Walking Holiday Spain -  Canary Islands - El Hierro

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’. Hitherto it has escaped mass tourism, and is free of  giant hotels and apartment complexes. The population is only 10,000, giving a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. 

The Herrenõs are fiercely proud of their island and although they are generally against mass tourism they are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers, naturalists and divers. 

Like its neighbours, 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 at over 1000m is 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 surprising rich variety for such a small area!

The population is principally Spanish, and the relative isolation means that other languages are rarely used. However, most hotel and restaurant staff have a little knowledge of English.

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.

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.

Guided - Independent Walking

On our guided independent holidays you will be collected from your hotel and transported to the beginning of the walk and collected at the end.  Distances vary with walking time between 3 – 7 hours.

We arrange 4 walks per week which range from easy to challenging – they will be tailored to your needs. The walks are selected to enable you to enjoy the island’s superb variety of landscape and spectacular views. You can take additional walks on your ‘days off’.

You will have an experienced guide who is a local resident, knows the paths well, and will be very informative regarding the landscapes, plants and local culture. These holidays are available throughout the year.

 

Self-Guided

Available year round using our exclusive Walk Booklet containing 11 of the best walks El Hierro has to offer. We give full directional notes, average walking times and distances, the extent of ascents and descents and points of interest. The walks range from short and easy to challenging, but all are on good, waymarked paths.

We also provide public transport details for each walk. We can arrange for a local driver to take you to and from the walks if you prefer; payable locally.

As the bus service to the Parador hotel is inconvenient, a hire car is essential for the guests staying here. Even so, some linear walks require a bus or taxi to return to the car.

Walk Grading

Guided- Easy, Moderate & Challenging

Self Guided- Easy, Moderate & Challenging

Multi-Centre

Why not combine a trip to El Hierro with some time in Tenerife or La Gomera, both offering different walks to enjoy? We are happy to arrange a multi-centre holiday of any duration. Please send a request with your preferred option.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

El Hierro – Centred

Included						Not Included
ü	7 night’s accommodation					û	Lunches & drinks with meals
ü	7 breakfasts					û	Travel Insurance (required)
ü	7 dinners (B&B only at B&B only at Vila El Mocanal)
ü	Transfers between Tenerife South airport and Tenerife port
ü	Ferry between Tenerife and El Hierro
ü	Transfers on El Hierro to/from Hotel El Mocanal
ü	8 days group A hire car when staying at the Parador
ü	Route notes & walking map
Optional Extras
Ø	‘With Flights’ includes typical flights prices from London Gatwick to Tenerife South. Fights from many local airports are also available (exact prices for your dates available on request)
Ø	Transfers can be arranged between Tenerife North airport and Tenerife port at a supplement
Ø	Villa El Mocanal - 7 days Group A car hire available
Ø	Guided walking including transport to/from nearby collection point or hotel at a supplement (minimum 2 pax)
Ø	Flights between Tenerife and El Hierro as a substitute for the ferry (exact prices for your dates available on request)

All prices valid for 2022/23

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on 7 nights half board* in a shared twin/double standard room. 

Hotel Vila el Mocanal **

Dates		With Flights	Own Flights	Single room supplement	Extra night
31-Oct-21	27-Oct-22	921	724	29	71

Supplements*

Supplement for sole use of transfers

36

*Supplements may apply for Easter, Christmas and New Year POA

Parador ****

The Parador are undergoing major renovation works between 30/01/23 and 16/05/23 and will be closed for this period.

Dates		With Flights	Own Flights	Single room supplement	Extra night
01-Nov	11-Dec	1309	1114	37	104
12-Dec	08-Jan	1390	1195	43	115
09-Jan	03-Apr	1309	1114	37	104
04-Apr	17-Apr	1296	1195	43	115
18-Apr	01-May	1309	1114	37	104
02-May	26-Sep	1282	1087	36	99
27-Sep	31-Oct	1309	1114	37	104

Supplements
Gala dinner on 31/12*		67
Superior room with balcony & sea view		16
3 Guided walks (minimum of 2 pax)		161
2 Guided walks (minimum of 2 pax)		134

*Additional supplements apply for Christmas and New Year POA. 

Multi Island holidays can be arranged, please contact us for details

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Parador El Hierro - 3 Star

Hotel Villa El Mocanal - 2 Star

Availability Information

El Hierro is blessed with good walking weather all year round temperatures averaging 20°C at lower altitude. The island’s sub tropical climate is however influenced by the trade winds which particularly in winter may bring cloud and rain to the north.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.

When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Canary Islands - Spain - Canary Islands - Walking in El Hierro

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Best	Best	Best	Best	Best	Good	OK	OK	N/A	Best	Best	Best