Panorama of the belltower in La Frontera, el Hierro island (Image: GETTY )
As the winter months approach, many Britons are already turning their thoughts to next summer’s holiday destination. Although it may seem premature, for some, the planning process for their annual summer getaway begins now.
However, for those who can’t wait for that long for a dose of sunshine, El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, is an attractive alternative for a winter sun break. The island boasts warm weather 365 days a year, according to its official website, which states: “It has been scientifically proven that weather directly affects us. Our emotions are affected every time we feel sun rays or float on the surface of the sea.”
“And that increases our levels of serotonin and reduces stress. The Canary Islands benefit from the trade winds almost all year round, due to their location close to the tropics.”
“This-combined with thermal inversion-means that clouds do not develop and we can see the sun almost every day. So, it rains an average of 3 days a month. And barely ever in summer.”
One of the advantages of El Hierro’s year-round warm climate is that visitors can enjoy popular summer activities almost daily.
The island boasts warm weather 365 days a year (Image: GETTY)
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Diving is a particular favourite, with the Canary Islands website citing several factors that make the island a haven for diving enthusiasts. They stated: “Several factors concur to bring well-deserved fame to this little territory, which includes one of the three marine reserves in the Canary Islands.”
“The main one is the transparency of its waters, which allow visibility of up to 30 metres, combined with a large variety of species and spectacular underwater volcanic landscapes.”
The island offers a diverse range of landscapes (Image: GETTY)
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For those looking to explore El Hierro, the island offers a diverse range of landscapes.
The Canary Islands website revealed: “One of the most famous trails is the Camino de Jinama, an old route that used to be used by the island’s inhabitants, just over 3 kilometres long and with lots of ups and downs, but the reward at the end of it is incredible.”
“On the way to the highest areas of the island, we can stop at any of the vantage points to contemplate dizzying views such as the majestic Valle de El Golfo, formed after a mega-landslide thousands of years ago, and abrupt cliffs that the sea crashes up against.”
“Or not. Because the ocean around this island is also on its best behaviour: with the absolute calm of the La Restinga-Mar de las Calmas Marine Reserve.”