Beach apartment with terrace and pool

Hotel Description

You know what really surprised me about this place? It’s tucked away on this quiet street named after some local guy everyone calls “El Petaco” – and honestly, I had to ask three different people how to find it the first time. But that’s actually part of its charm, because once you’re there, you feel like you’ve discovered something the cruise ship crowds haven’t figured out yet.

The apartment itself is one of those places that looks better in person than you’d expect from the photos. I mean, the terrace – that’s where you’ll spend most of your time if you’re smart about it. It faces the ocean, and in the mornings you can hear the waves hitting the rocks below while you’re having your coffee. The pool is shared with a few other units, but it never felt crowded when I was there in late spring. Actually, most afternoons I had it completely to myself, which was perfect because the ocean here can be pretty rough for swimming (the locals will tell you the same thing). The water’s always surprisingly warm though – they keep it heated, which is clutch because even in summer, the Atlantic can be chilly.

Punta del Hidalgo itself is sort of this forgotten corner of Tenerife that feels more like where actual Canarians live rather than where tourists go. There’s this tiny seafood restaurant about a five-minute walk down the hill – I can’t remember the name but it’s got blue shutters and the owner’s dog always sleeps by the door. Best lapas I had on the whole island, and the guy spoke maybe ten words of English but somehow we managed just fine. The black sand beach is… well, it’s not postcard pretty like the southern beaches, but it’s got character. Lots of volcanic rock formations, and when the tide’s right, you can walk out pretty far on the natural pools. Just watch the waves – they come in sets and can catch you off guard.

Parking was easier than I expected, which is saying something for the Canary Islands. There’s usually a spot right on the street or within a block. The building’s entrance is a bit confusing – it’s apartment 23 but the numbering doesn’t make much sense, so don’t feel bad if you walk around for a few minutes looking for it. The woman who manages it (I think she lives in the building) was super helpful with local recommendations, though her English is pretty basic. She drew me this little map to the best hiking trail nearby, which starts right behind the church and takes you up to these incredible viewpoints over the coast.

The whole area gets pretty quiet after sunset – this isn’t where you go for nightlife, but that’s exactly why it works. You’re maybe twenty minutes from the busier parts of the island if you want restaurants and bars, but honestly, I found myself just staying put most evenings, listening to the ocean and watching the lights from the fishing boats. The WiFi actually worked well enough for video calls, which was a pleasant surprise. It’s the kind of place where you realize you’ve been checking your phone less and less each day.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $103. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities