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El Hierro's capital Valverde, or to give it it's full title, Santa Maria de Valverde is tiny compared to other capitals across the Canary Islands and sits slightly inland and in an elevated position. Valverde is a pretty town, with some friendly local bars and restaurants, a small cinema, ample cashpoints, a pretty central plaza and church and on a clear day great views across to La Gomera, Teide and Tenerife.
Valverde is a good El Hierro base for a choice of amenities, plus you've easy access to the top little tranquil resort bases of Tamaduste and La Caleta. The volcanic rockpools at Tamaduste are just perfect for swimming! Being elevated it does get the mists a little, but for a walking base it's perfect - just a short distance from the airport then off you go.
Most of Valverde's houses are white, giving it a starkly brilliant look from a distance. The prettiest part of the town is around Plaza Quintero Nunez. Here you'll find the Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion and the town hall. It's a very pleasant place to sit, with fine views of the surrounding mountains. The church dates from 1767 and has an attractive bell tower. The Museo Insular (when finished) is here too.
Another museum in the town is Centro Etnografico, Calle Armas Martel, Valverde. Tel: 922 55 20 26. open 9am to 2pm Mondays to Fridays, 10.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 6.30pm Saturdays. The focus is very much on local culture and history - small but informative.
The big festival in El Hierro's capital is the Fiesta de San Isidro which takes place annually on 15th May. A lot of Canarian wrestling goes on around this festival. Also later in the year on the 8th December Valverde celebrates the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Concepcion.
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