Puerto de la Cruz blends historic Canarian charm with lively beaches and gardens, offering a more laid-back alternative to Tenerife's southern resorts while still providing plenty of restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Every third Sunday in January the charming town of Tigaiga in Los Realejos opens its festive calendar with its annual pilgrimage for San Antonio Abad.
Puerto de la Cruz blends historic Canarian charm with lively beaches and gardens, offering a more laid-back alternative to Tenerife's southern resorts while still providing plenty of restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife's picturesque northern coast, stands as one of the island's most historically significant towns. Originally established in the 16th century as the port of La Orotava, this charming coastal settlement evolved from a vital maritime hub into the Canary Islands' first premier tourist destination in the late 1800s. British and European aristocrats were drawn to its mild climate and therapeutic waters, establishing the town as a sophisticated health resort. Today, Puerto de la Cruz perfectly balances its rich historical heritage with modern appeal, featuring traditional Canarian architecture, charming plazas, and the famous Lago Martiánez swimming complex designed by César Manrique. The town's historic quarter, with its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings, tells the story of its evolution from a fishing port to a beloved tourist destination while maintaining its authentic character.
Playa Jardín is one of Puerto de la Cruz's most picturesque beaches, designed by the renowned Canarian artist César Manrique. True to its name ("Garden Beach"), this black volcanic sand beach is framed by beautiful botanical gardens, swaying palm trees, and cascading waterfalls that create a uniquely tropical atmosphere. The beach complex is cleverly divided into three sections - Castillo Beach, Charcón Beach, and Jardín Beach.
Cornering the Playa is Castillo San Felipe, a historic fortress built in 1634 to protect Puerto de la Cruz from pirate attacks. Today, the well-preserved castle stands as a landmark near Playa Jardín and serves as a cultural center hosting various exhibitions and events. The surrounding district extending eastward to Plaza del Charco is one of the city's most charming areas, characterized by traditional Canarian architecture, narrow streets, and local life. This zone includes the picturesque fishing port (Puerto Pesquero) where you can find fresh seafood restaurants serving catch of the day. The area between the castle and Plaza del Charco combines both tourist amenities and authentic local character, with family-run restaurants, small hotels in restored historic buildings, and residential streets where locals go about their daily lives. It's less touristy than the hotel zone to the east of the city, offering visitors a more authentic glimpse of Puerto de la Cruz life while still being within easy walking distance of the beach and main attractions.
The central place feels like the heart of Puerto de la Cruz und you will often gravitate here by chance when walking in the old town and city centre. A big part of life takes place outdoors on the Canaries. People in their holidays enjoying the food in one of the many restaurants, locals sitting and chatting over their cortado (espresso).
Lago Martianez is the main swimming complex in Puerto de la Cruz, featuring several seawater pools designed by artist César Manrique in the 1970s. The complex includes a large main pool surrounded by smaller pools, gardens, and sunbathing areas. It's particularly practical for swimming and relaxing when the nearby beaches have rough seas, as the pools are protected from the waves while still using natural seawater. The facilities include restaurants, changing rooms, and lockers, making it easy to spend a full day there. What makes Martianez special is its location - you can swim while looking out at both Mount Teide and the ocean. The entrance fee is reasonable, and while it can get busy during peak season, the complex is large enough that you can usually find a quiet spot.
The promenade with lots of shops and restaurants is perfect for walking, shopping and listening to live music from early evening time.
On the hillside overlooking Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife is the Taoro district. Its story began in 1893 with the construction of the Grand Hotel Taoro, which helped transform this northern Canarian port town into a sought-after tourist destination.
The district sits about 100 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of both the city and the Atlantic Ocean. At its heart lies Parque Taoro, a beautiful public garden that features winding paths, water features, and carefully maintained plant life. The slightly higher altitude also provides a pleasant microclimate, making it a comfortable place to live or visit year-round.
Today, Taoro continues to be one of Puerto de la Cruz's most desirable areas, maintaining its reputation as an upscale residential neighborhood while still attracting tourists who appreciate its historical charm and spectacular views.
Adjacent to the old Casino lies the Malpais area, named after its volcanic rock terrain ('mal país' literally means 'bad land' in Spanish). This neighborhood is home to the Hotel Tigaiga and what might be Puerto de la Cruz's most beautiful terrace café: Alberto's. Here you can enjoy delicious cakes while taking in breathtaking views over Puerto and the Orotava Valley.
La Paz sits in the upper reaches of Puerto de la Cruz, offering a refreshing alternative to the busier tourist zones below. This primarily residential area has evolved into a pleasant blend of local life and visitor amenities, with a notable German presence that's evident in the German-owned cafes, bakeries, and restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood. The area's elevated position provides sweeping views across the town and out to the Atlantic, while the main avenue, Calle San Amaro, balances local Spanish establishments with businesses catering to German-speaking visitors.
What sets La Paz apart is its more relaxed atmosphere compared to the downtown areas of Puerto de la Cruz. Walking through its streets, you'll notice the abundance of mature gardens and the iconic Canarian pines that provide welcome shade. The area has become particularly popular with German tourists and residents, who've been drawn here since the tourism boom of the 1960s. They appreciate its microclimate - typically a few degrees cooler than the seafront - and its accessibility, with regular bus connections to both the town center and other parts of Tenerife. The botanical gardens are within walking distance, making La Paz an ideal base for those who want to explore Puerto de la Cruz while staying in a quieter setting.
Lars
Lars
Every third Sunday in January the charming town of Tigaiga in Los Realejos opens its festive calendar with its annual pilgrimage for San Antonio Abad.
What began in 1972 as a small parrot sanctuary has grown into one of the world’s most respected wildlife parks.
Officially known as the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, Jardín Botánico is a lush oasis that transports visitors into a world of exotic plants and serene beauty.