El Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest and furthest south and west of the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Like the rest of the chain, the island is mountainous. It has an area of 278 square kilometres. The highest point is situated in the middle of the island, in Malpaso, 1,501 metres high. The island is part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It includes two municipalities: Valverde and Frontera. Valverde is situated in the north east and Frontera in the south west. The seat of the island's government is in Valverde town. The island is served by a small airport at Valverde and a ferry terminal, both of which connect to Tenerife. El Hierro is home to many unique species, such as the El Hierro giant lizard.