Selfguided “Hike & Drive“
Who is it for?
Aimed at those who want an organized hiking trip, but walk at their own pace, and who are fans of culture, geology, history, and nature in general. One of the premises of self-guided trips is freedom of action: you decide when, how, and with whom. You’ll have a rental car to continue exploring the island at your leisure after the daily hikes, and you’ll have all the information about the hiking trails.
Why choose El Hierro for active tourism?
The environmental heritage and its unique beauty; hundreds of visible volcanic cones and spectacular lava fields; the breathtaking views; the natural pools shaped by the force of the Atlantic Ocean; the trails, witnesses to a still-living past; the tranquility of its villages; the hospitality of its people; its artisans; the traditional cuisine and excellent wines; the biodiversity…
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at the airport, rental car drop-off, and transfer to the accommodations.
Boomerang I Apartments, Tamaduste
Day 2: Water Circular Trail
Valverde – Tiñor – El Garoé – Valverde
(12 km, 550 mt de ascent / descent, 5 hours)
Your first trail will lead you to discover the history of water on the island, from past to present, represented by the mythical sacred tree Garoé, surrounded by its “albercas” (water reservoirs), and the pilot project of the Gorona del Viento hydro-wind power plant. A circular route with rapid landscape changes, from meadows to evergreen forests and stretches of red clay.
Afternoon discovering the northern coast of the island: Pozo de Las Calcosas, Charco Manso, and the village of La Caleta.
Apartamentos Boomerang I, Tamaduste
Day 3: Malpaso Circular Trail
Hoya del Pino – Malpaso – Dos Hermanas – Hoya del Pino
(14 km, 550 mt de ascent / descent, 5 hours)
Today’s route offers a wide variety of ecosystems and views. It begins at Hoya del Pino, in the heart of the laurel and fayal-heather forest. You’ll walk along the island’s ridge, reaching the highest point, through sections of volcanic ash and with panoramic views of the southern pine forests, until the path begins to descend back to Hoya del Pino from Dos Hermanas. Sections of this route were traditionally used as connecting paths between villages on both sides of the island.
In the morning, on the way to the starting point, you can stop to explore the El Morcillo recreational area, located in the heart of the Canary Island pine forest.
Apartamentos Frontera, Tigaday
Day 4: Golfo Circular Trail
Poblado de Guinea – La Maceta – Punta Grande – Pozo de los Padrones – Poblado de Guinea
(8 km, 50 mt de ascent / descent, 2 hours)
The route runs through flat terrain and open countryside. This area is famous for the production of bananas, pineapples, and various tropical fruits. A visit to the Guinea Eco-Museum and Lagartario will offer you a historical insight into the island; the village is one of the three oldest on the island and was turned into a museum in the 1980s. From the Hotel Punta Grande, the smallest hotel in the world, the path follows the stunning cliff-lined coast from Las Puntas to the natural pools of La Maceta.
In the afternoon, an easy and interesting walk through a spectacular volcanic landscape:
CIRCULAR ARENAS BLANCAS – LA PUENTE
(4 km, 20 mt de ascent / descent, 1 one and a half hours)
The walk begins at Arenas Blancas, the only beach on the island formed by shell fragments carried inland by winds and currents. It then follows a coastal path that winds through lava fields that appear freshly formed, with views of sea-sculpted cliffs and magnificent basalt arches.
Apartamentos Frontera, Tigaday
Day 5: Sabinar Circular Trail
Santuario de La Virgen de Los Reyes – El Sabinar – Mirador de Sabinosa – Santuario de La Virgen de Los Reyes
(9 km, 150 mt de ascent / descent, 3 hours)
From the Hermitage of the Virgen de Los Reyes, sanctuary of the island’s patron saint and starting point of the traditional “Bajada” pilgrimage, your walk begins through the pastures of La Dehesa toward El Sabinar, a forest of endemic junipers shaped into incredible twisted forms by the trade winds. From the Bascos viewpoint, offering dizzying views over El Golfo, the trail climbs along the “letime” (cliff edge) before descending again through La Dehesa, returning to the sanctuary.
Afternoon discovering the Orchilla Lighthouse and its surroundings.
Apartamentos La Marina III, La Restinga
Day 6: Volcanoes Route
La Restinga – El Pinar – Los Roques – El Tacorón
(16 km, +800 -800, 6 horas)
Today’s walk begins in La Restinga and leaves the village along a trail that crosses impressive volcanic landscapes; the most recent volcanic activity took place at the island’s edges and is most visible in this area due to the dry climate. After a gradual ascent, you’ll reach the village of El Pinar, capital of the island’s third municipality, known for its figs, almonds, and excellent locally produced wine. For lunch, you can choose between Bar Mentidero and Bar Chachi, both offering tapas and/or traditional food. After lunch, you’ll descend gradually to El Tacorón Bay along a trail with excellent views of the Mar de Las Calmas and El Julan, transitioning from a landscape of vineyards and farms to one surrounded by volcanoes and recent lava flows.
After a well-deserved swim, a short taxi transfer will take you back to La Restinga.
Apartamentos La Marina III, La Restinga
Day 7: Departure
Transfer (via Mirador de Jinama and Mirador de La Peña) to the airport and departure.
Details
- Difficulty: media
- Total distance: 63 km
- Daily walks of 2 to 6 hours
- Trails: rocky sections and loose volcanic material; dirt tracks.
Accommodation
- Apartamentos Boomerang I, Camino Cantil 1, Tamaduste
- Apartamentos Frontera, Calle Tigaday 19, Tigaday
- Apartamentos Mar de Las Calmas o Los Zifios, La Restinga
Material needed
It is recommended to wear appropriate clothing (layered, that is, protect our body from possible weather conditions and keep it dry at all times by combining three different types of garments), comfortable and strong boots, raincoat, fine fleece lining and / or thick (depending on the season), hat, backpack, trekking poles, canteen, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, first aid kit.
Cost
610€/per person taxes included.
It includes:
Accommodation, 6 nights; Rental car with full coverage insurance (franchise 300€); Welcome Package with guide, maps, routes directions and Tracks; 5 Self-guided hiking routes; Taxi transfer Tacorón-La Restinga; All entrance fees to the Interpretation Centers included with “Pasaporte Herreño”.
Call 0034 649650913; send an email to atlantidea@hotmail.com
