Visit Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is a town on the north coast of of Tenerife. It is one of Tenerife's top resorts.
Explore Puerto de la Cruz
Visiting Tenerife's northern towns is always a pleasure as they are set in the lush, verdant countryside of northern Tenerife. Puerto de la Cruz is no exception and is has an abundance of sub-tropical plants and the surrounding region is filled with tropical fruit plantations.
The town has many fine buildings and the harbour area is particularly pretty. In the older parts of town the streets are narrow and cobbled and there are lots of bars and restaurants in which to pause and soak up the atmosphere.
Calle Lomos and the Plaza del Charco del los Camerones are the hub of the old town and here you can enjoy the fishermen's cottages painted in different colours and lit at night by old fashioned lanterns. The church of Nuestra Senora de la Pena de Francia on the Plaza de la Iglesia is one of the finest on Tenerife and was built in the 17th century.
One of the great attractions for many visitors to Puerto de la Cruz is its excellent lido, the Lago Martianez which was designed by Cesar Manrique. The lido has beaches, palms, sea water pools and lots of tropical plants as well as bars and facilities - everything you need for day in the sun.
Puerto de la Cruz has a great climate and has some excellent gardens. The Botanical Gardens in the La Paz suburb of Puerto de la Cruz are a treat with huge lily ponds, a 200 year old fig tree and giant bird of paradise plants. The Risco Belle Aquatic Gardens is another to visit and has water gardens and lots of tropical plants. The Sitio Litre Garden has tropical and sub tropical plants and the oldest drago tree, 'dragon tree' in Puerto de la Cruz.
Sat above the town is the Hotel Taoro a huge hotel, sadly abandoned for the moment, which once saw the likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as its guests. It sits in large gardens on the edge of a volcano. It may be restored as a parador one day in the future.
Unlike many Tenerife towns where a lot of British nationals either holiday or live Puerto de la Cruz retains a very Canarian flavour.
photos kindly supplied by Turismo de Tenerife
Places to visit nearby
If you are travelling with children a trip to the nearby Loro Parque is recommended. It is one of Europe's best zoos and also has an 18 meter long shark tunnel.
Photos of Puerto de la Cruz
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Map of Puerto de la Cruz and places to visit
Puerto de la Cruz places to visit
Loro Parque
Loro Park is one of Europe's best zoos and also has killer whale and dolphin shows. Enter the 18 meter long shark tunnel.
Loro Parque guide
La Orotava
La Orotava has many beautiful buildings often with interior courtyards and wooden balconies.
La Orotava guide
Candelaria
Candelaria is an important pilgrim destination. Many visitors come to see the shrine of the Black Madonna.
Candelaria guide
Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos is home to the oldest dragon tree on the Canary Islands. It has some pretty squares and is close to the Cueva del Viento larva tunnels.
Icod de los Vinos guide
Teide National Park
A stunning volcanic park with an active volcano, Mount Teide. Teide Park is in the centre of Tenerife and is a highlight of any visit.
Teide National Park guide
Garachico
A beautiful little town on the north coast of Tenerife. Garachico has a very pretty centre and a harbour area full of natural rock pools.
Garachico guide