El Sabinar of El Hierro is one of the most emblematic and unique landscapes of the Canary Islands. Nestled in the magical and little explored island of El Hierro, this place full of mysticism and natural beauty is an ideal destination for nature tourism lovers and for those looking to enjoy an incomparable environment. Join us on this tour to discover the secrets of this fascinating place.
What is the sabina of El Hierro? 🌲
To start talking about the Sabinar of El Hierro island, we must first talk about the sabina of El Hierro. This is a thousand-year-old tree, endemic to this island, known scientifically as Juniperus turbinata and which is a variant of the Mediterranean juniper. It is an emblem of El Hierro, to the extent that it forms part of the island’s official coat of arms. The aborigines already used the wood of the juniper tree to make tools, ornaments and weapons; and when the European and Spanish settlers arrived on the island, the wood of this El Hierro tree continued to be used to make all kinds of tools and constructive elements.
Main features of the Sabinar of El Hierro 🌳
El Sabinar in El Hierro is a ‘forest’ of sabinas or junipers that is characterised by having created an almost surreal landscape, with trees that defy gravity and create impossible shapes. This place, located on the Dehesa de Sabinosa plateau, is a symbol of the power of nature and the adaptability of plant species.
Although junipers can reach heights of up to 8 metres, many of them grow here horizontally, twisted into fantastic shapes. The terrain in which these junipers are found is arid and rocky, which adds a dramatic touch to the landscape and creates an impressive visual impact. Besides, this place is also home to a rich biodiversity, including several species of birds and small mammals that find refuge in this juniper forest.
How were the juniper groves of El Hierro formed? 🌀
The origin of the Sabinar of El Hierro is closely linked to the island’s climatic and geological conditions. The strong trade winds blowing from the northeast of the island have shaped the junipers here for centuries, forming their characteristic twisted and bent shapes towards the ground.
The process by which these El Hierro trees acquire these unique shapes begins when the junipers are young. The constant winds force them to grow horizontally and, over time, they develop and maintain these curves and twists, that seem to be straight out of a fairy tale. In the words of those who have visited the Sabinar, it is a unique visual spectacle.
How to get to the Sabinar of El Hierro 🚗
As we have already explained, the Sabinar of El Hierro is located in the Dehesa de Sabinosa, a landscape located in the far west of the island. To reach this place it is advisable to hire a car on the island, as public transport does not reach this remote area. From Valverde, the capital of El Hierro, the shortest way is to take the HI-400 road to Sabinosa, which offers spectacular views of the volcanic landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. When you reach the Christian Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, continue along a dirt road that leads directly to the juniper grove.
To avoid any confusion, it is important not to confuse the Sabinar de El Hierro – which is a natural landscape – with the so-called Monumento a la Sabina de El Hierro (Monument to El Hierro juniper tree), which is an artificial and unimportant construction located at the opposite end of the island, specifically on the HI-2 road on the route to the port town of Puerto de la Estaca.
Other places on El Hierro to visit nearby 🗺️
El Hierro is a unique island full of natural wonders. In addition to the Sabinar, there are many other places worth exploring. These include the Mirador de La Peña viewpoint, designed by the famous Canarian artist César Manrique, from where you can get breathtaking panoramic views of the El Golfo Valley and the Atlantic Ocean.
Before reaching this viewpoint, as we cross the El Golfo Valley we will come across the Ecomuseum of Guinea, an interesting collection of old houses that recreate how the old inhabitants of El Hierro lived in the past. Not far away we also have the Puntagrande Hotel, an iconic place famous worldwide for being the smallest hotel in the world, which is ideal for taking some good photos and selfies with breathtaking views of the sea.
If you are a hiking enthusiast, an alternative is to retrace the route through the south of the island to El Sabinar, and head for the Pico de Malpaso Peak, known to be the highest point on the island, which offers an unforgettable experience. The peak can be reached by car via a dirt track that ends at the so-called Mirador de Malpaso viewpoint, from where you can enjoy an absolutely breathtaking 360-degree view of the whole island and – on clear days – even see some of the neighbouring islands of the Canarian archipelago.
El Sabinar of El Hierro is a true natural gem that captivates not only for its uniqueness, but also for the tranquillity and beauty it offers to those who visit it. This emblematic place, together with the other wonders of the island, makes El Hierro a destination not to be missed if you like to enjoy nature and sustainable tourism. Don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at the magic of the twisted junipers and the volcanic landscape of this island. El Hierro awaits you! 🏝️
