El Hierro: Edge of Europe

The tiny island outpost of El Hierro is perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Arrive into its small airport and transfer to your hotel in the beautiful bay of Las Playas. Spend two nights at the superb Parador, enjoying outstanding sea views and nestled at the foot of an incredible volcanic mountain.

Depending on your arrival time, you may like to stretch your legs on a short stroll from the hotel.

Your day begins with a transfer to the quaint capital of the island, Valverde. Located at 600m, it’s the highest capital in the archipelago and is the only one not found on the coast! 

Walk through changing landscapes of meadows, evergreen forests and stretches of red clay. Reach the legendary sacred tree Garoé, an icon of El Hierro. Transfer by taxi back to the Parador.

Ascent/Decent: 550m

After a hearty breakfast, transfer by taxi to the Mirador de la Peña, which overlooks the bay of El Golfo—a patchwork of green edged by a wild coastline.  

Admire the sweeping views out to sea as you follow the path through the highland of the Meseta de Nisdafe, walking between volcanic cones with outstanding view to El Golfo below. Descend through mossy subtropical laurel forests to Tigaday.

Ascent: 550m

Descent: 900m 

An easy day of walking awaits as you venture through El Hierro’s open farmland; this area is perfect for the production of bananas, pineapples and other tropical fruits.

Perhaps visit the Eco Museum of Guinea, and learn about the fascinating history of the island.  From Hotel Punta Grande;  the smallest in the world, follow the path along the coastline of Las Puntas and reach the natural swimming pools of La Maceta. As today’s walk is relatively easy, you can relax this afternoon on the rooftop terrace of the apartments.

Ascent/Decent: 200m

A taxi transfer brings you high into the heart of pine forest and to El Morcillo. Today’s path traditionally connected the villages on the two sides of the island. You’ll be captivated by a myriad of views.

Aromatic pine forest soon gives way to the dryer Fayal-Brezal (firetree and heath). As you walk along the ridgeline of the island, you’ll be rewarded with views of volcanic lava flows which tumble towards the south coast, as you descend on the path to Tigaday.

Ascent: 400m

Descent: 1050m

After a transfer to the pretty white-washed Ermita de La Virgen (the hermitage of the island’s patron saint), continue your walk through the ‘dehesa’ pastureland. Soon you’ll come across the Sabinar, endemic and protected species of juniper that are shaped by the trade winds into incredible twisted forms.

From the Mirador de Bascos admire the views over El Golfo and follow a high path which then descends through the lush Monteverde forest to the picturesque village of Sabinosa.

Ascent: 200m

Descent: 850m

Today you have a choice of a self-guided walk, or an optional excursion.

Set off on an easy walk to explore the beach at Arenas Blancas, the only one on the island formed by shell fragments, before following a path between lava flows along the coast with its magnificent arches of basalt and cliffs carved by the ocean.

Alternatively, take a guided tour of the ‘Route of the Meridiano’; the western lava fields, the Orchilla lighthouse and the site of the Prime Meridian. Learn about the recent volcanic eruptions on a 3-4 hour walk. Transfers to/from the hotel and a picnic style lunch are included. Cost approx. EUR80 per person, payable locally, min 2 people.

Ascent/Descent: 50m

Your walking trip on El Hierro ends with a final transfer to El Hierro airport.