Hiking on the natural trail of El Hierro Island
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCanary Islands / El hierro
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AgeFrom 16 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions111.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover El Hierro , the wild and unspoiled pearl of the Canary Islands archipelago. A true natural sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mysterious island unfolds a microcosm of striking landscapes in just 268 km².
Your route takes you along ancient trails , offering an immersive journey from north to south, free from artificiality. The adventure begins amidst the arid landscapes of recent volcanoes , before plunging into the refreshing shade of centuries-old pine forests and lush heather jungles. This rugged terrain, a haven for rare endemic wildlife , opens onto a dramatic coastline where crystal-clear natural pools invite contemplation.
Beneath the surface, the La Restinga Marine Reserve reveals exceptional underwater biodiversity, making this rocky island in the Atlantic a paradise for lovers of unspoiled nature. Between local traditions cherished by its 11,000 inhabitants and timeless hiking trails , El Hierro stands out as the ideal destination for a trip focused on authenticity and complete disconnection. A vital return to basics, far from the tourist crowds.
The highlights
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An immersive journey from north to south on ancient and wild trails
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Luggage transfer arranged so you can travel light
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El Hierro: a pristine island that offers a spring-like climate all year round
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 751 m
- Average daily descent: 786 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Program
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Arrival and transfer to Los Llanillos
- Transportation Car - 00h35 - 27km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival transfer
Day 1 -
Lomo Negro ▸ El Julán
- Transportation Car - 01h15 - 41km
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 887 m
- Negative elevation 334 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's hike begins after a short transfer from the hotel to the Mirador del Lomo Negro viewpoint, at the northwestern tip of the island. The nature trail starts in a recently volcanic landscape, dominated by an impressive panorama. The path climbs through the mythical savinia trees until it reaches the edge of the cliff. It then continues south towards El Julán, a place where you'll find engravings and remains of the aboriginal inhabitants of El Hierro before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. The southern flank of the island is dominated by towering cliffs that offer majestic vistas.
Day 2 -
El Julán ▸ Las Playas
- Transportation Car - 01h15 - 41km
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 264 m
- Negative elevation 1034 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The driver takes us back to El Julán, where we rejoin the same nature trail, this time heading towards Las Playas. This is a slightly shorter stage, mostly downhill. Until we reach the sunny town of El Pinar, we hike at an altitude of nearly 700 meters above sea level, without any significant changes in elevation. El Pinar takes its name from the vast forests of tall Canary pines that cover the southern part of El Hierro. After leaving the town, we begin a steep descent on a winding path that leads to Las Playas, an area with calm waters and long pebble beaches.
Day 3 -
Las Playas ▸ Valverde
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1585 m
- Negative elevation 1011 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's stage is probably the most demanding of all. The trail, which runs along the sea, continues flat for 1.5 km before beginning a steep climb towards the Mirador de Isora viewpoint. The trail then follows the spectacular cliffs of El Hierro's east face, with vertical drops of up to 800 meters, before descending again to the port of La Restinga. Finally, there's another climb to reach our destination: Valverde, the island's capital. Here, we'll leave the Camino Natural and continue our journey westward for the next two stages on the GR 131.
Day 4 -
Valverde ▸ Cruz de Los Reyes
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 877 m
- Negative elevation 52 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Our first leg on the GR 131 will take us from Valverde to Cruz de Los Reyes in a continuous ascent. The route follows the "Camino de La Virgen," a path that welcomes thousands of pilgrims from all the islands every four years. The GR 131 is a summit trail, tackling the wetter northern slopes of El Hierro. After passing San Andrés, several viewpoints open up overlooking El Golfo, and we cross impressive forests of fayas and heather. Cruz de Los Reyes is located near Pico Mal Paso, the island's highest peak, which rises to 1,501 meters.
Day 5 -
Cruz de Los Reyes ▸ Faro de Orchilla
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 142 m
- Negative elevation 1497 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Stage 5 corresponds to the initial part of the pilgrimage, which is repeated every four years. After a short transfer to Cruz de Los Reyes, the ascent to the Malpaso peak continues. From there, we have an extraordinary 360° view, with the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and La Palma on the horizon. Gradually, the trail descends to Cruz de Los Humilladeros, from where a steep descent begins, leading us to the hermitage of La Virgen de Los Reyes. For the last 6 kilometers, the path takes us through a volcanic landscape to the endpoint of this stage, the Orchilla lighthouse, which marks the end of the old world. Our driver will be waiting there to take us to the hotel.
Day 6 -
Rest day
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After walking nearly 84 km, a well-deserved day of rest is in order, to enjoy the hotel pool or visit the extraordinary sites located nearby, such as Charco Azul, La Maceta or Las Puntas, where the smallest hotel in the world is located.
Day 7
Accommodation
In the heart of El Golfo, on the north coast of El Hierro, lies the peaceful village of Los Llanillos, where the small Hotel Geko is located. It is a tiny but charming accommodation.
The stunning setting of Las Playas lies beneath the dramatic cliffs of El Hierro's east coast. It's the perfect place to unwind after a week of exploring the island.
The rooms at Paradores perfectly combine design and modern amenities. In each one, you'll enjoy comfort, elegant design and furnishings, as well as breathtaking views of destinations you'll want to return to again and again.
This is a small, family-run hotel located in Valverde , the island's capital. Simple in appearance, yet comfortable, it is managed by friendly staff who take excellent care of their guests and go out of their way to meet all their needs. Valverde, with a population of just under 5,000, is a quiet town situated 600 meters above sea level on the island's east coast.
On the north coast, in the municipality of Sabinosa, near the legendary Pozo de La Salud and just a few meters from the Atlantic Ocean, lies the Balneario Pozo de La Salud hotel . This 22-room establishment boasts excellent facilities and enjoys a pleasant seaside climate.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double or twin room
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfer from one hotel to another
- Transporting people when necessary
- Return by boat from Playa Santiago to San Sebastián de La Gomera
The price does not include
- International flights
- Ferry between Tenerife and La Gomera
- Picnics, lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
To successfully complete the 5 stages , a good level of physical fitness is necessary. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is essential to have appropriate warm clothing with you at all times, which can be layered as needed. Some sections of the trail consist of loose stones, and other passages can be slippery. Although most of the path is wide, some sections are quite exposed and require caution. The use of hiking poles is strongly recommended.
Equipment to bring
We will transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next. Therefore, you will only need to carry a backpack containing the bare essentials for the day. For the entire trip, it is best to have only one suitcase weighing no more than 20 kg.
Clothing to bring
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy shoes are essential. During hikes, it is necessary to carry food and water, as well as sunscreen, a hat, a light windbreaker, and, during the winter months, warm clothing.
