El Hierro Villa Holidays - the only thing you'll regret is not booking it for longer!

The smallest of the seven Canary Isles, this is where Christopher Columbus began his voyage to the New World. El Hierro is an island in the Canary Isles, located way out into the Atlantic, off the north west coast of Africa. A part of Spain since the 15th century, it is the smallest as well as the most southerly and westerly of the Canaries. The least populated of that little cluster of islands, there are only two towns on El Hierro, Frontera and Valverde, and guests in villas in El Hierro can look forward to a quiet and charming stay on the island.

Are you interested in finding other idyllic holiday islands on which to rent holiday homes? Take a look at our wonderful selection:

• Lefkada Villas - visit an enchanting Greek holiday island which has featured in many Greek myths and legends
• Treat yourself to the perfect Croatian holiday experience with Murter Island Holiday Villas
• Erase your carbon footprint with a trip to environmentally friendly Samsø Holiday Rentals
• Whilst staying in Lake Orta Villa Rentals, why not pay a visit to Isola San Giulio? This tiny island is situated west of the lakeshore village of Orta San Giulio, and boasts many very picturesque and charming buildings

El Hierro Holiday Rentals - enjoy a quiet and relaxing stay on the smallest Canary Island

Life on the island until the arrival of the Spanish is shrouded in mystery, but the first Spaniards on the island found it inhabited by a people who called themselves the Bimbache. These unfortunates were mainly sold into slavery after putting up what resistance they could to the Spanish. The island achieved some measure of fame, thanks to being the starting point for the second voyage made by Christopher Columbus to the American continent in 1493. It was also the location of a prison to which the fascist General Franco sent many of his political opponents after the Spanish Civil War.

El Hierro Holiday Villas - visit an exotic holiday island where international history was made

As with all of the Canary Isles, the main focus now of the island is tourism. The coastline of the island is rocky and the waters surrounding it very clear, making it a great venue for scuba diving and snorkelling. The black volcanic sand found on some beaches is particularly striking. The pine forests on the upper slopes of the island feature some attractive walking trails, and there are plenty of great places for visitors to El Hierro holiday apartments to sit and enjoy the maritime views. The cuisine of the island, as might be expected, features much seafood, with a range of stews and soups found on the menu in most places. The Canarian toasted cereal flour known as gofio also plays a part in many local dishes, especially breakfast dishes and desserts. The local varieties of cheese are used in the distinctive quesadillas which are found on the island, while the island's wine is also pleasant. The main meat which visitors to El Hierro holiday rentals will find on their menus is rabbit, and goat also features heavily in local dishes. With a range of festivals held on the island throughout the year to mark various local celebrations, guests in El Hierro holiday rentals can also enjoy many traditions, like Canarian wrestling, which have been kept alive on the island. Combining the best a beach holiday can offer with wonderful local culture, a holiday on El Hierro is a desirable proposition.