Monumento al Antiguo Meridiano Cero is located on the westernmost end of El Hierro, called the Punta de Orchilla, in the direct vicinity of the lighthouse of Faro de Orchilla.


This place yet in the times of Ptolemy (II century A.D.) was considered the most western point of Europe and in 1634 the Prime Meridian had been set there. It was there until 1884, when it was replaced by a new one, passing through Greenwich. In 1989 here was erected the monument to commemorate the time, when the Meridian from El Hierro for the majority of European countries was a base for the geographic calculations and cartography.

More about Monumento al Meridiano : How to get | Neighbourhood of Monumento al Meridiano | Photo Gallery

To get to Monumento al Meridiano you should drive in the direction to lighthouse of Faro de Orchilla. The best way leads along the northern coast, that is: from Valverde through Sabinosa and Playa del Verodal, and further - still in the direction to Ermita Virgen de los Reyes. Then (before the chapel) you should turn right to Faro de Orchilla. The road is asphalt at the beginning, then sandy and bumpy. Few metres before the lighthouse, at the sign showing the route to Monumento al Antiguo Meridiano Cero, is placed the small lay-by. The footpath leads you directly to the monument.

• Faro de Orchilla


• Playa del Verodal


• Ermita Virgen de los Reyes


• Cueva del Caracol


• El Sabinar


• Mirador de Bascos

Visit other sites about Canary Islands: Gran Canaria

All photos and content are property of MyElHierro.com portal. Copy, duplicate and diffuse the content of the site without authors permission are formally forbidden.

(C) My El Hierro 2008 - 2009 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Contact us