Including Canary Hiking walking pin El Hierro. Save them all!Description
The Enchanting Camino de la Virgen
The Camino de la Virgen is one of the most iconic hiking trails on the magical island of El Hierro. This 28 kilometer long tour runs through a unique landscape full of contrasts and history. This route was originally a pilgrimage path that has been walked every four years since 1745 during the procession of the Virgen de los Reyes, the patron saint of the island.
You start in the east, in the capital Valverde, and walk through the green highlands. The path then leads you up to the highest peaks of the island, such as the Pico de Malpaso (1501 meters), from where you have a spectacular view over the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean and surrounding islands.
The route descends through dense pine forests and lava fields, offering unique views along the way. You end at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, where the official end point is. Optionally you can go to Faro de orchilla where the GR131 ends.
The Camino de la Virgen is more than a walk – it is a spiritual and physical journey that brings you closer to nature, culture and the heart of El Hierro.
- Trek along special views
- One or two extra walking days
- Walking through different climate zones
- Among the volcanoes
- Special overnight stays
- Peace and authenticity
- Pilgrim’s path
- Highlands
Do you have specific wishes? We are happy to discuss the options and tailor this trip to you. For example, if you want to have the crossing arranged, you can check this option.
1 | Arrival El Hierro
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, our taxi transfer will take you to your accommodation in Valverde, the capital. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Valverde is the ideal starting point. After an orientation walk through the streets you can enjoy local specialties in a restaurant.
2 | Valverde to La Llania parking
The Camino de la Virgen, a historic pilgrimage route on the island of El Hierro, starts in Valverde and takes you to the car park at La Llanía in the first stage.
The walk starts at the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church in Valverde, the traditional starting point of the pilgrimage. From here you follow the well-marked path that gradually ascends through a landscape of green meadows, agricultural terraces and small villages. The first kilometers are relatively more difficult uphill, ideal for getting into the rhythm of the Camino.
As you climb further, the landscape changes and you enter the laurel forests that are typical of El Hierro. This part of the route offers shaded paths.
The end point of this stage, La Llanía, is a popular place to rest. Here you will find a small parking lot and picnic areas.
Distance: 15 km
Elevation difference: +871 up / – 247 down
3 |La Llania parking via Nuestra Señora de los Reyes to Faro de Orchilla
The stage from La Llanía to Faro de Orchilla is one of the most impressive sections of the Camino de la Virgen on El Hierro. This route runs through a diverse and varied landscape, from the mystical cloud forest to the rugged, dry plains on the west side of the island.
From the parking lot at La Llanía you follow the path that continues to ascend through the laurel forest, an area that is often shrouded in mist and therefore has a magical atmosphere. You reach the top Malpaso at an altitude of 1506 m.
Over time the landscape changes. The route descends to the western half of El Hierro, where the terrain becomes drier and rougher. You will pass lava fields, jagged rock formations and vast plains that give an idea of the volcanic origins of the island.
The end point of this stage, the Faro de Orchilla, is located on the west coast and was once the westernmost point in the world. The lighthouse marks this historic spot, which served as the Prime Meridian for many years.
Distance: 21 km
Elevation difference: +200 up / – 1530 down
4 | El Sabinar
The day 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, offers a beautiful experience. The famous crooked tree of El Hierro is on this route.
Distance: 11.6 km
Elevation difference: +420 up / – 430 down
5 | An extra day in the capital Valverde or in the luxury hotel on the North Side.
The GR131 has been completed. You have the option to walk an extra day. Let us know and we will ensure that you receive a nice walking route from us. You can choose to take a beautiful circular walk from Valverde, from Tigaday to the coast or to the ancient archaeological city of Guinea.
6 | Rest day and travel day to Tenerife
This day should be used to return to Tenerife.
Inclusive
- Price is based on 2 persons
- Travel duration: 8 days
- Ferry Los Cristianos El Hierro (optional)
- Luggage transport
- GR131 Camino de la Virgin
- 1 extra walking day
- Accommodation with breakfast
- STO travel guarantee
- WhatsApp support
Exclusive
- Flights
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- All meals and drinks outside the program
- Booking costs €25.00
- Possible single room supplement
- Transfers outside the program
- Return ferry (optional)
Our special Accommodations
The hiking pin of the GR131
Our unique hiking pin. Each island has its own color. You get this hiking pin when you complete the GR131 Camino Naturales on one of the seven islands. With a group tour you get this at the end of the trip. With an individual trip you take a stamp ticket with you that you have signed off at different locations. With this card you will receive your earned hiking pin. You are eligible for this if the trip is booked with Canary Hiking!
Colors
Each island has its own color. Did you walk the 630 km and save all the colors together? Then you will receive a unique pin from us!
Distance
48 km
Difficulty
Easy/Medium
Up
1495 m.
Down
2207 m.
🥾 Conquer the Canary Islands, Collect Unique Pins! 🏅
Trek the GR131 Camino Naturales and collect a special Canary Hiking pin for each completed island – each in a unique color to symbolize your achievement!
Group trip? Receive your colorful pin at the end of the tour.
Solo adventurer? Collect stamps on your card at each milestone and we will send your pin!
Can we help you further?
Non-binding and personal. We would like to help you further, via e-mail, telephone or whatsapp button on the site. We are available 7 days a week. During the weekend it can take a few hours before you can get a response from me.
Also you may request for a video-call.
