Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+ & 3
25.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
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 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.
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.
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 Casañas.
WiFi
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.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
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Mastercard
Visa
HairdryerWiFi
TV
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.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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. Please note due to a landslide the path from the Mirador of Jinama is closed at present - October 2024. There is an alternative descent which takes approximately an hour, or we can arrange a taxi to take you to your hotel from the top. If the normal route re opens we will advise accordingly.
You stay at Apartmentos Los Verodes.
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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.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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 Apartamentos Los Verodes.
ShopsMastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
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.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
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Tea/coffee
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.
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 Apartments Caracol.
WiFiTea/coffee
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.
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 Parador de El Hierro.
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SafeTea/coffee
Your accommodation for the whole holiday is located in an idyllic setting where the sea and the volcanic mountains meet, the 3* Parador de El Hierro is perfect for those seeking rest and tranquillity. Combining elegant colonial charm with contemporary comfort, an oasis set against the foot of towering cliffs. Listen to the soft murmur of ocean waves as you explore the sub-tropical gardens. Breakfast and dinner are served in the restaurant, with fantastic views of the Atlantic. Indulge in delicious Canarian dishes, showcasing the best of El Hierro Cusine.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Please note due to necessary repair work, the swimming pool and sauna is currently not in use. Please enquire at time of booking for further updates.
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.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$636.
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.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+ & 3
25.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
