As the UK shivers, British holidaymakers are looking for winter sun without the crowds and high prices plaguing many popular Spanish destinations. The answer, according to travel experts, might lie in a lesser-known Canary Island.
The Underrated Winter Haven
While Tenerife and Lanzarote groan under the weight of visitor numbers, the island of El Hierro offers a compelling alternative. Described as a 'secret winter escape' by Travel and Tour World, it provides the classic Canary Islands appeal—pretty beaches, gorgeous villages, and excellent food—but without the exorbitant costs and overwhelming queues.
Winter temperatures here hover around a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius, making it a reliable source of off-season warmth. The island's coastline is dotted with peaceful beaches and hidden coves, far from the heaving throngs found elsewhere.
Adventure and Affordability Combined
El Hierro is a dream for adventurers, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes, mountains, and stunning natural beauty. It's also remarkably easy on the wallet. Reports indicate a pint of beer can start from just €1.50 (roughly £1.30) in the quietest areas. The average price across the island remains low, at €2-3 (£1.75-£2.60), according to the cost-of-living site Numbeo.
Access is straightforward for UK travellers. You can fly to Tenerife with budget airlines like easyJet from as little as £18.99, then take a ferry to El Hierro for approximately €13 (£11.30). The island is also a renowned haven for diving enthusiasts, attracting visitors to explore its rich underwater world.
A Sustainable Escape from Overtourism
The push for sustainable tourism is strong on El Hierro. The island's official tourism website states it is 'en route to being fully energy self-sufficient through clean, renewable energies'. It promotes a landscape of volcanoes, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs as an 'enigmatic, awe-inspiring shelter' to disconnect from modern life.
This focus on sustainability contrasts sharply with the situation on other Canary Islands. The archipelago was recently included in Fodor's travel guide annual 'No List' of places to reconsider visiting. Earlier this year, residents of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote protested under the banner 'Canarias tiene un límite' (The Canaries have a limit), citing overtourism, soaring housing costs, and environmental pressure.
For Brits seeking winter sun, El Hierro presents a solution: all the climatic benefits of the Canaries, but with greater peace, lower prices, and a lighter footprint on a local community seeking balance.
