Valverde

Valverde, capital of the island of El Hierro, is a quiet city surrounded by beautiful natural spaces. Valverde sits on a mountain situated 600-700 metres above sea level. Curiously, it is the only Canary Islands capital not to be on the coast.

This town is formed by a network of steep little streets, whitewashed houses and large gardens. Three neighbourhoods form the capital: Tesine, La Calle and El Cabo. The church of Santa María de la Concepción, built in the 18th century, is the most important in the city. As well as an 18th-century carving of the Virgin, it contains a Cristo de la Columna, a Genoese sculpture of great artistic interest. Facing the church is the city hall, a fine example of traditional Canary Islands architecture. The capital of El Hierro is the gateway to the lush countryside around it. Mocanal, in the north of the island, has abundant vegetation and an old settlement of stone straw-thatched houses called Pozo de las Calcosas, the site of two large natural swimming pools. One of the most important festivals on the island is the Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes. In this traditional festival, which is held every four years, the islanders carry their Virgin from her sanctuary to Valverde.