El Tamaduste
El Tamaduste is a natural pool set into a coastal village in the municipality of Valverde, in the north-east of El Hierro. The inlet forms a sheet of clear, sheltered water that is good for swimming, and at its far end opens the so-called boat cave, tied to the island's oral tradition. The village has for generations been the summer place of the herreños themselves, and it remains one of the liveliest bathing spots in the municipality.
El Hierro has no large sandy beaches, and its bathing culture is organised around the rock pools and natural pools spread along the coast. El Tamaduste is one of the most recognisable: a sheltered inlet where the water comes in and settles, with the village around it, colourful streets and direct access from the houses to the water.
Local tradition places the boat cave at the far end of the inlet, a mythical spot where, so the story goes, the vessels of the sea dwellers come to rest. Beyond the tale, the calm water makes this a good place to swim and for activities such as diving or paddle surfing, and bodyboarding is practised in the area too. In the same municipality of Valverde are the La Caleta pools, with steps leading straight down to the sea, so both can be combined in one outing.
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