Punta del Hidalgo is at the end of the road in north-east Tenerife, where the coast runs into the Anaga cliffs. An A-frame reef exposed to north swells, with peeling rights and shorter lefts that end in a channel. For the rest of the island, read our guide to surf spots in Tenerife.
The downside: the spot is exposed to the wind, and the locals care about their wave.
At a glance: Punta del Hidalgo
| Wave type | A-frame reef, long rights and shorter lefts |
| Bottom | Sand and rocks over reef |
| Best tide | All tides, better on a rising tide |
| Swell direction | North |
| Best wind | South-east (offshore) |
| Level | Intermediate and experienced |
| Crowd | Sometimes busy, locals in the water |
| Best season | Winter |
Punta del Hidalgo surf spot (Tenerife)
The wave breaks far from the shore. According to Surfnerd, it works from about 0.6 m to 2 m of swell, with a powerful shore break and rocks on the inside.
The spot has no shelter from cross-shore winds: it needs a south-east wind, blowing from the land. Sources disagree on the wave type, some call it a point, others a reef.
When to surf Punta del Hidalgo?
The best period runs from November to February, with north swells. According to Surf-Forecast, December is the most consistent month.
Surf calendar Punta del Hidalgo: intensity by month
Punta del Hidalgo forecast
Before you paddle out, check today’s conditions:
- Windy weather map (28.5740, -16.3300): swell, wind and live conditions.
- Windguru forecast for Puerto de la Cruz, the closest on the north coast, below: wind, gusts and rating over 7 days.
Punta del Hidalgo: which surf level?
Beginners: not for you
The shore break and the rocks are too risky. Go to Playa Jardín on a small swell instead.
Intermediates: on medium swells
The rights are accessible when the swell stays medium. The first time, paddle out with someone who knows the spot and check the exit.
Experienced surfers: on big north swells
The wave gets bigger and more serious. This is the place to be in winter when the north coast works.
How to get to Punta del Hidalgo
Take the road to Tejina, then Bajamar, all the way to the end: Punta del Hidalgo is the last village before the cliffs. Parking near the coast is tricky, so park in the village and walk the rest.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 28.5740° N, 16.3300° W. At Punta del Hidalgo, in north-east Tenerife.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near Punta del Hidalgo?
Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar have a few apartments, and La Laguna is not far. Accommodation map below.
What to do near Punta del Hidalgo?
The Bajamar natural pools are right next door for flat days, and the Anaga trails start from the village. Read our article on hiking in the Anaga massif.
FAQ: Punta del Hidalgo (Tenerife)
No. The shore break is powerful and there are rocks on the inside. Beginners are better off on the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz.
From November to February, with north swells. December is the most consistent month.
A south-east wind, blowing from the land. The spot has no shelter from cross-shore winds.
The spot works on all tides, rather better on a rising tide.
In short
Punta del Hidalgo is an exposed reef in north-east Tenerife, with long rights on north swells. A spot for intermediate and experienced surfers, best surfed in winter. To discover the other islands, read our guide to surfing in the Canary Islands.
Sources: Surf-forecast, Surfnerd. Photos: Marc Wieland / Unsplash.