A beautiful island is considered a hidden gem in Spain with barely any crowds, untouched beaches and natural turquoise pools.

The Canary Islands are a beloved destination for Brits seeking a sun-soaked getaway, just a few hours from the UK, thanks to their vast sand beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and pristine azure waters. With year-round sunshine and winter temperatures of 21C, there’s a reason it’s known as Europe’s ‘sunshine centre’.

Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are among the most popular Canary Islands to visit, with thousands of holidaymakers flocking to the Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa. Yet, there’s one beautiful island that has often gone under the radar, and it offers an idyllic escape away from the busy crowds.

The island of El Hierro is the smallest and most southwestern of the Canary Islands, but it might be the most beautiful, with its diverse, unspoilt landscapes and secluded sand beaches. Distinguished by black or red volcanic sand, the untouched beaches are a haven for a quieter day out, with many boasting natural pools and hidden coves.

Playa del Verodal is undoubtedly the most striking, with its red-sand beach and a backdrop of dramatic cliffs that tower over the unspoilt spot. While it’s not recommended to swim in the area due to strong currents, it’s worth a visit to admire its unique landscape.

Elsewhere is Cala de Tacorón, an incredible cove formed between the volcanic black sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Known as the ‘calm sea’, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful dip and snorkelling.

There are plenty of other beaches to explore on the island, including the sheltered Las Playas, a black pebble beach that stretches 4km, along with Playa de Timijiraque, known for its surfing waves. The natural pools around the island are another highlight that can’t be missed.

Charco Azul is a stunning natural pool formed by volcanic lava flows and is nestled not far from Playa de los Bucios. It’s known as one of the best areas for a swim across the island, thanks to its calm waters and sheltered cove.

There’s also the sprawling La Maceta natural sea pools, which offer the perfect spot for a swim with breathtaking coastal views. With amenities in the area and easy to reach, it’s ideal to spend a day basking in the sunshine before taking a dip.

With its vast landscapes, there are plenty of walking trails to admire the coast from towering volcanic peaks, including the La Llanía route around the island. En route, travellers might spot some of its notable landmarks, including the Roque de la Bonanza and the Orchilla lighthouse.

Its collection of secluded beaches and natural pools, along with its lesser-known status, makes El Hierro a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the vast landmarks it offers. Plus, there is a catalogue of authentic restaurants and bars scattered all over the island, where you’ll be dining with locals and experiencing the true flavours of the Mediterranean.

From online restaurant menus, a bottle of beer is priced at just €2.50 (£2.17), while there have been further reports of a beer costing a mere €1.50 (£1.30) elsewhere on the island. A trip here is certainly reasonable.

To reach the island, you can fly from London Stansted to Tenerife, with Ryanair flights starting just £16, and then catch the ferry to El Hierro, which takes just over two hours to reach the secluded haven.

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