Villa de Valverde remained inland: it was founded in the early 15th century and was not moved to the coast after pirate attacks declined. This history connects the town with experiences ranging from religious heritage to hiking trails and protected landscapes across the municipality. When planning your visit, it is therefore worth looking at both the Villa and the municipality’s other places.

Church, Local History and Traditions

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is an important place to discover Valverde’s architectural history. The church has three naves, a stone façade and the largest bell in the Canary Islands. Its Baroque architecture dates from the 18th century. Its features include an altarpiece with the Immaculate Conception, sacred art and a clock of French origin, donated in 1867. The church and tower are part of a religious route open to visitors; check the current access conditions before your visit.

The paved streets of the Villa also lead to notable buildings, including the church, the Ayuntamiento, the Centro Etnográfico Casa de Las Quinteras and the Casa del Conde.

Every four years, the Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes takes place. During the event, the people of El Hierro carry the Virgin from her sanctuary to Valverde. The Fiesta de Tesine is a traditional festival in the neighborhood of Tesine and forms part of the route of the Virgen de los Reyes during the Bajada. If you would like to take these traditions into account when planning your trip, check the dates of the respective events.

Garoé and the Island’s Collections

The Centro Etnográfico Casa de Las Quinteras is housed in a restored former home of the Las Quinteras family. Four rooms display historical artifacts, ethnographic collections from the island and pre-Hispanic pottery. A boutique sells locally made handicrafts. Check the current opening hours before your visit.

The Centro de Interpretación del Garoé tells the story of the Garoé site. The Garoé was sacred to the Bimbaches because it condensed moisture carried by the trade winds, making it the only available source of water. Here, a remarkable natural history comes together with the site’s traditional significance. The Garoé area is open to visitors; check the current visiting conditions in advance.

Hiking Trails and Protected Landscapes

The landscape can be explored along several trails, each with its own character. The Ruta de La Llanía starts in Valverde, in the northeast of El Hierro, and passes through forest, black volcanic sand and the area before El Golfo. The Camino de Jinama runs between the municipalities of Valverde and La Frontera, following the historic access route to El Golfo. Before setting out on a hike, it is advisable to check the current condition of the trails.

The Paisaje Protegido de Ventejís lies within the municipality of Valverde and covers 1,143 hectares. Its features include dry-stone walls and structures typical of the island. Hoya de Fireba, meanwhile, is the best-preserved of only three calderas of this type. A restored path provides access to its interior. The two landscapes reveal different aspects of the municipality: a protected cultural landscape with dry-stone structures, and a caldera whose interior can be reached by path.

Places and Experiences Around the Municipality

Within the municipality of Valverde, La Caleta has a seaside promenade and seawater pools. Swimming conditions may change. The natural swimming pool of Tamaduste is also in the municipality. Swimming, diving and paddle surfing are possible there; improvement works have made access easier for people with reduced mobility.

Echedo is considered a wine-growing area of the municipality. Old wooden wine presses can be found there, some of which have been restored. Along with the church, Garoé and the trails, this glimpse into the history of wine-growing adds to Valverde’s cultural and landscape diversity. Villa de Valverde is easily accessible by road and is close to El Hierro Airport.

Discover More Destinations

Echedo, Erese, Isora, Tamaduste, Taibique, El Pinar De El Hierro, Frontera, Sabinosa

For the main travel overview: El Hierro.