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Titolo 4
Titolo 6
Cruz del Carmen - Punta de Hidalgo
Mazico de Anaga
The Cruz del Carmen – Punta del Hidalgo Trail (PR-TF10) is one of the most comprehensive and transformative hikes you can take in Tenerife. It begins at an altitude of approximately 920 meters, at the Cruz del Carmen Viewpoint, surrounded by the lush laurel forest of Anaga Rural Park. From there, the path descends through mist, moss, and ancient trees that create an almost magical atmosphere.
The trail passes through traditional hamlets such as Las Carboneras and Chinamada, where dwellings carved into the rock and terraced crops suspended over the cliffs are still preserved. These hamlets, far from mass tourism, show what rural life was like in Anaga more than a century ago. The hospitality of the few residents who still live there is part of the experience.
Further on, the trail crosses arid areas with scrubland and cacti, opening the way to breathtaking views of the Atlantic. From Chinamada, you can take a short detour to the viewpoint of the same name, with views of vertical cliffs that drop directly into the sea. The final descent to Punta del Hidalgo is intense but rewarded with a complete change of scenery: from mist to sun, from deep green to navy blue.
In total, the route is about 11–12 km, with steep sections. It requires good physical fitness, appropriate footwear, and water, especially if you're hiking downhill (from the mountains to the coast). Upon reaching Punta del Hidalgo, you can cool off in the natural pools or take a bus back to La Laguna.
This trail is a journey through the island's geography, climate, and culture condensed into a few hours. A hike that encapsulates all the richness of Tenerife: cloud forest, rural tradition, volcanic geology, and the sea.
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Where to eat
Lucky Helado
If you're in downtown Santa Cruz and fancy something cold while strolling around Plaza de España, Lucky Helado is a very convenient option. It's a takeaway shop with a variety of ice creams and fast service, ideal for a quick stop before continuing your walk. Perfect for cooling off without any hassle right in the city center. There are often queues.
What to see
Presa de los Campitos
If you're looking for a peaceful getaway near Santa Cruz with a unique twist, the Los Campitos Dam has something special. It's not just nature: it's an abandoned structure that lends a distinctive character to the surroundings. You can stroll around, explore, and discover the contrast between the natural landscape and what was left unused. It's a little-known spot, perfect for disconnecting and discovering something different without going too far.
Activities
Área Recreativa Llano Los Viejos
If you're looking for a picnic area within Anaga that's more secluded and less crowded than others, Llano de Los Viejos has a very different feel. Here you're immersed in the laurel forest, with frequent mist, humidity, and that typical silence of the northern mountains. It's a more enclosed spot, perfect for relaxing, having a picnic or barbecue, and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle.
Beaches
Playa de Benijo
Benijo Beach, in northern Tenerife, is one of those places that seem like something out of this world. Wild, dark, and powerful, it combines volcanic sand with a rough sea and the silhouettes of rocks emerging from the Atlantic. It's ideal for those seeking pure nature, far from mass tourism. The sunset here is one of the most impressive on the island: the sun sets behind the rocks while the sea is tinged with gold and violet.
Nightlife
Urban 180
If you enjoy sipping a drink with city views and continuing the night without leaving one spot, Azotea Urban 180 is one of those rooftop bars I love to visit. Located on the seventh floor of the Hotel Urban Anaga in Santa Cruz, it shows: you get a panoramic view of the city, the sunsets take on a whole new dimension, the music and cocktails liven up the atmosphere, and as night falls, the place transforms into a lively rooftop club with a great vibe and people ready to have a good time.
Shopping
Ron Guajiro
If you want to try a rum with a true Canarian identity, Guajiro is one of those that's part of the local culture. You'll notice it especially in the honey rum: sweet, smooth, and very easy to drink, perfect after a meal or on the rocks. They also have drier and oaked versions if you prefer something more robust. It's a very local product, the kind you'll find in traditional bars and shops around the island.
Sports
Santa Cruz Extreme
The Santa Cruz Extreme is an iconic mountain race in Tenerife, which runs through Anaga Rural Park and finishes in Santa Cruz. It has several categories (60 km, 33 km, 18 km, 10 km, and a vertical race), with steep slopes, routes along trails, and traditional farmhouses. Held in October, it attracts runners of many nationalities; it is also notable for its sustainable approach and for promoting the natural and rural value of Anaga.
Trekking
El Tomadero
A circular route in Anaga Rural Park connecting Punta del Hidalgo with El Tomadero, ascending via a channel carved into the rock and descending through the ravine. It's approximately 6 km with little elevation gain, but includes technical and exposed sections that increase the difficulty. The channel is in very good condition and clean, although it can be quite vertigo-inducing in some places. The descent through the ravine is rocky and uncomfortable. A short but demanding route, not recommended for people with vertigo.