Bascos Viewpoint

A Viewpoint in the El Golfo valley

The west of the island of El Hierro was known as the ‘end of the world’ in ancient European maps. The Bascos Viewpoint is the perfect vantage point to contemplate this rugged landscape, which has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. Its location on the top of an imposing cliff allows it to dominate the whole of the El Golfo valley, a dramatic rift valley 15 kilometres wide and up to 1,500 metres deep, caused a prehistoric landslide. On a clear day the island of La Palma is visible above the blue Atlantic.

Stop en route to the famous twisted juniper tree

The viewpoint itself is a small circle of volcanic rock, protected by railings and located on top of a precipice. The few trees in the area are tilted by the wind, and the rocks and branches are covered with multicolored lichens that give it an almost magical look, like something from a fairytale. Equally striking are the shapes and forms of El Hierro’s famous twisted juniper trees (sabinas), which are found in the communal pastures of La Dehesa, just one kilometre from the viewpoint.

Altitude

670 m

Landscape type

Natural

Protected space

Rural Park

Hiking trails

Parking

Mencafete

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Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
Respect and look after the different items of public furniture (information panels, railings, seats, lighting, binoculars and telescopes, etc.).
Respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths and spaces causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).