Sabinar de La Dehesa, a landscape from the outer world

There aren’t many other places like Sabinar de la Dehesa, a gorgeous oasis of nature that will surprise you for many different reasons. Breathtaking cliffs, green meadows that merge with the deep blue sea, indigenous animals… and a large juniper forest intertwining from the ground. A magical landscape where you can get lost in another planet. The perfect excuse to visit El Hierro and meet one of the most authentic places in Islas Canarias.

The breathtaking Sabinar de La Dehesa

Features of this place

Of course, Sabinar de La Dehesa had to be in the wonderful island of El Hierro. It is considered the most fascinating archipelago of Canarias by many. And it is obvious why. Although it might go unnoticed at first, this island offers plenty of natural wonders. For instance, the place we are talking about now.

Located within the perimeter of the picturesque locality of La Frontera, in La Frontera park, this landscape has been formed with the pass of time. The constant trade winds of this area and the Canary current have twisted its trees in a striking way.

Although this setting is located in the western part of the island and therefore its latitude is similar to the Sahara desert’s latitude, its flora has grown perfectly thanks to the air streams that regulate the heat characteristic of this area of the archipelago. These winds make La Frontera a great space for sheep grazing thanks to its fresh grass.

First steps on the Sabinar

The first step to get to Sabinar de La Dehesa is to have time. Although the excursion doesn’t require too much effort, its great beauty will trap you at first sight. Our recommendation is to start the route at Nuestra Señora de los Reyes sanctuary, which provides a lovely postcard where the white of its walls stands out in the local green vegetation. It houses a representation of the patron saint of El Hierro.

Once you have done this mandatory stop, you should follow the route GR 131 though a one-kilometre deep green forest, the perfect place to connect with nature and get lost in this setting surrounded by trees. This path will take you to an incredible destination: a pebble stone road that will lead you to a breathtaking viewpoint. The gorgeous viewpoint of Bascos provides impressive views of the ocean and the eastern part of the island.

This path will take you through fields and grazing lands that turn the Sabinar area into the perfect place to learn about the rural life of El Hierro. The deeper you lose yourself in the Sabinar, the more beautiful it gets – breathtaking cliffs where you can watch Golfo and La Frontera, stone sculptures and, of course, its junipers.

Trunks of infinite curves

Every person that has been to the Sabinar talks about its striking junipers. The branches of these trees meet the ground back, creating an extraterrestrial scenery. A fascinating creation of nature that leaves breathless anyone who dares to get lost in this large forest.

It hides in the wildest nature of El Hierro island, a place where you will hear the sound of the waves. The presence of the trade winds remains constant here, a warm friend that has played an important role on the growth of these junipers. In fact, its twisted trunks is a representation of the effect the wind has over these trees.

Although the Sabinar itself is something magical due to the great number of twisted trees that can be seen here, there is one that really stands out. Gran Sabina will welcome you at the beginning of one of the first stages. An astonishing, thick-branched tree, so tilted thanks to a wind that almost touches the ground. Walking through the junipers might even feel like a horror movie, but it is actually a extremely relaxing spot where you can enjoy the strength of nature.

Our recommendations

Sabinar de La Dehesa is one of the most cherised landscapes by locals in Canarias. Therefore, you must respect the environment. The excursion to the Sabinar is easy and you can do it on foot or by car with La Frontera as a starting point. Our recommendation is the first method, so you can enjoy the atmosphere as much as possible and get lost in the natural environment of the area.

Whether you decide to walk or to drive, you should bring comfortable clothes, sun protection and water, especially if you take this route during the summer. Some junipers are protected by a cord that indicates that you should stay away to preserve its good condition. You must respect this cord and don’t get any closer to the trees. The better we preserve this place, the longer it will maintain its magic charm.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.