Echedo: Hiking Trails, Wine and the Atlantic

The tenth section of the circular Camino Natural Sendero Circular runs from Tamaduste to Echedo. Along this stretch, the trail passes through volcanic landscapes to the coast of Punta de Amacas and then through extensive vineyards whose vines grow on black volcanic soil. The eleventh section begins in Echedo, heads towards El Mocanal, crosses the village and extends as far as the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña.

When booking a holiday apartment in Echedo, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies in the offer details. The importance of these details may vary depending on your own plans for hiking, wine, history or the sea.

You can reach other village pages via Tamaduste, Erese and Isora.

Hiking

The circular hiking trail across El Hierro follows traditional island paths and passes through Echedo in the northern part. The village can be reached by car via several regional roads.

Landscape

The Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña is a small chapel carved into the rock. Around 500 metres away is the Mirador de la Peña, a work by Canary Islands architect César Manrique, offering panoramic views of the sea and the Valle de El Golfo.

Echedo looks out over the Atlantic from a hillside; the slope is characterised by gardens and vines that grow from volcanic ash beside picturesque stone houses. The Chajorra herreña (Sideritis ferrensis) occurs in the south of the village, an endemic species found exclusively on El Hierro.

Culture

The traditional “Recogida” takes place in August during the San Lorenzo and La Candelaria festivities in Echedo’s square. In the days before the celebration, items left outside the houses are collected early in the morning and brought to the square.

Echedo is considered the first place on El Hierro for which records of winegrowing exist. An Englishman named John Hill is said to have planted the first vine in Echedo in the 16th century.

The village has old wooden wine presses; some have been restored, while others are falling into disrepair, and they can be regarded as local historical testimonies. The Camino de la Virgen is connected with a 150-year-old request from the northern villages of Mocanal, Echedo and Erese for permission to carry the Virgin.

Water

Echedo is a starting point for hikes, including to the natural bathing pools of Charco Manso Bay.

Charco Manso is a natural bathing pool formed by basalt lava and characterised by caves, arches and bathing areas. Protective rocks create calm water there, suitable for swimming for people of all ages.

The bathing pool has sunbathing areas, access stairs, a large car park and a small café. While swimming, numerous marine species living in deeper water can be observed with simple swimming goggles.

Cuisine

The La Higuera de la Abuela restaurant is located near the central Plaza Miguel Barreda and has a terrace where you can try fresh fish and seafood such as limpets, moray eels and viejas.

Echedo is associated with wines bearing the DO El Hierro designation of origin and is known for its blackberries.

To the overarching travel overview: Valverde.