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El Hierro: Edge of Europe

8 Days & 7 Nights 5 Read 6 reviews
  • Following superb trails across this little-known island, the ‘Isla del Meridiano’.
  • Incredible views of El Golfo Bay and the other-worldly volcanic landscape.
  • Witnessing remarkable twisted trees, shaped by the forces of Mother Nature.
  • Exploring unspoilt villages and the authentic hospitality of the islanders.
  • Tastes of the Canaries—fabulous food, including locally-grown tropical fruits.
The remarkable island outpost of El Hierro is perched on the westernmost outreaches of Europe; a true Atlantic gem with a rare sleepy charm and fantastic walking trails. Until Columbus set sail, El Hierro was seen as the ‘Ends of the Earth’, and still remains one of the least-visited of the Canary Islands. Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, 60% of its territory is protected to preserve El Hierro’s natural and cultural diversity. Wild coastlines are edged with columns of basalt, whilst a subtropical interior is flanked by lava flows spilling from volcanic cones. Trails explore picturesque farmland, evergreen woodlands of juniper and laurel, and other-worldly semi-arid lunar-like landscapes.
Fancy somewhere truly different, getting off the beaten track to explore one of Europe’s hidden gems? Are you fascinated by geology and the living planet? This little-known, sleepy volcanic island is the perfect spot to discover on foot. Whilst there are some ascents, we’ve ensured that transfers take the strain when needed, allowing you to focus on El Hierro’s superb trails.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Islands
  • Winter Sun
  • Off the Beaten Track

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is graded moderate overall with ascents of between 200 and 550m, and descents of up to 1050m. Days 5 and 6 in particular are slightly more challenging as they involve long, steep descents - 850m and 1050m respectively. On some days you’ll be walking for around 6 hours, but on several of the days there are optional loop walks, so you can relax at your hotel if you prefer. To make the most of this trip you should have a good level of walking fitness. 

Navigation

There is some way-marking on this walk, and we will provide you with maps and comprehensive route notes so you can easily find your way.  GPX tracks are available for this walk. As this is a self guided walk you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip.

Accommodations

7 nights accommodation is included in your trip in properties of a 3* standard (unofficial rating).

We carefully select small friendly hotels that offer great value and warm welcomes. The accommodation we normally use is detailed in the itinerary and below, however if unavailable we may need to offer alternative hotels, and we will inform you on booking if this is the case.  

You can add extra nights at any point during your stay—please contact us for details. 

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is not available to solo walkers due to the remote nature of some of the walks. Single rooms are available fo a supplement as some of the costs are then not shared. 

Meals

7 Breakfasts are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop and buy a picnic on the way. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodations.

Included
  • 7 Nights in 3* standard hotels
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • Return airport transfers on El Hierro
  • Transfers to start of walk as per itinerary
  • Luggage transfers as per itinerary
  • Route notes, daily maps and detailed information pack
  • 24/7 telephone support from our UK office and local partner.
Excluded
  • Travel to and from El Hierro
  • Lunches
  • Dinners
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Optional guided tour on Day 7 (bookable in advance, but payable locally).
  • Travel insurance (required)
Extras
  • Additional nights before, during or after the walk.

When To Go

You can start your El Hierro: Edge of Europe trip on any day of the week, from September to June. Please note that there may be a supplement payable for travel over Christmas and Easter.

NOTE: The Parador Hotel in Las Playas will be closed from 30/01/23 to 15/05/23. If you travel at this time we will book you into an alternative hotel called the Hotel Boomerang in Valverde. This is a small, family-run hotel and more simple than the Parador but in a great location! If you are booked here a small discount will be applied to your booking. 

Getting to the Start

By Air: there are several companies flying from Tenerife (where there are 2 airports, North and South) to El Hierro. Most of the flights from the UK land in the South airport. To get to El Hierro there are two options: flying (bintercanarias.com, operating only from Tenerife North) or you can take the ferry from Los Cristianos near Tenerife South airport, which departs in the afternoon to El Hierro (2-2h30 each way).

We suggest that you book an early flight to Tenerife and then fly to El Hierro; in case there is a change of airport a transfer by taxi can be booked or there is an excellent local bus service connecting the airports.

Luggage Transfer

Baggage transfers are included on this tour, as per the itinerary on days 3 and 6, so you only walk with a small back-pack.  

General Information

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive El Hierro, transfer to Las Playas Day 2 Loop walk from Valverde - 12 km 7.5 miles / 12 km Day 3 Walk from Mirador de la Peña to La Llanía - 16 km 10 miles / 16 km Day 4 Loop walk to La Maceta natural pools - 13 km 8 miles / 13 km Day 5 Walk from El Morcillo to Tigaday - 13 km 8 miles / 13 km Day 6 Walk from Ermita de La Virgen de Los Reyes to Pozo de La Salud - 12 km 7.5 miles / 12 km Day 7 Volcanic loop walk, or optional guided tour ‘Route of the Meridiano’ - 10 km 6 miles / 10 km Day 8 Transfer to airport. Onward travel

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