Highlights of El Hierro Walk

Walking information

Walking on El Hierro generally requires a good level of fitness and stamina as the paths, although well waymarked, can often be rocky or loose underfoot. There are some very steep gradients on the paths which ascend/descend the escarpments, but the paths are so well engineered that they are free of exposed vertiginous sections.

Day 1: Arrive in Valverde

On arrival in Valverde, we will transfer you to your hotel for your first evening on the island of El Hierro.
You stay at Hostal Casaña in Valverde, (evening meal).

Day 2: Valverde to Mocanal (11km/6.8mi)

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.
You stay at Hotel Villa El Mocanal in Moconal, (breakfast and evening meal).

Day 3: Moconal to La Frontera (17km/10.6mi)

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 stay at Apartmentos Los Verodes in La Frontera (breakfast and evening meal).

Day 4: Sabinosa Circular (15km/9.3mi)

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.
You stay at Apartmentos Los Verodes in La Frontera (breakfast and evening meal).

Day 5: La Frontera to El Pinar (16km/9.9mi)

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.
You stay at Apartamentos Caracol in El Pinar (breakfast and evening meal).

Day 6: El Pinar to La Restinga (9km/5.6mi)

Today you head to the south coast harbour village of La Restinga, using ancient paths, returning by the same route. You will have a delicious lunch here ( included). 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. This evening, your dinner arrangements are your own.
You stay at Apartamentos Caracol in El Pinar (breakfast and lunch).

Day 7: El Pinar to Las Playas (12km/7.5mi)

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 delicious meal at the hotel or by relaxing on the beach.
You stay at the Parador El Hierro in Las Playas (breakfast and evening meal).

Day 8: Departure

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.
(Breakfast is provided).