The best cycling routes in El Hierro
4.4
(69)
428
riders
37
rides
Touring cycling in El Hierro offers a diverse landscape, transitioning from rugged volcanic fields to lush cloud and pine forests. The island's volcanic origins have created dramatic scenery, including cliffs, lava flows, and unique geological formations. Cyclists can navigate varied terrain, from challenging ascents to sweeping roads, often with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This UNESCO Geopark provides a tranquil environment with low traffic, ideal for immersive cycling experiences.
Best touring cycling routes in El Hierro
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 26, 2026
4.7
(3)
7
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
29.3km
02:35
1,100m
1,100m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.0
(1)
1
riders
27.3km
02:34
1,010m
1,010m
This difficult 17.0-mile touring bicycle loop in El Hierro offers 3316 feet of climbing and stunning views from Mirador de la Peña.
1
riders
61.5km
04:52
1,550m
1,550m
This difficult 38.2-mile touring cycling route from Punta la Dehesa to Mirador El Julán offers panoramic views and volcanic landscapes.
5.0
(3)
36
riders
62.2km
04:45
1,580m
1,580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The chapel of the island's patron saint. She is said to have provided rainwater during droughts.
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Emblematic hermitage
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Nice, quiet place. Good starting point for some hikes.
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A hermitage was built near the Caracol, which houses the image and the shepherds on cold and humid nights. On Monday, April 25, 1577, the first mass was celebrated and sung in the Sanctuary of El Hierro, the current Insular Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Kings. Since then, an annual festival has been celebrated in honor of the Virgin of the Kings on April 25, a festival that continues to be celebrated to this day under the name of the Festival of the Shepherds.
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The building is a jewel designed by César Manrique, the great Canarian architect who dedicated his life to creating organic spaces. At La Peña, Manrique used numerous plants, large windows and masonry ceilings to create a welcoming and fresh atmosphere. Inside, visitors can enjoy the exclusive Mirador de La Peña Restaurant, with its extensive menu of Canarian dishes made with products such as tropical pineapple and the excellent fresh fish produced by this island, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
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https://www.holaislascanarias.com/miradores/el-hierro/mirador-de-la-pena/ From the La Peña viewpoint, in Guarazoca (north of the island of El Hierro), you can see the consequences of an overwhelming prehistoric event: the gigantic landslide that created the El Golfo valley millennia ago. The cliffs of this enormous indentation, 15 kilometers wide and one and a half kilometers high, are covered with dense native vegetation. At its foot lies a volcanic plain with vineyards and fruit trees that ends in the blue Atlantic. From La Peña you can also see the virgin Roques de Salmor, sanctuary of endemic giant lizards.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evlwkpQ-hpY The Hermitage of the Virgin of the Kings in El Hierro is a place of great religious and cultural importance. Built in the 17th century to house the image of the Virgin of the Kings, patron saint of the island, it is the center of the Descent of the Virgin of the Kings, a key religious festival celebrated every four years. The hermitage, with a simple and traditional architectural style, is located in an impressive natural environment in La Dehesa. In addition to being a place of pilgrimage, it attracts visitors interested in the culture and traditions of El Hierro. La Bajada is a significant event that combines religious acts with traditional dance and music, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the island.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akTUipMCRJsEl Mirador de El Julan opens to intoxicating panoramic views over the hillside, where we can appreciate its vertiginous slope, which advances in search of the cliff that kisses the Mar de Las Calmas. We observed incipient ravines and scarce vegetation, on a slope of young soils with the La Restinga volcano field blocking our view. It is made up of piles of volcanic materials of intermediate age. The eruptive centers carried out an important mixed activity during the second interval of this series, in such a way that the emitted products superficially covered the entire slope, burying the primitive relief that in some points emerges as islets, and imprinting a particular morphology on the whole. .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty level for touring cycling routes in El Hierro?
Touring cycling in El Hierro is generally considered moderate to difficult. The island's diverse terrain includes significant elevation changes, with 24 out of 28 routes listed as difficult. These routes often feature substantial climbs and descents, making them suitable for cyclists seeking a challenge.
Are there any routes suitable for less experienced touring cyclists?
While most routes are challenging, there are a few options for less experienced touring cyclists. The komoot guide lists 4 routes as moderate. These routes still offer the island's unique scenery but with less extreme elevation gains, providing a good introduction to El Hierro's varied terrain.
How many touring cycling routes are available in El Hierro?
There are over 25 touring cycling routes available in El Hierro on komoot. These routes cover a wide range of the island's landscapes, from volcanic fields to lush forests, offering diverse experiences for touring cyclists.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling in El Hierro?
El Hierro offers a 'tiny continent' of landscapes. You can expect to cycle through rugged volcanic fields, lush cloud forests (laurisilva), and extensive pine forests. Routes often feature dramatic coastal cliffs, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and unique geological formations created by the island's volcanic past.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes on the island?
Yes, El Hierro offers several longer touring cycling routes. For example, the Malpaso and El Sabinar Loop Trail covers approximately 38 miles (61.5 km), and the La Llanía Trail – View of Roques de Salmor loop from San Andrés is about 37.6 miles (60.5 km). These routes provide extensive exploration of the island's interior and diverse ecosystems.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in El Hierro?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in El Hierro are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular From the port to Timijiraque — circular by El Hierro and the Valverde and Mirador de la Peña Loop, both offering comprehensive tours of specific areas.
What natural attractions can I discover along the touring cycling routes?
El Hierro's routes pass by numerous natural attractions. You can encounter the iconic wind-sculpted juniper trees at El Sabinar, explore paths over ancient lava flows, or witness the impressive El Golfo Valley. Many routes also offer views of dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. Notable highlights include Malpaso Peak and Jinama Viewpoint.
Are there any unique viewpoints accessible by touring bike?
Absolutely. El Hierro is famous for its 'miradores' (viewpoints) that offer breathtaking panoramas. The Valverde and Mirador de la Peña Loop, for instance, takes you past the renowned Mirador de la Peña, designed by César Manrique, offering sweeping views over the El Golfo valley. Other notable viewpoints include Mirador de Bascos and those overlooking Las Playas.
Can I combine cycling with a refreshing swim in natural pools?
Yes, El Hierro's coastline, particularly in the El Golfo region, features natural swimming holes carved into volcanic rock. While not directly on every cycling route, many are easily accessible for a refreshing dip after your ride. Popular spots include Charco Azul, La Maceta, and Charco de los Sargos.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in El Hierro?
El Hierro boasts a mild climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for touring cycling regardless of the season. Daytime winter temperatures rarely drop below 15°C (59°F), ensuring comfortable conditions for exploring the island's routes throughout the year.
Is El Hierro a good destination for a peaceful cycling experience?
El Hierro is known for its tranquil and peaceful environment, making it an excellent choice for cyclists seeking a quiet experience. It's far less crowded than other Canary Islands, with minimal traffic, allowing for an immersive cycling journey where you can truly connect with nature.
What do other touring cyclists appreciate most about cycling in El Hierro?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in El Hierro, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the island's diverse and dramatic landscapes, the peaceful environment with low traffic, and the challenging yet rewarding routes that offer stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and unique volcanic scenery.
What is the highest point I can reach on a touring bike in El Hierro?
The highest point on El Hierro is Pico de Malpaso, reaching approximately 1,501 meters (4,925 feet). Ascending Malpaso presents a significant cycling challenge but rewards riders with panoramic views of the entire island and, on clear days, neighboring islands. The Malpaso and El Sabinar Loop Trail is one route that takes you towards this peak.
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