Black volcanic sand, calm waters and diverse marine life give La Restinga a distinctive coastal and marine character. To plan your trip, it’s worth considering its different attractions: at the beach, access and facilities take centre stage; in the marine reserve, the area’s unique species; at the dive sites, the underwater terrain and opportunities to spot wildlife. A path starting in the town adds a land-based perspective, with scenic views along the way.
Beach and Marine Reserve
Playa La Restinga has calm waters and black sand of volcanic origin. The beach offers access for people with reduced mobility, as well as toilets, showers and foot showers. As facilities may change, check on-site before your trip to see what is available.
The Punta de La Restinga–Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve is sheltered from the trade winds. It is home to tropical species that are not found elsewhere in the archipelago.
Dive Sites and Marine Life
Punta Restinga is an underwater lava tongue with cliffs, steep walls, sandy platforms and caves. The diving environment is home to large groupers, stingrays and trumpetfish; marine wildlife sightings vary. Punta Restinga anchorage is two minutes by boat from La Restinga harbour. Its use depends on diving activity and sea conditions.
El Desierto is in the Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve. This dive site features crevices and caves where pelagic species and large groupers can be observed. A large colony of garden eels is another feature of the site.
Muelle La Restinga is used for training and introductory dives; access is via the pier steps. The condition of the pier and local regulations may affect access, so check them before diving. During night dives at the harbour entrance, angel sharks and spiny lobsters may be seen; sightings vary.
Hiking Trail, Harbour and Cuisine
The La Restinga route starts in the town and passes through volcanic terrain and pine forests. Along the way, it offers views of both the eastern and western sides of El Hierro, as well as the Mar de las Calmas. Check the condition of the route before setting out on a hike. Unlike the dive sites, the focus here is on the landscape and views on land, rather than underwater formations and wildlife sightings.
The harbour serves recreational and fishing boats and has 22 berths for boats up to 20 metres long. Harbour facilities and operating conditions may change; if the harbour is important to your plans, check the latest conditions on-site.
Restaurants in La Restinga serve local fish dishes with papas arrugadas and Canarian mojo. Offerings vary by restaurant and season.
Discover more destinations: Las Casas.
View the main travel overview: El Pinar De El Hierro.
