Camino de la Virgen (The Virgin's Trail — Historic Pilgrimage Route)

A historic pilgrimage trail and one of the most significant cultural routes in the Canary Islands, crossing the entire island of El Hierro from the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Reyes in La Dehesa (west) to Valverde (east). The approximately 28 km route follows a traditional footpath used since pre-Hispanic times by the Bimbache people, and later adopted for the **Bajada de la Virgen** (Descent of the Virgin) — a major religious festival held every four years (next celebrations: 2025, 2029) during which the statue of the Virgen de los Reyes, the island's patron saint, is carried in procession across the entire island. The Bajada is the most important cultural and religious event of El Hierro, declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in Spain. The trail can be hiked year-round (approximately 7–9 hours one way, moderate difficulty, approximately 800 m total elevation change) and passes through a remarkable diversity of landscapes: pine forests, volcanic badlands (malpaíses), pastoral meadows, and sections of ancient stone-paved royal road (Camino Real). Signage and waymarks (red and white GR markings) are present along the route, which forms part of the GR-131 long-distance network. The trail can be walked in sections — popular shorter routes include the stretch through the El Julan pine forest (the densest forest section) and the final descent into Valverde. Water and supplies must be carried as there are no facilities along the route. Spring (March–May) offers the best conditions with wildflowers in bloom and moderate temperatures.