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Exploring Tenerife’s Iconic Lighthouse: Faro Punta del Hidalgo Guide
Discover Tenerife’s coastal charm at Faro de Punta del Hidalgo! Explore the lighthouses, natural pools, and historic villages in this captivating guide.
Punta del Hidalgo lighthouse
The Faro Punta del Hidalgo is a stunning lighthouse located in the northeast of Tenerife, in the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
It was built to guide sailors through the sea and prevent shipwrecks.
The lighthouse is a modern and innovative structure that has become a must-visit attraction for tourists and locals alike.
The tower is 29 meters high and has a range of 22 miles (40 kilometres) of light. To reach the top, visitors have to climb 246 stairs, but the effort is worth it, as the views from the top are breathtaking.
From there, you can see the natural swimming pool of Punta del Hidalgo, the beaches of Bajamar and the Roque de los Dos Hermanos, among other landmarks.
The location of the lighthouse is also strategic, as it marks the beginning of the Anaga Rural Park, a natural reserve with stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
Location of the Faro Punta del Hidalgo lighthouse, Tenerife
Punta del Hidalgo is a beautiful town situated on the northeast coast of Tenerife, one of the seven Canary Islands. It is part of the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which is located in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The town is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Anaga Mountains and the rugged coastline that stretches for miles.
The Punta del Hidalgo Lighthouse, also known as the Faro de Punta del Hidalgo, is located on the edge of the town, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is managed by the Autoridad Portuaria, the port authority responsible for the maintenance and operation of the lighthouses in the Canary Islands.
The location of the lighthouse is strategic, as it marks the northernmost point of Tenerife and serves as a guide for ships entering and leaving the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The lighthouse is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to admire its unique design and stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscapes.
The town of Punta del Hidalgo is easily accessible by car or public transportation, and there are plenty of accommodations, restaurants and shops, and there is ample parking nearby to cater to the needs of visitors.
The town is also close to other popular destinations in Tenerife, such as the historic city of La Laguna and the beautiful beaches of the south coast.
Description of the Faro de Punta del Hidalgo Lighthouse, Tenerife
As I stand at the Punta del Hidalgo Lighthouse, I am struck by the beauty of the surrounding sea and the tower’s elegant construction.
History
The construction of the Faro de Punta del Hidalgo began in 1991 and was completed in 1992. The tower was built to replace the old lighthouse, which was built in 1876 and was no longer operational.
The new lighthouse was designed by the architect Julio Fajardo and is a modern structure that blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Construction
The tower of the Faro de Punta del Hidalgo is 25 meters high and is made of reinforced concrete. It has a cylindrical shape and is painted white with a red stripe.
The tower is topped with a lantern room that houses the light. The tower’s design is simple yet elegant, and it is a testament to the skill of the architect who designed it.
Light and Range
The Faro de Punta del Hidalgo has a white light that flashes every 10 seconds. The light has a range of 16 nautical miles and is visible from all directions.
The lighthouse is equipped with a modern navigation system that helps ships navigate safely through the waters around Tenerife.
Faro de Anaga, Tenerife
Faro de Anaga is a lighthouse located on the northeast coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It is situated in the Parque Rural de Anaga, a protected natural area with stunning landscapes and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
As a hiker and nature enthusiast, I was excited to visit this area and explore the trails that lead to the lighthouse.
To reach Faro de Anaga, I took the Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Hike, which is a challenging 9.6-mile loop trail that starts at Playa de Benijo and leads to the lighthouse.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the mountains, and it takes approximately 6 hours to complete.
Along the way, several trail intersections lead to different parts of the park, so it’s important to have a map or a guide to avoid getting lost.
When I finally reached Faro de Anaga, I was impressed by its location and its architecture. The lighthouse is perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and it has a cylindrical tower with a red and white striped pattern.
The tower is 14 meters tall, and it emits a white flash every 10 seconds that can be seen from up to 17 nautical miles away.
I spent some time exploring the area around the lighthouse, which is home to several species of seabirds and marine mammals.
I also learned about the history of the lighthouse, which was built in 1864 to guide ships through the dangerous waters of the Anaga Peninsula.
Today, it is still an active lighthouse that helps to ensure the safety of sailors and fishermen in the area.
Beaches and Natural Swimming Pool in Punta del Hidalgo, Tenerife
As I explored Faro Punta del Hidalgo, I was amazed by the stunning beaches and natural swimming pool.
The beaches here are known for their natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is rocky, but there are several small coves with sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
One of the highlights of my visit was the natural swimming pool, Piscina Natural Punta del Hidalgo. It is a fenced-off area of the ocean that protects swimmers from waves and currents.
At high tide, the bigger waves crash in and provide excellent fun for swimmers. The pool is regularly cleaned, and there are lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of visitors.
There are also tide tables available, so visitors can plan their swimming activities accordingly. The water in the pool is clean and warm, making it an ideal spot for families with children.
In addition to the natural swimming pool, there is also a sandy beach that is protected from the waves. This beach is perfect for those who want to relax and soak up the sun.
There are also several amenities available, including showers and a little playground for children.
Chinamada and Roque de Los Dos Hermanos
As I hiked through the Faro Punta del Hidalgo trail, I came across the charming village of Chinamada.
This small village is known for its unique cave houses, which have been preserved for over a century. The cave houses are built into the hillsides and provide a cool retreat from the Tenerife heat. I was fascinated by the ingenuity of the early settlers who created these homes.
Roque de Los Dos Hermanos
From Chinamada, I continued my hike towards Roque de Los Dos Hermanos. This twin-peak rock formation is a landmark in the area and provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The peaks rise to 344 meters above sea level and offer a challenging hike for those who are up for it.
As I climbed towards Roque de Los Dos Hermanos, I was struck by the rugged beauty of the terrain. The trail was steep and rocky, but the views were worth the effort. I could see for miles in every direction, and the ocean stretched out endlessly before me.
Overall, Chinamada and Roque de Los Dos Hermanos are two must-see destinations for anyone visiting the Faro Punta del Hidalgo area.
The cave houses of Chinamada provide a unique glimpse into the history of Tenerife, while the hike to Roque de Los Dos Hermanos offers a challenging adventure with stunning views.
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