Description
Difficulty Level
El Hierro, an Island with a Soul: Discover the Unspoilt El Hierro
El Hierro, an Island with a Soul is a 7-day individual hiking holiday for those who want to discover the peaceful and authentic island of El Hierro at a relaxed pace. You hike through green forests, along volcanic coastlines and across the mountainous interior. With luggage transfers and taxi transfers between hiking areas, everything is arranged for you.
The journey starts in Valverde, the small capital of El Hierro. From here, you hike the Ruta del Agua, a beautiful circular route along old water channels, through forests and traditional agricultural areas.
You then travel by taxi to the west of the island. From the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, you hike through La Dehesa to El Sabinar, known for its characteristic juniper trees shaped by the strong winds.
Next, you discover the northern coast of El Hierro. You can choose between a relaxed day or a shorter coastal hike from La Maceta to Las Puntas. Another stage takes you from La Frontera to Charco Azul, a natural swimming spot on the volcanic coast. Along the way, you have views across the green valley of El Golfo.
The final hiking day takes you to Alto de Malpaso. From this high point, you hike via San Andrés, through forests and open mountain landscapes, back towards Valverde. A fitting end to this hiking holiday on El Hierro.
What makes El Hierro, an Island with a Soul special?
✅ Ruta del Agua: hike along old water channels through the green interior of El Hierro.
✅ La Dehesa & El Sabinar: discover the peaceful west of the island and its distinctive wind-shaped juniper trees.
✅ Volcanic northern coast: hike along rocky coastlines and past small bays.
✅ Charco Azul: finish a day of hiking at a natural swimming spot on the coast.
✅ Alto de Malpaso: hike from one of the highest points on the island through forests and mountain landscapes.
✅ Peace and authenticity: discover an island where mass tourism is virtually absent.
✅ Luggage transfers & taxis: your luggage is transported between accommodations, while taxi transfers connect the different hiking areas.
Hiking level
The hiking stages range from 7 to 18.5 kilometres and take a maximum of approximately six hours. Some stages include substantial elevation changes, so a good level of fitness is recommended.
Thanks to the optional shorter coastal hike on day 4, you can partly adapt the itinerary to your own pace and energy level.
Included in this hiking holiday
✓ 7-day individual hiking holiday on El Hierro
✓ Overnight stays in carefully selected accommodations
✓ Luggage transfers
✓ All necessary taxi transfers during the hiking holiday
✓ Airport transfer to Valverde
✓ Transfer to the harbour on the day of departure
✓ Detailed Canary-Hiking travel information with practical information
✓ Access to the Canary-Hiking travel app with daily itineraries, routes, GPX files and accommodation details
✓ 1 month of free use of the Canary-Hiking Komoot app from the start of your trip
- Customized trip
- Taxi transfers included
- 4/5 walks with GPX
- Difficulty: easy/medium
- Total distance: 58 km
- 5 hours of daily walks
- Trails: rocky surfaces, loose volcanic surfaces, unpaved roads.
Day 1: Arrival
El Hierro is one of the most undiscovered Canary Islands, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. With its rugged landscapes, high cliffs and rich biodiversity, El Hierro offers a unique hiking experience.
Upon arrival at El Hierro you will be taken to Valverde, the charming capital. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Valverde is the ideal starting point. After an orientation walk through the picturesque streets, you can enjoy local specialties in a restaurant.
Day 2: Ruta del Agua
The first full day of walking starts with the Ruta del Agua, a circular walk that starts and ends in Valverde. This route offers a perfect overview of the island’s natural beauty and historical heritage. You’ll follow old irrigation canals through forests and past quiet villages, enjoying panoramic views and traditional farming methods.
Distance: 12 km
Elevation difference:+820 / -830
Duration: 5 hours
Day 3: Nuestra Señora de los Reyes
The next day the walk starts at the shrine of Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, the island’s patron saint, and heads to El Sabinar, known for its wind-shaped juniper trees. This route through La Dehesa, a vast nature reserve with rugged cliffs and open fields, offers a spiritual experience thanks to the landscape and the silence.
Distance: 10 km
Elevation difference:+290 / -970
Duration: 4 hours
Day 4: Optional Coastal Walk from La Maceta to Las Puntas
If you want to explore more, there is an optional coastal walk from La Maceta to Las Puntas. This route along the rugged north coast offers a fascinating landscape of volcanic cliffs and hidden coves. The walk ends in the picturesque village of Las Puntas, where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at a local restaurant
Distance: 7 km
Elevation difference:+70 / -70
Duration: 2.5 hours
Day 5: Charco Azul
On the fourth day you explore the northern side of the island, walking from La Frontera to Charco Azul. This route offers beautiful views over the fertile valley of El Golfo and leads to the natural pools of Charco Azul, where you can take a refreshing dip before returning to La Frontera.
Distance: 14.5 km
Elevation difference:+650 / -650
Duration: 5 hours
Day 6: Alto de Malpaso
You will be taken to the highest point of the island, Alto de Malpaso, from there you walk to Valverde. In clear weather this walk offers spectacular views of the island and the ocean. You descend through dense forests and open fields, enjoying the rich flora and fauna of El Hierro.
Distance: 18.5 km
Elevation difference:+50 / -590
Duration: 5 hours
Day 7: Departure to Tenerife
You will be dropped off at the port by taxi. Your journey ends here!
Included
- Price based on 2 persons
- Departures possible on any date
- Accommodation (6 nights)
- All necessary transfers (taxi)
- 5 hikes with GPX files
- Luggage transport
- STO Guarantee
- Acces to our travel app
Optional
- Ferry
Excluded
- Flights
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- All meals and drinks not included in the program
- Booking fee
- Ferry
Verblijf in 3 Accommodaties
Distance
58 km
Difficulty
Easy/Medium
Up
1970 m.
Down
2430 m.
Can I help you further?
Non-binding and personal. I would like to help you further, via email, telephone or WhatsApp button on the site. We are available 7 days a week. On weekends it may take a few hours before you can receive a response from me.
