TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fodor's Travel has placed Spain’s Canary Islands on its "No-Go List" for 2026. Rapid growth in visitor numbers has pressured the fragile landscape and local lives.
According to the global travel guide, the islands depend heavily on tourist spending, yet local residents see few benefits. Major hubs like Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria have become victims of overtourism.
In 2025, reports showed that Lanzarote welcomed over two million visitors in just six months. Tenerife saw the highest numbers, with an estimated 670,000 tourists in March alone, whereas Tenerife only received about 20,000 to 30,000 tourists per year.
Hidden Gem Island
However, one small island receives far fewer tourists than the others. El Hierro is the wildest and westernmost island in the archipelago. It is also the youngest. The island rose from the Atlantic Ocean about 1.2 million years ago after many underwater volcanic eruptions. Today, its landscape features dense forests, high cliffs, volcanoes, and barren fields.
The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Geopark. One main attraction is the Sabinar. This ancient juniper tree is famous for its twisted shape caused by strong, constant winds. The island also protects the El Hierro Giant Lizard. Experts once thought this species was extinct, but it was rediscovered in the 1970s.
El Hierro has few sandy beaches because of its volcanic roots. Instead, visitors swim in "Charcos." These are natural pools formed by ancient lava flows. The island is a paradise for hikers. Trails range from misty forests to volcanic terrain that looks like the moon. The Camino de Jinama is a tough but rewarding path, offering the best views of the El Golfo valley.
The weather is another big draw. El Hierro is one of the warmest places in Europe during February. Daytime temperatures reach between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. Visitors enjoy about seven hours of sunshine each day. Rain is rare, usually falling on only four days throughout the entire month.
No Direct International Flights
El Hierro remains a hidden gem because its airport has no direct international flights. Only domestic flights connect the island to Tenerife North (TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA). This lack of direct access keeps the crowds away. Most visitors arrive by small plane or ferry, ensuring the island stays quiet and authentic.
Tourism authorities on the island want to grow slowly. They are committed to sustainable development, as reported by BBC Travel. Davinia Suarez Armas, the Director of Tourism for El Hierro, stated that the island's standard of living must improve. However, this must not hurt the residents' quality of life or natural resources. "We prefer to maintain our culture and share our quiet way of life with visitors," she said as quoted from Express.
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