wind and Water.
El Hierro’s hydroelectric system and wind power first demonstrated themselves in 2015 when they supplied all of the island’s electricity without burning any oil. Then, in 2018, it smashed records again – running for a whopping 18 days straight on nothing but clean energy. No pollution, no power cuts – just pure, sustainable brilliance.
A volcanic Eden unspoiled by mass tourism
But this isn’t just some eco-science experiment – it’s a raw paradise where Mother Nature is still in charge. El Hierro offers tranquility to those who don’t want tacky souvenirs or Mexican hats. They also prefer paella with chorizo. Chorizo shouldn’t be used in paella. It is the same as not putting pineapple on pizza. But we digress…
This tiny island is an amazing showcase of natural beauty. Imagine lush laurel forest, rugged lava field, and Even though the word “everything” is used, it does not mean that you should be able to say anything. The deep blue Atlantic is a perfect backdrop for emerald green banana plantations. Charco Azul, a picture-perfect natural pool that looks like it’s been plucked from a fantasy bookWhile El Sabinar’s bizarre, wind-bent Junipers seem to whisper ancient secrets.
Adventure awaits you: Dolphins, hiking and lava. tunnels.
El Hierro has it all for you if you enjoy your holiday with a bit of adrenaline. The Reserva marina de La Restinga is one of the most popular diving spots in Europe. You can swim with stunning turtles, rays or even whale sharks. Prefer Stay on dry land or go diving? Choose from epic hiking trails or volcanic cave explorations. Or, fly over the island with a paraglider and enjoy views that will leave you speechless.
Canary Island is a tourism destination that does things differently.
El Hierro is a more authentic Canary Island than its sun and sangria sisters. There are no five-star resorts, no buzzing beach bars – just raw, untamed nature and a community committed to preserving its eco-friendly paradise.
If you want white sand or nightclub strips then look somewhere else. El Hierro, on the other hand, is the perfect island for those who want to experience a breathtaking, wild escape, where sustainability and untouched beauty meet.
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