Highlights of El Hierro Walk

Highlights of El Hierro Walk Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Destination: Spain
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 18+
Trip Code: W07CH

Trip Overview

El Hierro is the least known, and most westerly, of the Canary Islands. In fact, it was the most westerly point of the ‘old world’. El Hierro has escaped mass tourism and with a population of just over 6,500 it has a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. The Herrenos are fiercely proud of their island and are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers.

Like its neighbours, El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity along an offshoot of the mid-Atlantic ridge. There has not been an eruption on the island since the 18th century, but the cones of ash and old lava flows are a prominent feature of the island. The small central plateau, at 1000m or more, offers a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures (cattle, sheep and goats provide fine cheeses), and the beautiful Canarian pine woodlands. To the north the lowland of El Golfo resembles a huge bite taken out of the island, and the impressive bordering escarpment, reaching 1500m in altitude, features in our walks. On the lower land of El Golfo vines, bananas and pineapples are grown. The islanders have preserved a number of local traditions and some of their sites are included in our routes. Overall, there is a surprisingly rich variety for such a small area!

The walking is designed to pass through the variety of landscapes on the island and to seek out the most spectacular views and a number of locations of cultural and historical significance to the islanders. No two days are the same. Your El Hierro experience begins in the small town of Valverde up on the plateau- the official capital of El Hierro. For early arrivals there are short walks locally to help you to get the feel of the island. From Valverde the route winds across the plateau, down to El Golfo and up again, then across to the far west of the island before heading back again across the plateau to descend and finish by the east coast.

You accommodation is a mix of simple and charming apartments and hostels, to 3 star hotels. All have restaurants either on site or very close by and so we have included half board for you on this holiday.

At a Glance

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of ** and *** hotels
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Luggage transfers between hotels

Highlights

An intriguing island of spectacular escarpments, volcanic ash cones and lava flows
Wind around the small central plateau to the lowland of El Golfo, ending on the east coast
Walk over Malpaso, the highest point of the island with superb far-reaching views

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the trip to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest.

Adult min age: 18

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Valverde
End City: Las Playas

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London Gatwick
End City: Tenerife South

Land Only Itinerary

On arrival in Valverde, we will transfer you to your hotel for your first evening on the island of El Hierro.

From Valverde a circuitous route introduces you to the varied volcanic and pastoral landscapes of the plateau area and includes an ancient, abandoned village and the Arbol Santo – the sacred tree.

Leaving Mocanal you first make for the Mirador and Ermita de la Pena, emerging onto the crest of the escarpment with the imposing panorama of El Golfo way below. You follow this crest up to 1200m to arrive at the Mirador of Jinama. From here an amazing safe path, superbly conceived, leads down the face of the escarpment to La Frontera.

You will be transferred to Sabinosa – the most western village of the ‘old world’. A stiff but exhilarating climb up the escarpment brings you to the very different landscapes of La Dehesa, a pastoral plateau open to the full Atlantic. The circuit of the plateau takes in the Mirador dos Bascos, the amazing, distorted trees of El Sabinar – one of which is the emblem of the island – and the Errmita de la Virgen, a site of great importance in island culture. If lucky, you might catch a farmer milking his sheep. The day ends with a descent of the same path to Sabinosa, where your transfer will be waiting.

Again, you will be transferred from La Frontera and taken to a path halfway up the escarpment. Once on the crest you follow this – easy walking – over Malpaso, the highest point of the island, with more superb views. The volcanic ash landscape gives way to the wonderful native pine forests, and then you head across pastoral country to El Pinar.

Today you head to the south coast harbour village of La Restinga, using ancient paths, returning by the same route. However, there are other options for the return – one is to take a taxi (not included) to the pleasant cove of Tacoron, have a swim in the Atlantic, and walk back to El Pinar, with little difference in walking time. You can also halve the walk by returning by bus from La Restinga – the choice is yours.

Leaving El Pinar, the route starts through pleasant rural scenery before emerging on the crest of the eastern escarpment, with dramatic views of the Las Playas coast – and your destination hotel – way below. After following the crest for a while, pass through the village of Isora before taking another magnificent path descending over 1000m to the coast below. Celebrate your completion of the walk with a swim in the hotel’s excellent pool, or by relaxing on the beach.

Today you will depart your hotel after breakfast and we will transfer you back to Tenerife, for your onward journey. Enquire at time of booking for extra nights to extend your stay on this fascinating and beautiful island.

Accommodation

These are the standard hotels for our ” trip. If you’d like to extend your time at any of these or, if you’d like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

Early bookng is advised as during busy times we may have to substitute individual hotels for one of an equal or superior standard.

Hostal Casañas, Valverde:

Centrally located on Calle San Francisco in Valverde, the capital of the island of El Hierro, Hostal Casañas is the oldest hotel establishment on the island. This simple but charming hostel has undergone several refurbishments that have made it an ideal place for overnight stays on the island. Your evening meal will also be provided here and the town of Valverde has everything you may need to prepare for your trip including banks, restaurants and shops.

Hotel Villa El Mocanal, Mocanal:

Located in the north of the island in the village of Mocanal, this small hotel has gorgeous views of the sea, mountains and countryside. The hotel has a reception and lounge, Wi- Fi throughout and a restaurant for your breakfast and evening meal. There is also a lovely terrace, surrounded by gardens where you can enjoy a quiet drink before dinner.

Apartamentos Los Verodes, La Frontera:

In the middle of vineyards, Apartamentos Los Verodes has lovely, spacious and well-equipped apartments, just a stone’s throw from the coast. The apartments have stunning sea views and everything you will need for your stay including a living room with a sofa, a fan and a flat-screen TV, with the added bonus of a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, oven and coffee maker. On site is a chill-out terrace with a barbecue and a handy communal laundry room, where you can use the washing machine free of charge. Los Verodes will arrange your evening meal, which is included, at a nearby restaurant and breakfast will also be served there.

Apartments Caracol, El Pinar:

Located on the southwest of the island in a quiet secluded location, these family run apartments have their own vineyard and are a fabulous base for your walking holiday. Each apartment has a bedroom, kitchen and outside terrace, with Wi-Fi throughout and everything you should need for your stay. They are simple and lovingly furnished with a rustic feel and in keeping with the sustainable practices of the island, the hot water is powered by solar energy.

Parador de El Hierro , Las Playas:

Situated right on the edge of the sea with a stunning mountain back drop, this secluded hotel has an exclusive position looking out over the Atlantic Ocean from its setting in Las Playas. The location is peaceful and charming, the perfect place for an extended stay on this volcanic island paradise. The Parador is Spanish state owned, one of a chain of boutique hotels, and is surrounded by a lush garden and outdoor swimming pool. (Please note due to sea erosion, the pool, gym and sauna are currently not in use – please enquire further upon booking).

The interiors have a colonial-style, whilst the rooms are modern and extremely comfortable with air conditioning, TV, Wi -Fi, mini bar and private balcony. The Parador has a fabulous restaurant on site serving local, regional specialties as well as international cuisine. There is so much to do in this area including world renowned diving, more hiking, even paragliding for the more adventurous! We recommend a couple of extra nights here at the end of your trip.

Please note the Parador will be closed until 16th May 2023.

Transport

Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.

Joining Instructions

The tour normally begins at the start hotel in Valverde.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Valverde
Location end: Las Playas

What To Take

Practical Information

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)

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Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here.