The archipelago’s volcanic scenery seems tailor-made for enjoying by bike. Full of nature that surprises you with every pedal stroke, the most challenging of inclines and a whole heap of stretches with sea views which are a veritable prize. An experience that, thanks to the good Canarian climate and an extensive network of trails, can be enjoyed all year round on each of the islands.
Hopping on a mountain bike in the Canary Islands is probably the fastest and most enjoyable and environmentally friendly way to explore the singular landscapes in depth. La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura… They all have popular MTB routes for exploring the terrain freely, but El Hierro may well be some of the least well-known, and at the same time most beautiful trails.
The MTB routes of El Hierro: a world awaiting discovery
The youngest island in the archipelago is pure nature. Its green heart beats to a different rhythm, one that is calmer and more connected to its surroundings, something that is evident in its network of tracks and trails. Over the years, locals have taken advantage of the region’s many unique features to design trails suitable for mountain biking and other disciplines such as trail riding and enduro, always promoting respect for the environment.
The trails that criss-cross El Hierro are a blank canvas for cyclists of all levels to plot their ideal itinerary or simply let themselves be carried away along one of the many existing routes. There are simpler routes, such as the almost 19 kilometres that connect the villages of El Pinar and La Restinga through the mountains, or the 27 km. that lead from the spectacular Charco de Las Calcosas to the Viewpoint of La Peña
If you are looking for more challenging options, El Hierro has a popular circular route that connects Valverde, the capital, with La Dehesa of Sabinosa, on the western tip of the island and home to the curious twisted junipers. Its 78 kilometres run through some of the island’s most emblematic places, such as the Cultural Park of El Julan, where the stones are engraved with messages from the ancient indigenous people, or Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes, a mythical route that locals fervently follow every four years in honour of their patron saint. Another option is the section connecting the Protected Landscape of Ventejís, near the capital, to the Nisdafe plateau, a route that is as picturesque as it is challenging.
The island with a competitive spirit
The natural landscape of El Hierro is also the setting for various sporting events, and mountain biking is no exception. Every year, the lush municipality of El Pinar hosts the Magma Bike Maratón, perhaps the most important event of its kind in the entire Canary Islands archipelago. This is a competition with two possible distances, 40 and 60 kilometres, added to which there is a race adapted for children. It is a fascinating race, but also extremely demanding, as the longest route has an elevation gain of more than 1,500 metres.
Road cycling also has a place in El Hierro. At the other end of the island, Salmor Bike takes place, the favourite race for those who prefer cycling at a leisurely pace. This is a non-competitive cycle tour that runs along the coast to the home of the giant lizard of El Hierro: Roques de Salmor.
