If you’re wondering what to see in Punta del Hidalgo, the most useful thing to know from the start is this: it works better as a coastal stop for a walk, lighthouse, and swimming with volcanic scenery than as a classic sand beach day. It’s worth it if you feel like walking by the sea, visiting Playa de los Troches, seeing the lighthouse, and deciding on the spot whether it’s worth swimming here or heading to the natural pools of Bajamar. It fits really well into a morning in northern Tenerife, a car trip, or a relaxed plan for photos and a walk.
Also, it’s quite easy to get to from La Laguna and from the northern airport, so it works even if you don’t want to cover too many kilometers. If you’re looking for an authentic place, less crowded, and easy to combine with other visits in the northeast of the island, Punta del Hidalgo makes sense, especially if you include it in a route with Bajamar, Anaga, or another northern stop.
- The best of the visit: the walk to the lighthouse, Playa de los Troches, the fishing-village atmosphere, and the option to combine it with Bajamar or Anaga.
- If you’re coming to swim: better when the sea is calm. If you want a more comfortable or family-friendly area, it’s usually worth combining the visit with the natural pools and swimming area in Bajamar.
- How long to stay: Between 2 and 4 hours if you’re just going to see the area, a bit more if you want to combine it with Bajamar or a route through Anaga.
What to see in Punta del Hidalgo at a glance
The most recognizable feature of Punta del Hidalgo is its coastline. The seaside promenade is short, comfortable, and quite charming, especially when the day is clear and you can see the rugged coast against the Atlantic. From here, you can also take the path that leads to the lighthouse, one of the area’s symbols and one of the stops that best captures the character of the place.
If you want to focus your visit on a swimming area, the most well-known spot is Playa de los Troches, with black sand and a much wilder setting than other more comfortable beaches in Tenerife. You can also head to Playa del Arenal if you prefer a more open area. It’s not the most practical spot for someone just looking to lie down for hours, but it is perfect for those wanting coastline, photos, and a stop with character.
Another part that people tend to really like is the contrast between sea and mountains. Punta del Hidalgo is right at the gates of Anaga, so it works really well as a base for a day that mixes coastline, viewpoints, and a short walk in the northeast of the island.
Beaches, natural pools, and swimming
Many searches about the area go straight to Punta del Hidalgo beach or its possible swimming spots, so it’s worth clarifying that well. What’s most interesting here isn’t a big urban beach, but a combination of black sand, volcanic coast, and pools or swimming areas that depend heavily on the state of the sea. That’s why it’s a visit that benefits from checking the weather and the waves before going.
If you feel like swimming, Playa de los Troches is the most well-known spot to visit. If you’re looking for something more comfortable or family-friendly, it’s also worth checking out the natural pools and the Bajamar swimming area, which are very close by and can be visited on the same day. That proximity makes Punta del Hidalgo especially good for a relaxing trip as a couple, a morning of photos and a stroll, or a leisurely day on the coast.
Lighthouse, walk, and things to do nearby
The Punta del Hidalgo lighthouse is one of those stops almost everyone ends up making, even if it’s just for the walk and the view of the building by the sea. You don’t need to plan a long route to enjoy it. Just take a calm walk along the coast, stop to watch the waves, and give yourself some time for the most photogenic part of the route.
If later you want to round off the day with another scenic plan, you can follow the route around the island with a stop at Mirador de Ortuño. To plan your day, our Tenerife travel guide helps you combine the coast, viewpoints and historic towns without unnecessary detours. For more cultural sights, our guide to Tenerife’s monuments suggests places worth adding to your itinerary.
It’s also a good starting point if you plan to head later to Anaga trails, to La Laguna, or to other relaxing northern plans. You don’t need to treat it like an isolated excursion: it gains a lot when you integrate it into a route with several nearby stops.
How to get to Punta del Hidalgo and where to park
The most convenient way to get there is by car, especially if you’re planning a route around Tenerife. From La Laguna, you take the TF-13, and the drive is straightforward. If you land at Tenerife North Airport, this area is much more accessible than many spots in the south of the island.
You can also go by bus from La Laguna, although the trip will give you less flexibility if you want to combine several stops in one day. If you go by car, it’s best to avoid the busiest hours on weekends or on very good beach days, because the seafront area gets pretty lively. Even so, it’s still easier to find parking here compared to other very touristy areas of Tenerife.
Where to eat and where to stay
Punta del Hidalgo fits perfectly if you feel like eating fish, taking it slow, and sleeping in an area less crowded than the main tourist hubs. It’s not the place for those looking for a bustling nightlife or a huge range of entertainment, but it is for those who appreciate the local vibe and a peaceful base in the north.
This area makes sense as a base for the coast and short trips around northeastern Tenerife. Accommodation options include Hotel Atlantis Park Resort, Altagay Apartments and Punta Paradiso, though it’s wise to check availability and exact location depending on the kind of trip you’re planning.
When it’s worth visiting Punta del Hidalgo
The visit looks best on clear days and when the sea is reasonably calm. If your priority is swimming, check the wave conditions first, because in this part of the coast the wind and the sea’s strength can change the experience quite a bit. If what you’re looking for is a walk, photos, and atmosphere, any time with good light can work, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
In short, Punta del Hidalgo is definitely worth it for a quiet stop on Tenerife’s northern coast, with volcanic scenery, a distinctive lighthouse and places to walk. To keep planning your trip, return to the homepage of Turismo Canarias you’ll find the rest of the guides published so far.