The Incredible Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada Hike In Tenerife

The Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada Hike is one of the most spectacular hikes in Tenerife. Looking back on our entire Tenerife travel itinerary, this was also one of the hardest hikes that we did on our holiday. Nevertheless, if you’re a fan of epic landscapes, this hike should be on your bucket list!

From lush green mountains that look like they came straight out of Jurassic Park and make you feel like you’re on Hawaii to dramatic cliffs plunging into the ocean. This stunning trail leads you through some of the most beautiful parts of Anaga Rural Park.

In this article I will tell you everything you need to know to have the best experience on the Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada Hike.

Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada Hiking Stats

Hiking distance – 9km

Elevation – 607m

Route Type – Out & Back

Duration – 4 hours

Level – Moderate to hard. The hike up to Chinamada is pretty steep but the views along the way make it an absolute dream come true. I recommend bringing hiking poles for this particular hike.

Parking Lot – Park your car at Punta del Hidalgo. There isn’t that much parking space so make sure to start your hike in the early morning.

Best time to visit – I recommend starting in the morning. Almost the entire trail is exposed and due to the level of elevation it can get pretty hot and sweaty during the day.

Interesting facts about Anaga Rural Park

Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and geological features, offering a unique insight into the island’s natural heritage. Here are some interesting facts about this captivating landscape:

In 2015, Anaga was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, recognizing its exceptional natural values and cultural heritage. This status is a testament to the area’s rich biodiversity and the efforts to preserve it.

Anaga is home to some of the best-preserved laurisilva forests in the Canary Islands. These forests date back to the Tertiary period, over 20 million years ago, and are a relic of the subtropical vegetation that once covered much of Southern Europe and North Africa.

Anaga is not only significant for its natural beauty but also for its cultural heritage. The area is dotted with picturesque hamlets that maintain traditional Canarian architecture and ways of life. Many of these villages, like Taganana and Chinamada, offer insights into rural Tenerife’s history and culture.

How to get to Punta del Hidalgo

Getting to Punta del Hidalgo, located on the northeastern tip of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is relatively straightforward.

By Car

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Punta del Hidalgo from other parts of Tenerife. From the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it takes about 30 minutes to drive to Punta del Hidalgo. The route involves taking the TF-5 motorway north and then following the TF-13 road, which leads directly to Punta del Hidalgo.

If you’re coming from the Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia Airport), the drive will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Follow the TF-1 motorway north towards Santa Cruz, then switch to the TF-5 and continue as above.

🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.

🅿️ PARKING – There’s limited parking space so make sure to start hiking in the early morning to avoid missing out on a parking spot.

By Bus (Guagua):

TITSA, the public bus company in Tenerife, operates routes to Punta del Hidalgo. From Santa Cruz, you can take bus line 050, which offers a direct route to Punta del Hidalgo. The journey takes about an hour and provides a scenic route along the coast.

Check the TITSA website for the latest schedules and route changes, as public transportation times may vary, especially on weekends and holidays.

Hiking the Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada trail with a baby

As I said in my introduction, this was definitely one of the hardest hikes that we did on Tenerife. Especially since I was carrying César up the mountain and I didn’t bother bringing my hiking poles with me. Big mistake!

Just like our other hikes in Tenerife, we completed this hike when César was only 3 months old. You’ll definitely need a good baby carrier an don’t be like me and bring your hiking poles!

The entirety of the trail is exposed so make sure to bring a sunhat and sunscreen for your baby!

For long hikes I prefer putting him in soft and breathable fabrics like his bamboo sleepsuits. They have a two way zipper which is also ideal for nappie changes on the go!

💡 TIP – Bring some spare clothes for your baby! Not just because of the risk of a diaper blowout but also because he/she will be in a baby carrier the entire time and things can get pretty sweaty underneath.

Since this hike is on the longer side make sure to bring food or snacks for your baby.

How to hike the Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada hike – A step by step guide

The hike begins in the coastal village of Punta del Hidalgo, known for its dramatic cliffs and wild ocean views. The trailhead is easily accessible and well-marked, making it straightforward to begin your adventure.

I personally found the start of the trail not too impressive but trust me, once you head up to the Anaga mountains the scenery becomes breathtaking!

On your way to Chinamada the only way is up with a few flat sections to catch your breath. But I was pretty much red like a tomato during the entire hike. Luckily the landscape is so stunning that I didn’t even notice the burn in my legs!

You’ll traverse lush green valleys, rugged mountain paths, and even some tunnels carved out of the rock.

The hike culminates in the small hamlet of Chinamada, which is famous for its cave houses still inhabited by locals. These traditional homes are carved directly into the rock, providing a fascinating glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage.

💡 TIP – Don’t bother hiking to Mirador Aguaide cause it is closed and marked as hazardous.

Most hikers opt to return the same way to Punta del Hidalgo and since your car is parked in Punta del Hidalgo I highly recommend this.

The way back down can be pretty rough on the knees. Another reason to make sure to bring those hiking poles! Due to the trail’s diverse conditions and sometimes challenging terrain, it’s essential to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks.

After this incredible hike you’ll probably be pretty hungry! Especially if you forgot to bring snacks like we did8 :D

You can grab lunch and a refreshing drink at Café Melita – Palmelita which is only a few minutes driving from Punta del Hidalgo.

The best time to hike the Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada Hike In Tenerife

The Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada hike in Tenerife is best enjoyed during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November. During these times, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures for hiking and clear skies for enjoying the stunning views along the trail.

When it comes to the best time of day I highly recommend starting in the early morning. The entire hike is exposed and during our hike the sun was shining the entire time. Amazing of course if you know that the Anaga Mountains are the rainiest part of Tenerife. But this also meant that it was incredibly hot while hiking up.

If you have any questions about how to visit Tenerife or if you want to share your experience, comment below!

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Charlotte

Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!

Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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