· We went to the island for Christmas with the Magic of Spain tour operators. The package included a hire car on the island, which was essential. We flew in to Tenerife and then onwards to El Hierro. Try to arrange to arrive in Tenerife early in the day so as to get a flight to El Hierro the same day; otherwise you have to spend the first night in a tourist resort on Tenerife, which is such a contrast to the undeveloped and friendly small island. Expect to be taken as Germans, as we did not meet another couple from the UK the whole week we were there.
Hilary Baseley and Ted Waple

· We went to El Hierro a couple of weeks ago with Travellers' Way (01527 559000). We flew from Gatwick to Tenerife on Monarch, transferred by bus to Tenerife North, and then took a small plane to El Hierro. This route does take a long time, however. You can also fly from Heathrow to Tenerife North via Madrid. We picked up a hire car and drove to La Frontera, where we stayed at the Hotel Ida Ines, which was clean and comfortable; though it's definitely best to eat out in the evenings. The roads are a bit precipitous in places, but the surfaces are usually excellent. La Frontera is on the sheltered side of island and is largely unspoilt - but not for long! The only person who spoke English was a German museum curator.
Martin Bowman