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 6500 it has a very different feel to the other Canary Islands. The Herrenos are fiercely proud of their island and are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers.
El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity along an offshoot of the mid-Atlantic ridge. There has not been an eruption since the 18th century, but the cones of ash and old lava flows are a prominent feature of the island. The small central plateau is a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures (cattle, sheep and goats provide fine cheeses), and the beautiful Canarian pine woodlands.
All walks offer superb views and include a variety of landscapes on this unspoiled island, as well as the significant cultural sites. Among these are the Sacred Tree - El Arbol Santo, the abandoned village of La Albarrada, the Ermita de la Virgen, and the amazing, twisted Junipers at the western extremity - the farthest western point of the 'old world'. Some of the walks, such as El Pinar - La Restinga - Tacoron, provide sea bathing opportunities.
Your base for the week is the lovely setting of the Hotel Villa El Mocanal, located in the north of the island and with gorgeous views of the sea and mountains. There is also an option to upgrade to the Parador de El Hierro where the sea and the volcanic mountains meet, perfect for those seeking rest and tranquillity. Combining elegant colonial charm with contemporary comfort, an oasis set against the foot of towering cliffs. Breakfast and dinner are served in the restaurant, with fantastic views of the Atlantic.
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.
On arrival on El Hierro, we will transfer you to your hotel for your stay.
You stay at Hotel Villa El Mocanal, or the upgrade option of Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.
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.
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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 Hotel Villa El Mocanal, or the upgrade option of Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.
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 Hotel Villa El Mocanal, or the upgrade option of Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.
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 Hotel Villa El Mocanal, or the upgrade option of Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.
A triangular walk combining a quiet rural landscape with the spectacular lofty crest walk from le Pena to Jinama.
You stay at Hotel Villa El Mocanal, or the upgrade option of Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.
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 Hotel Villa El Mocanal, or the upgrade option of Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.
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 Hotel Villa El Mocanal, or the upgrade option of Parador de El Hierro with breakfast and evening meal included.
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.
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Single-centre accommodation in and hotels
All breakfasts and evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Car Hire
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts and evening meals
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
