Keywords

1 Introduction

Tourism, before the Covid-19 pandemic, has been one of the main global economic activities and its growth unstoppable (UNWTO 2019). Despite this, many mature sun and beach tourism destinations were already showing signs of decline before the current health crisis. This led to decreases in tourist arrivals and lack of renovation of tourist facilities and infrastructures (Hernández and Santana 2010), which, in turn, has caused stagnation and decline in these destinations (Simancas et al. 2020). Therefore, destinations require innovation and the creation of new tourism products and experiences. Consequently, in some destinations, new and sustainable tourism proposals are being developed such as geotourism or volcanic tourism (Dóniz-Páez et al. 2011, 2020a). Moreover, the diversity of geoforms in volcanic areas are very attractive (Németh et al. 2017) for visitors and especially for those interested in geotourism (Erfurt-Cooper 2018).

Geotourism has gained some momentum in recent decades (Dowling 2013; Dowling and Newsone 2018) as it has been associated with the creation and consolidation of a global network of geoparks. Geotourism is a relatively recent concept and a novel tourism modality (Pásková and Zelenka 2018) in which two types of approaches can be recognized: geological or geographical (Dowling and Newsone 2018), with the geographical approach being much more global and integrative (Tourtellot 2000; National Geographic 2010; Dóniz-Páez et al. 2020a, b). This has led to the development of geotourism initiatives, products and experiences, which though different from each other do not have to be mutually exclusive (Dowling and Newsone 2018).

In the geopark of El Hierro, the geoforms directly condition the rest of the natural and cultural heritage. For this reason, in this study, we have opted for a geographical approach to geotourism, as it is much more in line with the reality of El Hierro. In this sense, the aim of this study is to identify, classify and select representative, preserved and accessible geomorphosites of El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark. This will promote El Hierro’s natural and cultural heritage and contribute to diversifying tourism on the island, currently focused on diving and hiking (Dóniz-Páez et al. 2011). It will also boost the economic development of El Hierro through the creation of volcanic tourism georoutes as seen in other volcanic areas aspiring to become geoparks (Becerra-Ramírez et al. 2020).

2 Methodology

Following Bouzekraoui et al. (2017), the methodology used in this work consists of three stages: identification, classify and selection of volcanic geomorphosites of El Hierro’s geopark for tourism georoutes. The identification of geomorphosites was performed by topographic, geological and geomorphological mapping at different scales, Dems of El Hierro and field work by members of the research team over the last 20 years on the island (Dóniz-Páez et al. 2011). For the classification of the geomorphosites, we used the methodological proposal by Dóniz-Páez et al. (2020b) on the diversity of volcanic geoheritage in the Canary Islands. In the selection of the volcanic geomorphosites, it was considered that they should be representative of the geomorphological diversity of the geopark of El Hierro. Moreover, they should be well preserved and accessible via the current road network of the island or through the maritime routes that diving companies usually take.

3 Results and Discussion

The island of El Hierro is the smallest, geologically the youngest and geographically the westernmost of the Canary Islands. El Hierro is of volcanic genesis, and the oldest materials are from a million years ago. The island was formed from the polygenetic edifices of Tiñor (1.12–0.88 Ma), El Golfo-Las Playas (545–176 ka) and Rift volcanism (158 ka-present) (Becerril et al. 2016; Aulinas et al. 2019). The general morphology is in the shape of a three-pointed star resulting from the seafloor fractures on which it has been built following three rifts (Carracedo 2008). In general, the volcanic materials of El Hierro are a succession of basaltic lavas, agglomerates of volcanic tuffs and monogenetic volcanoes (Carracedo 2008). It is still a volcanically active island complex, whose last eruption was underwater and occurred between 2011 and 2012 in the Sea of Calms, in the south of El Hierro. The island has also been subjected to the processes of erosion and accumulation giving rise to outstanding geomorphological landscapes.

3.1 Geomorphosites of El Hierro Island

The classification of the geomorphosites of El Hierro corresponds to the proposal of Dóniz-Páez et al. (2020b). This groups the geomorphosites into volcanic landforms and processes or non-volcanic landforms and processes. Within the first group, they are divided into magmatic and hydromagmatic volcanic cones (monogenetic, polymagmatic and polygenetic), terrestrial and submarine lava flows (lava delta, pahoehoe, aa, blocks) and other volcano geoforms (dykes). Regarding non-volcanic landforms, the classification includes recent landforms, giant landslides and relict or fossil landforms.

The island has 230 volcanic cones amounting to 0.8 cones/km2 (Becerril et al. 2016). They are monogenetic basaltic volcanoes of magmatic (Hawaiian, Strombolian and violent Strombolian and Vulcanian dynamics) and hydromagmatic dynamics, built by lapilli, scoria, spatter and lavas of diverse morphology with open, closed and multiple craters. Although most of the volcanic cones are monogenic, some examples of polymagmatic volcanism, such as Tanganasoga can be recognized (Dóniz-Páez et al. 2020b). These volcanoes produced large terrestrial lava flows of varied morphology of pahoehoe, aa and blocks with the formation of lava deltas (Tamaduste, Tacorón…) and some of the most diverse lava fields of the Canary Islands (Los Lajiales) (Beltrán Yanes and Dóniz-Páez 2009). However, in some areas of the island, examples of submarine lavas can be observed, such as in La Caleta. Although the greatest diversity of volcanic geoheritage corresponds to volcanic cones and lava flows, in El Hierro Geopark, other volcanic (dikes) and non-volcanic (San Andres fault) geoforms can be found.

El Hierro is a geologically young island in which the volcanic landforms are very important, but non-volcanic landforms and processes are also present. Among these recent landforms, we can mention the cliffs, the ravines, alluvial and colluvial deposits and several red (Hoya Verodal) and black sand beaches. In relation to relict or fossil non-volcanic landforms, they are not very common though some beaches and small dunes in Arenas Blancas stand out. However, the giant landslides such as those of Tiñor, El Golfo, Las Playas and El Julan (Carracedo 2008) are the geoforms that best define the current morphology of El Hierro.

3.2 Selection of Geomorphosites

Taking into account the diversity of the geomorphological heritage identified in the previous section, the most representative, best preserved and most accessible geomorphosites of El Hierro can be selected. This is important when designing itineraries and georoutes for volcanic tourism. In this sense, according to the classification of landforms and relief processes above. Table 1 shows the main geomorphosites of each of the categories defined according to Dóniz-Páez et al. 2020b.

Table 1 Main geomorphosites selected of El Hierro geopark
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3.3 Georoutes for Volcanic Tourism

The diversity of direct volcanic and non-volcanic landforms and processes in El Hierro’s geopark means multiple georoutes can be created for volcanic tourism. Depending on the criteria chosen, specific georoutes can be created according to certain features, such as basaltic cinder cones, hydromagmatic volcanoes, recent lava fields, giant landslides, coastal landforms, etc. However, volcanic tourism georoutes can also be chosen according to a broader perspective that encompasses a wide variety of elements of the natural and cultural heritage of the geopark (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
12 photographs depict the volcanic tourism georoutes of the geopark of El Hierro island.

Several geomorphosites selected in El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark: Hornito in Lomo Negro cinder cone (a); Chamuscada monogenetic basaltic volcano (b); Hoya Verodal tuff ring (c); Hoya Fileba hydromagmatic volcano (d); Tanganasoga polymagmatic volcano (e); Tiñor ediffice (f); Pahoehoe lava flows in Bahía de La Hoya (g); Aa lava flow in Tacorón (h); La Arena volcanic red sand beach (i); Talusses in El Golfo (j); Las playas giant landslides (k); Fossil sand in La Caleta (l)

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In this work, we have decided to develop a volcanic tourism georoute according to the geographical approach of geotourism. The place chosen for the itinerary is the El Faro-Orchilla-lava flow geozone (GZH-07) of the geopark. The selection of Orchilla lava delta is due to the richness of its natural and cultural heritage and its easy accessibility (Dóniz-Páez et al. 2019). The diversity of this geozone is associated with the presence of one of the best examples of recent monogenic, basaltic magmatic volcanism in the geopark, where different types of volcanic edifices can be identified (cinder cones, spatter cones, hornitos, etc.) built by lapilli, spatter, lavas, bombs, etc. and with varied shapes (Ring-shaped cones, horseshoe-shaped cones, multiple scoria cones, volcano without crater, etc.), spectacular lava fields with pahoehoe, aa and block morphologies with lava tubes and channels and accretion balls. In addition to the volcanic forms, other morphologies such as fossil and active cliffs, beaches, ravines and important alluvial fans can be observed. In this geozone, the cultural heritage is associated with the volcanic heritage through the use of the volcanic tubes and jameos (volcanic caves) by the population for residences or livestock huts, quarries for the extraction of lapilli, various infrastructures associated with the use of water and, above all, the presence of the Orchilla Lighthouse and the Monument to the Zero Meridian, which are two tourism icons of El Hierro. It is also worth mentioning the impressive panoramic views of the whole area of El Julan, one of the four giant landslides in El Hierro. Furthermore, this is the starting point of the GR-131 trail that runs through the whole of the Canary Islands. For all these reasons, the geopark stands out for its interesting local values and for its scientific, didactic and tourism interest (Table 2; Fig. 2).

Table 2 Natural and cultural volcanic heritage of Orchilla geozone georoute
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Fig. 2
13 photographs depict the 8 key stops on the volcanic georoute in the Orchilla Geozone.

Key stops on the volcanic georoute in the Orchilla Geozone GZH07. The numbers refer to Table 2

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The volcanic georoute has eight stops and a total distance of 9.5 km divided into two parts (Fig. 3). The main itinerary runs along the HI-503 La Montaña road towards the Virgen de Los Reyes hermitage in La Dehesa and continues along a detour towards the Orchilla Lighthouse for 6.5 km. The secondary itinerary turns off at stop 5 at the Orchilla volcano along the HI-504 track and heads towards the Zero Meridian Monument. It is a round trip of about 3 km. The maximum elevation is 464 m at stop 1 and the minimum 0 m at stop 8, which is the pier of La Laja de Orchilla. Although the entire georoute can be done by car, it is recommended that stop 5–stop 6 of the Monument to the Zero Meridian and return is completed on foot or bicycle because of the difficulties there may be for road traffic, since it runs through the deposits of alluvial fans.

Fig. 3
A map depicts the volcanic route of Orchilla Geozone of El Hierro global geopark and its proposed stops.

Source Modified from Dóniz-Páez et al. (2019)

Volcanic georoute of Orchilla Geozone (GZH-07) of El Hierro Global Geopark.

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4 Conclusions

Although it is true that the current health crisis has contributed to diversifying the tourism offer in many regions, before this pandemic, many destinations had already created new tourism products and experiences based on the promotion of local heritage. In the case of geotourism, for some years now, initiatives have been developed around two approaches (geological and geographical) that are complementary to each other. Indeed, volcanic tourism has been a reality in volcanic areas for some years now. Even so, it can be said that geotourism is still a relatively recent, innovative and sustainable form of tourism, closely linked to the management of geoparks. In this sense, the island of El Hierro has opted for a tourism distinct from the Canary Islands as a whole, one based on sustainability and the promotion of local geographical heritage and mainly focused on hiking and diving. Therefore, this paper has evaluated the volcanic geoheritage on the island, which led to the creation of a geopark in 2014 following the underwater eruption of the Tagoro volcano in 2012. For this purpose, different volcanic and non-volcanic geomorphosites have been identified, classified and selected to be representative, preserved and accessible examples of the geodiversity of El Hierro and of its cultural heritage. These geomorphosites are incorporated in geotourism georoutes from a geographical approach in the geopark, increasing and diversifying the tourism offer on the island. The Orchilla geozone has been selected for the proposed volcanic tourism georoute based on the diversity of its volcanic forms (volcanic cones and lava flows), those from erosion and accumulation (landslides, ravines, cliffs, deposits, beaches, etc.) and the interesting cultural heritage linked to a historically inhospitable region with a semi-arid climate. We must also mention the good accessibility, the existence of several approved trails, the presence of a bathing and leisure area (Las Lajas) and two of the most significant tourist icons of El Hierro (the Orchilla Lighthouse and the Zero Meridian Monument). In this work, we have developed a model georoute for volcanic tourism in the geopark, however, depending on the geomorphosites identified and selected, many other georoutes can be developed.