Las Playas Natural Monument

A surprising landscape in the south-east of El Hierro

The Las Playas Natural Monument protects one of El Hierro's most surprising landscapes: the enormous marks left along the south-east coast by a series of massive landslides that affected part of the youngest of the Canary Islands. The result is an enormous amphitheatre, nine kilometres long and over 1,000 metres high, which faces out to sea captivates visitors, creating a secret tranquil space. Far from towns and villages, this is an ideal place for a very quiet holiday.

Views of the Bonanza rock and the National Tourist Parador

The views of this enormous semi-circular valley are incredible, from both the Las Playas and Isora viewpoints located in the summit, and from the pebble beaches at the bottom that gave the spot is name. Facing the valley, rising from the sea is the famous Bonanza rock, a volcanic rocky outcrop in evocative shapes that is today a natural symbol of the island. Down at sea level you’ll find one of Spain's luxury state-run National Parador hotels. This is a very peaceful valley, even though it is only 10 minutes by car from the main port on the island, La Estaca.

Height

285 m

Flora interest

Trekking routes

Wildlife interest

Valverde

Go to web site

Monumento Natural de Las Playas, en El Hierro

Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
Do not walk in areas where it is not allowed and respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
Do not light fires outside the permitted areas and be especially careful during the summer months.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).