There’s no prizes for guessing the big topic of conversation around the seven Canary Islands over the last few weeks, El Hierro, the smallest island has seen a big increase in seismic tremors and now two separate undersea eruptions just off the southern coast. It’s another reminder of natures power, but one of the biggest attractions of the Canary Islands is the rugged and beautiful landscapes created by thousands of years underground turmoil that on rare occasions breaks through to the surface.
El Hierro is no stranger to upheaval, an aerial view shows a huge bite taken out of one side, this is from a huge quake and landslide around 50,000 years ago. The neighbouring island of La Palma was the last to feel a noticeable upheaval, that was in 1971 below the land surface resulting in spectacular flames but little lasting damage.
Lanzarote had the most complete volcanic makeover with six years of eruptions from 1730 that produced a whole new look. Few visitors to Lanzarote fail to visit Timanfaya National Park where they can feel the warmth in the soil,and see the heat a few metres down ignite various objects and propel water into the air as a geyser. Equally impressive is the volcanic bowl at el Golfo (pic below).

Tenerife had one of the most famous eruptions in Chinyero in October 1909, the lava famously stopped just short of El Calvario plaza after the statue of the virgin was pushed out to head it off. Now visitors can walk over the lava flow (top pic) and witness all the stunning trees and plants that have flourished around it. Even the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes owe their creation to the powerful forces that have shaped Tenerife.
Of course our best wishes go out to the people of El Hierro, hopefully the excitement and seismic activity will
recede again, most of the islands 10,000 inhabitants are already carrying on as normal, the way they always have done. For our guests at Wimpen homes take a long sip of that cool drink by the pool and look out to sea and enjoy the wonders that made the Canary Islands such an amazing destination.