Trails & Travel -

7 Islands 7 Reasons: Part #3 El Hierro

In the third installment of Jordi Bago’s Canary Island travel series he travels to the smallest of the islands, El Hierro.

The smallest island out of all the canary islands has a really big potential for our sport. This left me massively surprised, at just how many trails spots and amazing places the island has!

Background of the Island of El Hierro

El Hierro is known as the meridian island, I got told it has 46 points of scuba diving, which is one of the best in Europe! The island is a biosphere reserved and is the first geopark in the Canary Islands and is self-sufficient with renewable energy sources.

This small island, declared as a biosphere reserve, caught us by surprise with the contrast between its volcanic soil, the green of its lush forests and, transparency of the waters in the marine reserve.

The middle of the island is surreal, it’s amazing to pass in between the ancient terrain and landscapes! There is one tree called ( Arbol Garoe ) in the middle of the deep forest! …also with free wifi! Unreal!

Mountainbiking on El Hierro Image 1
The smallest of the Canary Islands still packs loads of rad riding!

Camino de tiñor trail, Puerto de la Estaca – 4km

On the second day, I was riding in the rural park of Fe la Frontera with amazing views from the top of the island over the ocean! We found rad trails all with sign-posting right down to the sea side also going in between some volcanoes ( like on the photo), super steep but also lot of fun to feel the wheels in the volcanic soil which stop us without using our breaks. This take us down to the north side of the island with a super nice trail under the mountains, finishing on the beach with huge waves breaking onto the rocks! Also stopping by a typical restaurant for a tasty meal!

Mountainbiking on El Hierro Image 2
The waves crashing onto the beach are wild!

Trail Valverde to la peña trail to Puerto la estate (7.4km from main city)

From the main city, we rode several trails that take us down to the port of La Resting, pedaling next to the coast to see the views of the famous rock in the middle of the ocean, where they filmed a scene for Pirates of the Caribbean!

Mountainbiking on El Hierro Image 3
You’re never far away from the sea.

Trail el Sabinar 5km (the crazy tree in the movie!)

From El Sabinar we started our last ride that will take us through the great trails between this unique sabinar trees called which are amazing to shoot some photos at sunset! All the way down to El Sabinar beach for more than 5km we shred on the red sand! I really enjoyed this trail, super fun with more amazing views!

Mountainbiking on El Hierro Image 4
The crazy wind swept trees make for a surreal environment.

I have to say I was really impressed by this island which surprised me so much with how much it has to offer us in such a small place! There are plenty of hotels to stay with friendly owners and serive, but there is just one gas station in the whole island!

For more information on visiting El Hierro head to elhierro.travel

Missed the previous parts of 7 Islands 7 Reasons?
PART #1 FUERTEVENTURA
PART #2 LA GOMERA