EL PINAR
Municipality of El Hierro
El Pinar, the volcanic south of El Hierro
El Pinar is the municipality in the south of El Hierro and one of the quietest in Canary Islands. Its territory runs down from the pine forests of the summit to the coast of La Restinga, the southernmost fishing village in the archipelago. It is a municipality of two faces: above, forests of Canary pine and recreational areas; below, a volcanic coastline with the Reserva Marina del Mar de Las Calmas, one of the best diving Europe.
In addition, thanks to the CanariasLife webcam in La Restinga you can see live the harbour, the sea state and the conditions before heading down to the south of the island.
La Restinga and the Mar de Las Calmas
La Restinga is a small fishing village with a dark volcanic sand beach and calm water, sheltered from the surf by its southern orientation. It is about 300 metres long and is perfect for family swimming.
Next to the beach are the Charcos de La Restinga, natural volcanic rock pools that fill with crystal-clear water with each tide. They are ideal for those who prefer calm water without sand.
However, what has made La Restinga famous around the world is the Reserva Marina del Mar de Las Calmas. Its waters are home to turtles, manta rays, angel sharks and shoals of colourful fish. There are dive centres offering dives for all levels, including try-dives for beginners. In fact, in 2011-2012 an underwater volcano erupted off the coast, adding a unique geological chapter to the history of the place.
Heritage and nature inland
The municipality has attractions very different from the coast:
The Parque Cultural de El Julán, a few kilometres from La Restinga, preserves rock engravings from the bimbaches, the aborigines of El Hierro. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Canary Islands and lets you understand how the island's first inhabitants lived.
The upland part of the municipality is also covered in Canarian pine forests with picnic areas, recreational spaces and campsites. It is a good spot for a family picnic or to rest between hiking.
Hiking in El Pinar
The municipality offers routes that descend from the summit to the sea through volcanic landscapes and woodland. The paths connect the upland areas with La Restinga, passing lava slopes, isolated hamlets and viewpoints overlooking the Mar de Las Calmas.
You can also walk along the rim of the Tanganasoga volcano or follow stretches of the Camino de la Virgen, the longest processional route in Canary Islands that crosses the whole island.
Gastronomy in El Pinar
The restaurants along the harbour promenade in La Restinga they serve fresh fish of the day: wreckfish, parrotfish, salema and comber, always with wrinkled potatoes and mojo. The caldo de pescado is another local speciality, perfect for cooler days.
In the upland areas, the cuisine relies more on local produce: cheeses, El Hierro wine and the famous herreña cheesecake, a curd cheese sweet that is the island's most typical dessert.
How to get to El Pinar
From Valverde (the capital of El Hierro) you reach La Restinga in about 30 minutes via the HI-4. There are buses connecting both points, although not very frequently.
To get to El Hierrothere are flights from Tenerife Norte and Gran Canaria to El Hierro airport, and a ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to the port of La Estaca.
Frequently asked questions about El Pinar
What is the Mar de Las Calmas?
It's a marine reserve off La Restingain the south of El Hierro. Its protected waters are home to turtles, manta rays and hundreds of fish species. It is considered one of the best diving Europe.
Can you dive in La Restinga without experience?
Yes, there are dive centres that organise try-dives for beginners in calm water with good visibility. There are also dives of all levels for certified divers.
What is the Parque Cultural de El Julán?
It is an archaeological site with rock engravings from the bimbaches, the aborigines of El Hierro. It is a few kilometres from La Restinga and can be visited with a guide. It is one of the most important in Canary Islands.
What is the beach at La Restinga like?
Of dark volcanic sand , about 300 metres long and with very calm water thanks to its southern orientation. Next to it there are natural pools of volcanic rock. It is perfect for families.
How do you get to El Pinar?
From Valverde it's 30 minutes by car via the HI-4. You reach El Hierro by plane from Tenerife Norte or Gran Canaria, or by ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to the port of La Estaca.
Is there a webcam in El Pinar?
Yes, in CanariasLife you can see the webcam of La Restinga live, with a view of the harbour and the sea state in real time.