Walking in El Hierro Hot

El Hierro is a magical undiscovered little island, 70 miles (and 70 years) from Tenerife on the Western edge of the Canarian archipelago.

Only 25 miles from end to end it is, nevertheless 5,000 feet high so the diversity of scenery in such a small area is breathtaking.

Shane Gray, a well known figure amongst the Irish diving community has introduced us to the wonderful world of the smallest, most remote and least visited of the Canary Islands - El Hierro which lies 70 miles from Tenerife on the Western edge of the Canarian archipelago. A perfect destination for both divers and walkers seeking spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and a touch of adventure. This is a magical island that can take you back in time.

Guests will discover to their surprise a continuous contrast of very different landscapes, where you can admire lava flows, volcanic cones, green pinewoods, gentle meadows and laurel woodland known as laurisilva, together with rocky coasts of colossal cliffs which plunge down into waters that are clear, blue and full of life.

On arrival at Tenerife Airport, you will be met and escorted to Hotel Andreas in Los Cristianos where you will stay overnight. These self catering apartments are comfortably furnished rooms with private bathroom, mini-bar, telephone, tea and coffee making facilites and a safe.

Your guide will join you the following morning for the transfer by fast ferry to the Island of El Hierro. At the island’s southern tip, in the tiny fishing village of La Restinga, you will stay in a lovely seafront apartment. They have either one or two bedrooms with a living area and en-suite bathroom. They each have their own balcony, tea and coffee making facilites and an electric hob.

There are flights available from Gatwick, Manchester and many regional airports to Tenerife South which is just a 3 hour flight away.

You will be met at Tenerife South by Shane and transferred to the Hotel Andreas which is approximately 20 minutes by air conditioned mini bus.

The following morning you will meet with Shane and the rest of group and embark on the fast ferry to El Hierro which takes around 2 hours. The scenic transfer from the ferry port to La Restinga takes approximately 1 hour.

The restaurants in El Hierro specialise in locally caught fresh fish as well as great steaks and the usual range of Spanish cuisine including lovely paellas, tortillas and salads.

The island's considerable range of fruit and vegetables are organically produced and full of flavour. These include pineapples, papayas, bananas, melon, grapes, almonds, figs etc as well as tomatoes, asparagus, artichoke, onions, potatoes, sweet corn, green beans, olives, carrots etc....

The seafront apartments are barely two minutes walk along the prom to the friendly “El Bar”, the most southerly bar in Europe!

Should you fancy a change, you can always try some diving! This pretty little island is also perfect for budding artists who want to sketch or paint the fantastic scenery. El Hierro offers some outstanding photo opportunities, so make sure your camera is charged before setting off!

Throughout your stay you will be guided by long term guest and friend of Oonasdivers, Shane Gray. Each weekly tour begins on a Saturday (other departure days may be possible on request), flights are direct to Tenerife which is where your first and last night will be spent in Hotel Andrea's in Los Cristianos.

On Sunday you transfer by fast ferry (2 hours approx) to spend 5 nights on the wonderful unspoilt island of El Hierro.

Your final day will be spent on Tenerife where you can explore either on foot, or take a scenic drive to visit the National Park; here you can walk or ride a cable car almost to the summit of the spectacular Mount Teide, which at 12,5000ft, is Spain's highest mountain. Alternatively guests can choose to laze on the beach after their week of exercise!