Walking in El Hierro

Walking information

El Hierro has an excellent network of well-waymarked paths, all shown on the map of the island we provide. We also provide detailed walking notes for a selection of easy to moderate walks, and even the highest point, Malpaso at 1501m, is an easy stroll. Some more challenging routes feature long and steep ascents and descents, but as these are on ancient, well-conceived, paths there are no exposed vertiginous sections.

Day 1: Arrive in Las Playas

On arrival on El Hierro, pick up your car at the port and drive to your hotel the Parador el Hierro for your stay.
You stay at the Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 2: Mocanal to Tamaduste OR Mocanal to La Frontera (8km/5.0mi or 17km/10.6mi)

A walk which takes you between the lichen covered walls of ancient tracks, past vineyards and out onto the slopes of a volcano, then down to the village of Tamaduste with its wonderful harbour for swimming which you will see below you from the volcano side.

OR

A super walk, at first fringing three villages, then a high ridge-top route on the escarpment overlooking the north coast and El Golfo, followed by a steep and spectacular descent from Jimara to La Frontera.
You stay at the Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 3: Valverde to Mocanal (11km/6.8mi)

An inspiring introduction to El Hierro, today's walk will take you up ancient paths through old, terraced farmland, bordered by prickly pear and occasional stands of Canarian Pine. Views of the ocean open up as you ascend on clear paths of volcanic clinker. Parts of the track follow a traditional processional route that traverses the island once every four years. On the descent, the walk takes you past the abandoned village of La Alburrada, offered as a diversion, and down to the Arbol Santo (the Holy Tree), a centuries old sacred site set among beautiful green pastoral valleys. The final descent to Mocanal offers fine views of the north coast of the island and passes through delightful juniper and aromatic bay laurel shrubland.
You stay at the Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 4: El Pinar Circular (17km/10.6mi)

This route, all downhill and partly through relatively recent volcanic terrain, follows the ancient pre-motor era path between the two settlements. La Restinga is a neat and attractive little place, with an enclosed harbour, bars and restaurants. There was an eruption of an undersea volcano here in 2011 with masses of cooled lava floating on the sea surface.
You stay at the Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 5: Mirador de la Pena Circular OR San Andres Circular (14km/8.7mi or 14km/8.7mi)

A triangular walk combining a quiet rural landscape with the spectacular lofty crest walk from le Pena to Jinama.
You stay at the Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 6: Hoya del Morcillo Circular (13km/8.1mi)

This walk starts and ends in beautiful Canarian Pine woodlands in between following volcanic terrain close to the crest of the escarpment overlooking El Golfo. It includes an ascent of the highest point of the island, Malpaso, which can easily be omitted if weather so dictates.
You stay at the Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 7: Sabinosa Circular (15km/9.3mi)

A wonderful walk which takes you back in time as you follow the route the villagers took twice yearly, moving their cattle from lowland to the pastures of the high plateau, in search of sufficient water for the year round. You will climb the escarpment on the Camino de Dehesa, visit the ancient twisted junipers and cross the starting place for the 4 yearly processional pilgrimage of the Virgin who you will find in the Ermita.
You stay at the Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 8: Departure from Las Playas

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.