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Hiking in El Hierro. Canary Islands

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850€
By participant

Scheduled trips

  • 15/05/2021


  Programa en PDF

The trip

We present a 7-day trip, including travelling days, to discover by foot the most beautiful natural attractions of the island of El Hierro. We will also learn about the island’s history and we savour delicious local delicacies, so completing our energetic, rewarding and very special journey.

Small is beautiful. And El Hierro, at 268,71 Km2 is the smallest of the Canary Islands (If we don´t include the islets of the Chinijo Archipelago). But don´t be deceived by its modest size, as this is definitely not impediment to enjoying the dramatic landscapes we encounter on an island where nature remains untouched. And this is before we consider its underwater treasures… Do you know that El Hierro is considered one of the best places to go scuba diving? But we hope you still have some energy left, as we came here to do some walking! El Hierro is a wonder for walkers. It is the most southern and western island of the archipelago, the most rural and the wildest, which gives the island its special character.

El Hierro is also a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, with a steep terrain forged by its volcanic history, and remarkable vegetation created by its unique location, micro-climate, and the abiding presence of the region´s trade winds, with the spectacular Laurisilva forest a definite highlight.  We might will be lucky enough to have the company of the island’s most famous resident, the Hierro giant lizard. And if you do don’t worry, they will just be enjoying a pleasant stroll in this most stunning of islands.

The destination

El Hierro is the most southern and western island of the archipelago and it is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

Its geological morphology is very complex due to its volcanic origins. It has a main mountain range with Pico de Malpaso (1.501 m) being its highest peak, and dividing the island in two halves, one to the south and the other to the north. The coastline is quite steep, with numerous imponent cliffs.

The climate is determined by the trade winds and the Canary’s stream, which is a cold fork in the Gulf Stream. The water temperature in winter is around 18º C, and around 20º C in the summer. The trade winds, loaded with humidity, impact against the mountains causing rain, mainly in the north face, whereas in the south predominates the dry winds, creating an arid landscape. The temperature is mild all year round, with warm winters and cool summers.

The complex geological morphology and the climate of El Hierro creates a very unique and special vegetation. The visitor will enjoy a varied flora, from lush laurel forests to coniferous woodlands, green meadows and banana plantations. As we already mentioned before, the south has a much drier climate and so the plant spices are very different in this area.

Its inhabitants, the “herreños(as)”, have suffered a fall in numbers along history due to economic hardship and long droughts. In recent years this trend has change, as many emigrants has returned from Venezuela. Right now, El Hierro is the least populated island with 11.000 habitants.

The local government wants to keep alive the folklore of the island. There are some folkloric associations that performs traditional dances. The most important festivity of El Hierro is La Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes (saint of the island) and it is celebrated every 4 years, the first Saturday of July. The Saint is transferred 44km from Dehesa (Frontera) to Valverde, the capital of the island, going through all villages of the island. The procession is accompanied by dancers performing the traditional baile de la Virgen.

Another famous inhabitant is the Lizard. The giant lizard (grows up to 70cm) is the king! And although its population has decreased, it is still possible to spot it. Don´t worry they are inoffensive!

We can´t finish without mentioning the delicious local gastronomy. Fish has an important place and it is cooked in many different ways, offering the visitor a varied selection of dishes. Other traditional recipes are potaje, el puchero and el rancho con papas.

In order to enjoy the tasty food, it is important to burn some energy first by walking or maybe practising “lucha canaria” which is one of the most popular local sports.

Highlights

Equipment required

  • Backpack (25-35 litres).
  • Trekking boots or walking shoes.
  • Technical clothing:
    • Socks.
    • Long and short trekking trousers.
    • Thermal t-shirt (base layer)
    • Fleece jacket or similar (second layer)
    • Gore-Tex jacket or similar (third layer)
    • Cap or hat for sun protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle (1 litre minimum)
  • First aid kit and essential toiletries
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Expandable hiking poles.
  • Camera
  • Swimming suit

Notes

Links of interest

Labels

15/05/2021

Trip basis

  • Departure::15/05/2021
  • Arrival:21/05/2021
  • Duration: 7 días
  • Destination:El Hierro. Canary Islands
  • Activity:Senderismo
  • Level: Destination: El Hierro, Canary Islands (Spain). Activity: Trekking. , Difficulty: * Technical level ** , Duration: 7 days. , Season: All year round. , Minimum group: 4-8 people , Physical level Total elevation Kms Physical Condition , * Up to 600 m Up to 16 km Normal: occasional sport practice , ** Up to 1200 m Up to 23 km Good: regular sport practice , *** Up to 1400 m Over. 23 km Very good: strict sport practice , Physical level category does not have to correspond exactly with given ascent and kilometers at the same time. , Type of terrain , * Good conditioned forest tracks and trails , ** Good conditioned trails. Presence of stones and roots on the way requiring attentive hike. , *** Bumpy, stone loose tracks, including off trails , Observations. Walks are accessible for active people that does some hill walking frequently and that are able to climb between 500 – 700 metres daily at an easy pace and with a duration of 3 to 5 hours including stops. ,
  • Mín-max group:4-8 participants
  • Reference:20-81-SEN-SP

Prices per participant

850 euros. 160 euros supplement for single room applies.

Day 1. Arrival to the island of El Hierro. Reception of participants and transfer to the accommodation.  Trip to Tamaduste (depending on the time of arrival).

Tamaduste is a small village located near the airport and it surprises visitors for the colours of the sea. Here we will do a beautiful itinerary where we will see volcanic features like lava flows, cliffs of basaltic rocks and other interesting rock formations.

Night in Valverde.

Day 2. Day trip from Valverde. Garoé “the sacred tree”. Visit to Las Playas Natural Monument.

The Bimbaches were the first inhabitants of the island of El Hierro. The Garoé is a specimen of tilia that was the sacred tree of the island. The big leaves of the Garoé were capable to capture and purify the water particles of the fog and the people collected it by digging a ditch around the tree. The original tree was uprooted in a storm. In 1949 a new tree was planted in the same place.

Starting from San Andrés (1.100 m) that is the highest situated village of the island, we will follow a lineal route visiting the Garoé and the interesting Nisdafe Plateau.

We will finish in Valverde, the capital of the island. We will have free time to walk its streets or to rest at one of the bars and cafes.

Distance 8.5 km. Ascent + 220 m – 680 m. Estimated time 3-4 hours.

In the afternoon we will visit Las Playas Natural Monument which is very scenic place. The emblematic amphitheater-like terrain is the result of a series of landslides.

Here, visitors will not miss the exalting Bonanza Rock rising from the depths of the ocean.

Night in Valverde.

Day 3. El Pinar-Tacorón- La Restinga.

We will visit the south of the island with an interesting itinerary that links the small village of El Pinar with the coast village of Tacorón, enjoying the views over Mar de las Calmas, Naos Bay and the Mar de Lavas. It was here where just a few years ago a submarine volcanic eruption reminded us that the Canary Islands are still active.

We will have time for swimming and sunbathing at the beach and also to try the local cuisine.

Distance 11 km. Ascent + 50 m – 800 m. Estimated time 3 hours.

Night in La Restinga.

Day 4. La Llanía. Montaña de la Fuente- Ermita de San Salvador- El Pinar. Visit to Las Playas Viewpoint and Isora Viewpoint over Las Playas Natural Monument.

We will start at a high altitude, very close to some of the highest peaks of the island. We will walk towards the West along ridge with fantastic views to both sides until we reach Ermita de San Salvador. We will now turn towards the south to descent through a magnificent laurel forest to get to El Pinar.

Distance 11 km. Ascent + 200 m – 600 m. Estimated time 4 hours.

After the lunch break, we will now use a private vehicle to visit Las Playas Natural Monument from Isora Viewpoint and Las Playas Viewpoint.

Night in La Restinga.

Day 5. Coastal Route Punta Grande- La Maceta. Optional bath in the natural swimming pools by the sea. Visit to other natural attractions.

We will have a relaxed journey. We will travel to the north to do a coastal itinerary between Punta Grande and La Maceta. Along the route, we will have time to admire the Atlantic Ocean, to see the striking colours of the water and the waves sculpting the coastline.

The reward will be to reach La Maceta and to go for a swim in the natural swimming pools by the sea.

Distance 8 km. Ascent – 220 m. Estimated time 2-3 hours.

Once we have rested, we will visit a couple of learning centres where we will learn about history, fauna and flora. We will also stop at the Charco Azul, another natural swimming pool in the sea.

We will travel to La Peña Viewpoint, one of the most celebrated sites of the island, to contemplate the sunset. It was created by the canarian architect César Manrique, who created other masterpieces along the archipelago. The viewpoint consists of several balconies at different levels. The views over the Golfo Valley are spectacular.

Very close, we find the Jinama Viewpoint, a bit wilder but offers incredible views over the Golfo.

Night in Valle de Frontera.

Day 6. Ermita de los Reyes-Mirador de Bascos- Ermita de los Reyes. Visit to the centenary Juniper forest. Visit to Orchilla Lighthouse or Arenas Blancas beach.

We can´t leave El Hierro without visiting the famous centenary Juniper forest, that shaped by the winds, are a real gem for visitors. The Juniper is the island´s symbolic tree.

We will start from the south of the island to get to the main range of the island. From here we will walk towards the West descending through Loma de las Cabras and visiting Bascos Viewpoint and the Juniper forest.

Distance 10 km. Ascent + 440 m – 440 m. Estimated time 3-4 hours.

To finish the journey, we have two optional visits (depending on the available time):

The first option is to visit Orchilla Lighthouse, situated in a beautiful setting. This remote place was once a cartography landmark in every map of that time as it was the most western point of Spain and the location of the Meridian 0, which in 1.885 would change to Greenwich.

The second option is to enjoy the free time at the Arenas Blancas Beach.

Night in Valle de Frontera.

Day 7. Transfer to Valverde (VDE) airport. Return flight.

Including

  • Certified Mountain Guide for the duration of the trip.
  • 6 nights of hotel in a double room with breakfast included (single room supplement applies)
    • 2 nights in apartments in Valverde in a double room with breakfast included.
    • 2 nights at Sur Restinga hotel in Restinga. Double room with breakfast included. https://es.surrestinga.com
    • 2 nights at Los Verodes apartments in La Frontera. Double room with half board (the meals are in a local restaurant) https://apartamentoslosverodes.com
  • Transfers: Private transfer from/to the Valverde airport.
  • Accidents and rescue insurance cover.
  • Travel managment.

Not including

  • Flights (Muntania offers this service for an additional cost of 20€)
  • Meals (lunches and some dinners)
  • Any other activity not including in the programme