The Canary Island’s smallest capital is also one of its most charming. Steep cobbled lanes, flowery gardens and historic buildings all add to a pleasant small-town atmosphere. Plus, as the only landlocked capital on all the islands, sweeping views down to the Atlantic coast frequently open up from its picturesque hillside location. 

Apart from that, Valverde has a nice selection of restaurants and bars and forms a modest traffic hub with bus connections to most other parts of the island, so it’s a useful place to base yourself for your explorations.

The town has less than 5,000 inhabitants, but despite its small size, there are a number of sights you shouldn’t miss while you’re in town. Here are the best things to do in Valverde.

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The best things to do in Valverde

Casa de las Quinteras Museum

Part museum, part cultural centre, the Centro Etnográfico Casa de Las Quinteras has displays on various traditional crafts, including pottery, weaving and woodworking. There’s a reconstructed blacksmith’s shop as well as a room chock-full of historical tools and objects of daily use.

A short video explains the history of self-sustainment on the island as well as the importance of preserving the traditional crafts, while a small shop sells baskets, textiles and other locally-produced handicrafts. It’s an interesting glimpse into the former everyday life of El Hierro’s inhabitants, and the buildings containing the exhibitions are set in a pretty garden.

The centre is open from Monday to Saturday, 9AM to 3PM. Double-check the times here. The entrance fee is 4€, or it’s free with the Pasaporte El Hierro.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción

El Hierro’s biggest church can be found right at Plaza Quintero Nuñez, Valverde’s cute main square, and dates to the 18th century. In bygone times, the pretty tower was used a look-out for pirates.

The brightly-painted interior is topped by a Mudéjar-style carved ceiling, and the colourful altar is home to the eponymous statue of the Virgin Mary. The big building at the eastern side of the square is the town hall.

Try the Cheesecake at Fábrica de las Quesadillas

El Hierro’s famous cheesecake is made from a mixture of cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s cheese and can be tried at the Fábrica de las Quesadillas in the lower part of town. You can get a single cake for 4€ or go for a bigger box. It’s open daily – Check the opening times on their website.

Homenaje a la Bajada Sculpture

The surreal sculpture at the eastern edge of town is almost entirely composed of re-used scrap material collected around the island, including old fridges and other household appliances.

The artwork by local sculptor Rubén Armiche depicts the dancers at the procession of the Virgen (Bajada de la Virgen). The artwork can be found along the road to the airport, a few hundred meters out of town.  

Ermita de Santiago

The small hermitage at the northern end of Valverde is the oldest church on the island. The original building was erected in the 15^th century on orders of Jean de Béthencourt, a French explorer and first King of the Canary Islands, while the current building dates to the early 18^th century. The building is usually closed, so you have to content yourself with the rather austere exterior.

Casa del Conde

The small Casa de Conde is the former residence of the El Hierro’s steward. While quite pretty from the outside, it’s private property and therefore can’t be explored from the inside. Still, as it’s only about 150m north of the Casa de las Quinteras, it’s worth the tiny detour.

Map of Valverde

This map of Valverde includes the sights mentioned above as well as some potential places to stay at.

Practicalities

How to get to Valverde

As the island’s transport hub, nearly all of El Hierro’s buses stop at the bus station at the southern edge of town near the aptly named Supermercado La Estación.

There are connections to most towns and villages on the island, including La Frontera, Las Restinga and Tamaduste. You can check connections and timetables online here.

Where to stay in Valverde

As the biggest town on El Hierro with useful traffic connections to all other parts of the island, Valverde is a good place to base yourself for your explorations. One option would be pretty Hotel Boomerang, which is close to the main square and has a café attached, which serves awesome breakfasts.

If you prefer some luxury, El Hierro Bed&Loft has tremendous reviews. There are a few other options, just check the map above.

See also

The Ultimate Three Day Itinerary for El Hierro, Canary Islands

Reaching El Hierro by Ferry From Tenerife – A Short Guide