Punta del Hidalgo: Discover the Coast, Nature and Trails

The coast of Punta del Hidalgo is part of the Macizo de Anaga Biosphere Reserve. As a low-lying landscape formed by volcanic activity, the area features a rocky coast and an extensive, biologically valuable intertidal zone.

Nature

The rock pools of Las Furnias are easily accessible and allow visitors to observe various marine species. The Piscina Natural de la Punta, also known as del Arenisco, is a seawater bathing area with lifeguard supervision, showers and access adapted for people with reduced mobility. The El Arenisco natural swimming pool has been awarded the Blue Flag and is accessible free of charge all year round. The birdwatching hides in Punta del Hidalgo provide information about native and migratory bird species, as well as seating for observing the natural surroundings.

Trails

The Sendero Litoral de La Punta del Hidalgo is 2,300 metres long, takes approximately 45 minutes and has an easy difficulty level. It begins at Playa del Roquete next to the Cofradía de Pescadores de Ntra. Sra. de la Consolación de la Punta del Hidalgo and leads via the Faro and Charco La Arena to the Ermita de San Juanito. The PR-TF 10 hiking trail leads to Roque de Los Dos Hermanos, offering panoramic views of the Anaga coast, and then continues via a descent towards Punta del Hidalgo. El Roquete in Punta del Hidalgo is a surf spot with left-breaking waves, a pebble bottom, optimal conditions at low and mid tide, and a medium technical difficulty level.

Culture and History

The Faro de Punta del Hidalgo is a landmark of the coastal area because of its modern architecture; it was completed in 1992 and began operating two years later. The Casa-torre de Punta del Hidalgo is a replica of the famous Torre del Conde de La Gomera. The Centro de Interpretación del Mar y la Pesca de Tenerife features a permanent exhibition on traditional fishing in Tenerife and the local natural heritage. The Oficina de Información Turística de Punta del Hidalgo is located on the Carretera General Punta del Hidalgo opposite the Mirador San Mateo.

Other places included in the selection are Tejina, Valle De Guerra, Guamansa and Bajamar.

The Cofradía de Pescadores has a restaurant where fresh, locally sourced products can be sampled. The Capilla de La Virgen del Carmen de La Hoya was built in 1925 in honour of the Virgen del Carmen. In September, Punta del Hidalgo celebrates the festival in honour of its patron saint, San Mateo Apóstol, with religious and popular events, including the Cabalgata del Haragán, during which a cloth effigy filled with firecrackers is burned.

Before the conquest, Punta del Hidalgo was a dominion independent of the other Menceyatos, ruled by Aguahuco, the son of Mencey Tinerfe, and later inherited by his son Zebenzuí. On Saint John's Day, the saint is carried in a procession from the Iglesia de San Mateo to the beach where the Ermita de San Juanito now stands.

For the higher-level travel overview: San Cristóbal De La Laguna.