Pozo de la Salud, El Hierro: History and Culture

On the coast of Sabinosa, in the municipality of La Frontera, to the west of El Hierro, lies one of the most historic places on the island: the Pozo de la Salud, also called the Well of Sabinosa. Its water, considered mineral-medicinal, made this corner of the El Golfo valley famous far beyond the islands.

A well born of drought

The well was excavated between 1702 and 1704 to obtain drinking water during a time of drought. The water was somewhat brackish, but the locals soon noticed that those who drank it seemed to enjoy better health. Thus, its name was born.

During the 19th century, its fame spread to other islands, and in 1843-1844 its waters were declared mineral-medicinal. By the end of that century, it was even bottled and exported to Cuba and Puerto Rico. In the 20th century, the water was marketed under the name 'Aguas de Sabinosa,' and thermal baths developed around the well.

The spa today

Next to the old well stands today the Hotel-Spa Well of Health, managed by the Cabildo of El Hierro, which offers accommodation and wellness treatments. The Cabildo is also studying how to recover the original quality of the water from the old well.

Visiting the area

The Well of Health is a good stop on a route through the west of the island, which can be completed with Sabinosa, Verodal beach, El Sabinar, or the natural pools of La Maceta, which you can see live with our webcam.