Camino de la Virgen (GR-131)

El Hierro's most culturally and spiritually significant hiking trail — the Camino de la Virgen is a 27 km ancient pilgrimage route that connects the island's main sanctuary, the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Reyes (the patron saint of El Hierro) near San Andrés, with the village of El Pinar in the south. Every four years during the Bajada de la Virgen festival, the island's population carries the statue of the Virgin along this path, but the trail is walkable year-round as the GR-131 long-distance path. The most popular section is the approximately 12 km segment from San Andrés to the Ermita de la Virgen de los Reyes (approximately 4–5 hours one way), which traverses the wild, windswept interior of El Hierro through a landscape of ancient volcanic cones, 'lañas' (natural meadows created by ancient landslides), and stone-walled pastures where free-roaming sheep and goats are watched over by the island's legendary herreño shepherd dogs. The trail passes through the Dehesa area with its iconic wind-sculpted juniper trees (Sabinar de El Hierro) — elfin forms bent horizontal by the trade winds — and offers views of the El Golfo valley, one of the largest landslide amphitheaters in the Canary Islands. The trail is well-signed with GR-131 markers. The terrain is rugged but not technically difficult — sturdy boots and good fitness are needed. Many walkers arrange transport — leave a car at El Pinar and take a taxi to San Andrés. Free access, no permits required. Essential: windproof jacket (the east of El Hierro is famously windy), sun protection, at least 2 L of water, and food — there are no facilities on the trail itself. Best months: October–May (the exposed route is dangerous in summer heat). The Camino de la Virgen combines hiking with a deep sense of place — this is a walk through El Hierro's soul, following the footsteps of generations of herreños on their sacred path across an island that was once considered the edge of the world. For a shorter experience, walk the 5 km circular route through the Sabinar de El Hierro juniper forest starting from the Ermita de la Virgen de los Reyes. Combine with a visit to the Faro de Orchilla sunset or a meal in Valverde. The Camino de la Virgen is a remarkable experience — remote, elemental, and profoundly connected to the island's identity.