Valaerde is the capital with a population of approximately 1600 inhabitants. The town has two small museums, cultural centre, cinema theatre as well as restaurants bars, discotheques, banks & guesthouses. The architecture is white washed buildings with small colourful gardens. Being situated 600 to 700 metres above sea level this is the only Canary Islands capital not situated on the coast. The island boasts two natural swimming pools situated next to the ancient village of El Pozo Calcosas preserved & restored to its original state with houses off dry stoned walls & thatched roofs it as well worth a visit, but it does require a 10 minute walk down a narrow track from the cliff. Buses leave after midday from the Capital to villages around the Island.  Access to El Hierro is via a small airport with flights from Gran Canaria & Tenerife or via ferry with scheduled crossings from Tenerife.