Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 2+
Flights
available
21.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
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 Parador de El Hierro, located on the east coast and with gorgeous views of the sea and mountains. The hotel is 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. A car is included in this holiday so you can explore the island and make the most of the fantastic routes we have for you.
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, pick up your car at the port and drive to your hotel the Parador el Hierro for your stay.
You stay at Parador de El Hierro.
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/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.
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.
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.
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.
A triangular walk combining a quiet rural landscape with the spectacular lofty crest walk from le Pena to Jinama.
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.
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.
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 £246.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Tenerife South airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 2+
Flights
available
21.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
