Description
Difficulty Level
GR131 El Hierro: Trektocht over de Camino de la Virgen de los Reyes
The GR131 on El Hierro is the final trek in our series of GR131 routes across the Canary Islands. This route takes you to the smallest and most remote island of the archipelago, where tranquillity, nature and local traditions are central. Over approximately 45 kilometres, you cross El Hierro from east to west through its varied volcanic landscape.
The trek starts on the eastern side of the island and continues towards the far west. Along the way, the landscape changes from volcanic slopes and open mountain areas to dense forests and the rugged western coast. As El Hierro is still relatively quiet and less visited than the other Canary Islands, you will encounter few other hikers along the route.
An important part of the route is the Camino de la Virgen de los Reyes. This historic trail crosses the island and is used every four years during the Bajada de la Virgen, when the statue of the island’s patron saint is carried from her chapel in the west to Valverde. During this trek, you literally follow a route that plays an important role in the history and traditions of El Hierro.
Along the way, you pass special places such as El Sabinar, known for its wind-shaped juniper trees, and La Llanía, a atmospheric forest area that is often covered in mist. Further west, you reach Punta de Orchilla, the westernmost point of El Hierro and for centuries considered the end of the known world.
What makes the GR131 El Hierro special?
✅ Camino de la Virgen: follow a historic trail that plays an important role in the traditions of El Hierro.
✅ Volcanic landscape: discover lava fields, volcanic slopes and rock formations that have shaped the landscape of El Hierro.
✅ El Sabinar: walk among the characteristic juniper trees shaped by the strong winds of the island.
✅ La Llanía: explore a green and atmospheric forest area where mist and vegetation create a distinctive setting.
✅ Punta de Orchilla: reach the westernmost point of El Hierro, once considered the end of the known world.
✅ Peace and tranquillity: hike on an island where mass tourism is virtually absent and stay in small-scale accommodations.
✅ Luggage transfers: your luggage is transported between accommodations, allowing you to walk with just a light daypack.
Hiking level
The GR131 El Hierro is a moderate-level trek. With a total distance of approximately 45 kilometres, the route is relatively short, but there are regular elevation changes along the way. A normal to good level of fitness and some experience hiking in hilly terrain are recommended.
The stages also leave enough time to enjoy the landscape and discover some of the special places along the route.
Included in this hiking holiday
✓ Individual trek along the GR131 on El Hierro
✓ Overnight stays in carefully selected small-scale accommodations
✓ Luggage transfers between accommodations
✓ All necessary passenger transfers during the hiking holiday
✓ 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
- Trek along special views
- Malpaso
- Walking through different climate zones
- Among the volcanoes
- Special overnight stays
- Peace and authenticity
- Pilgrim’s path
- Highlands
Do you have specific wishes? We would be happy to discuss the possibilities and tailor this trip to your needs.
1 | Arrival on 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, you will be transferred by taxi to your accommodation in Valverde, the island’s capital. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Valverde is the perfect starting point. After an orientation walk through the quaint streets, you can enjoy a meal at a restaurant offering local specialties.
2 | Valverde to La Llanía Parking The Camino de la Virgen, a historic pilgrimage route on El Hierro, begins in Valverde and heads towards the parking lot at La Llanía in the first stage.
The hike 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, terraced farmland, and small villages. The first few kilometers are a bit steeper, perfect for getting into the rhythm of the Camino.
As you continue climbing, the landscape transforms, and you enter the laurel forests typical of El Hierro. This part of the route offers shaded paths.
The endpoint of this stage, La Llanía, is a popular resting spot, with a small parking area and picnic tables.
Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: +871 meters / Elevation loss: -247 meters
3 | La Llanía 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 segments of the Camino de la Virgen on El Hierro. This route takes you through a diverse and changing landscape, from the mystical mist forests to the rugged, dry plains on the island’s western side.
Starting at the La Llanía parking lot, you continue along the path that ascends through the laurel forest, an area often shrouded in mist, creating a magical atmosphere. You reach the top of Malpaso at 1506 meters in elevation.
As time passes, the landscape changes. The route descends to the western part of El Hierro, where the terrain becomes drier and more rugged. You’ll pass lava fields, strange rock formations, and expansive plains that showcase the island’s volcanic origins.
The endpoint of this stage, Faro de Orchilla, lies on the west coast and was once the westernmost point of the world. The lighthouse marks this historical site, which served as the prime meridian for years.
Distance: 21 km
Elevation gain: +200 meters / Elevation loss: -1530 meters
4 | El Sabinar The day begins at the shrine of Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, the island’s patron saint, and takes you to El Sabinar, famous for its wind-sculpted juniper trees. This route through La Dehesa, an expansive nature reserve, offers a beautiful experience. The famous “twisted tree” of El Hierro is located along this route.
Distance: 11.6 km
Elevation gain: +420 meters / Elevation loss: -430 meters
5 | An Extra Day in the Capital Valverde or at the Luxury Hotel on the North Coast The GR131 hike has been completed. You have the option to enjoy one more hiking day on the island. Since you can’t miss out on El Sabinar, we provide a walking route to see the island’s iconic “twisted trees.”
Distance: 16 km
Elevation gain: +1130 meters / Elevation loss: -1130 meters
6 | Your Journey on El Hierro is Coming to an End – What’s Next? In the afternoon, you’ll take the ferry back to Tenerife. But what’s next for your adventure? Will you stay a little longer to unwind on this versatile island, or is it time to head home?
Whether you want to relax for a few more days on El Hierro or Tenerife or head directly to the airport, we’re happy to assist you in making the right choice. Let us know your plans, and we will arrange the perfect connection – with transfers, extra nights, or helpful tips.
Your trip, your pace. We’ll take care of the rest. ✨
Inclusive
- Price is based on 2 persons
- Travel duration: 6 days
- Ferry Los Cristianos El Hierro
- Luggage transport
- GR131 Camino de la Virgin
- 1 extra walking day
- Accommodation with breakfast
- STO travel guarantee
- WhatsApp support
- Acces to our travel app
Exclusive
- Flights
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- All meals and drinks outside the program
- Booking costs
- Possible single room supplement
- Transfers outside the program
Our special Accommodations
Distance
48 km
Difficulty
Easy/Medium
Up
1495 m.
Down
2207 m.
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.
