Cruz del Carmen-Punta del Hidalgo

This large clearing which is now covered by a parking lot and other facilities was a very important crossroads. This junction was traditionally devoted to the Virgen del Carmen who protected travellers. At the end of the 19th century, the forest rangers department in the area decided to reward everyone who carried a stone to the junction with a bundle of wood. In this way, they were able to collect the material necessary to build the Cruz del Carmen hermitage.

Before beginning your descent, do take in the view from the look-out point which is one of the best of the meadows of La Laguna.

This was an important junction where the inhabitants of Punta del Hidalgo and those of Las Carboneras, who were climbing up to key crossroads of Cruz del Carmen on the peak, crossed paths. The significance of this junction is marked by a cross that stands as testament to the very many people that have passed through here.

After crossing the stairs that cut through the landscape, you will reach one of the most difficult sections of the trail as it is quite steep, but thankfully, very short.

This settlement halfway through the trail is an excellent example of the troglodyte structures that can still be found in Anaga. Most of the dwellings in this area are cave-houses that have been dug out of the volcanic tuff as the scarce flat land was used for cultivation and people lived in these fringe areas, thereby not occupying even a square metre of the fertile soils. Most of the houses in this settlement are concentrated around this outcrop.

Before continuing your descent, you can stop at the Aguaide look-out point, where you can take in the impressive view over Punta del Hidalgo and the rest of the northern coast of Anaga.

Just a bit further on, you will see an imposing volcanic plug in the middle of the ravine that has a lighter colour. This is the Roque de los Pinos where you have the only growth of Canarian pine along the trail, because the Rural Park is actually lower than the usual habitat of this species. The Cistus chinamadensis, a species of rockrose endemic to the Park, is also found on this outcrop.

This beautiful outcrop is the symbol of the town of Punta del Hidalgo. Its name comes from a Guanche legend. Because of their forbidden love for each other, two young brothers climbed up the rock and jumped into the abyss in the black of the night, at which the mountain split into two with a groan of pain.

The structures on the slope of the ravine are part of the La Fajana well, which provided water to the cultivation plots of Punta del Hidalgo. The large building houses old machinery that is extremely valuable; however it is currently not possible to go inside. The well is actually an underground tunnel which goes from a gallery to the interior of the ravine to collect fresh water and keep away the salt water from the ocean.

The trail ends at the look-out point with a view of the Anaga massif, which you have climbed down, and the coast. The tourist information office is also located here. A monument dedicated to Sebastián Ramos or “El Puntero”, one of the leading figures of the Canary Islands folklore, reminds us that Punta del Hidalgo was one of the birthplaces of this tradition.

If you continue towards the coast, you can take a dip in the natural pools along the sea front and can see some of the most interesting marine species on the island. The bus stop is also at the end of the road.