Visit Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is on the north of the island of Tenerife, one of the Western Canary Islands. Northern Tenerife is wetter and greener than southern Tenerife and more beautiful. Puerto de la Cruz is a good base for exploring the northern part of the island.
Explore Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz became the main port of Tenerife following the destruction of Garachico's port by a volcanic eruption in 1706. Puerto de la Cruz is also the oldest of Tenerife's resorts and one of its most important.
Interestingly for a major resort Puerto de la Cruz doesn't have any good beaches but it makes up for this with a magnificent lido, the Lago Martianez, designed by Cesar Manrique. The lido has large sea water pools with fountains and a 'geyser'. Statues, interesting planting and views over the sea make it a great place to soak up the sun.
There are certainly ugly, modern parts to the town but the old colonial centre is very attractive containing many old houses with their typical canarian balconies, narrow winding streets, and lovely shady plazas. The Plaza del Charco de los Camerones is the main plaza. It is shaded by palm trees and has a central fountain and pool. It is an excellent spot to relax and admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Many of the houses around Plaza del Charco and Calle Lomos are ancient fishermens houses that are painted in pretty colours and on a night the streets are lit up with old fashioned lanterns.
One of Puerto de la Cruz's oldest buildings, the Church of San Fransisco, is on the Plaza de la Iglesia (Church Square) which was built in the 17th century. The church has an attractive interior.
Up above the town is the enormous casino of Puerto de la Cruz. The Casino Taoro. This was built in the 19th century and in its heyday famous guests include Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie. The views from up here are excellent and the casino is set in a large park. There is also a Botanic garden in the El Botanico district which is the second oldest in Spain.
Near to the town is an attractive beach called the Jardin beach which is planted with palm trees.
Every year Puerto de la Cruz holds a 'Sardine Festival' the highlight of which is the parade of a large papier mache sardine to the water-front where it is ceremoniously blessed and then burnt. There is then a large firework display. This takes place in July.
Where to visit nearby?
Take a visit to the tropical gardens and zoo of Loro Parque, especially if you have children. Loro Park is one of the top attractions of Tenerife.
Nearby La Orotava is one of the most elegant of the Tenerife towns.
The Bananera El Guanche plantation is a banana plantation that you can visit.
Icod de los Vinos is the place to see the oldest of Tenerife's amazing dragon trees. It is thought to be thousands of years old.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Western Canary Islands guide.
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 Park
Loro Park is one of the top attractions of Tenerife. It is a large zoo with a dolphin display and tree-tops jungle walkway.
Loro Park guide
La Orotava
La Orotava has wide streets, handsome squares and lovely churches and like Puerto de la Cruz is beautifully situated at the foot of Mount Teide.
La Orotava guide
Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos has an attractive main square and the oldest dragon tree of the Canary Islands.
Icod de los Vinos guide
Park Teide
In Park Teide is Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Spain. The park is a treat and not to be missed.
Park Teide guide
Garachico
Garachico is a lovely jewel of a town, tiny but very elegant with colourful stucco buildings, elegant plazas, convents and mansions.
Garachico guide
La Laguna
La Laguna,San Cristobal de La Laguna,was originally the capital of Tenerife this inland town remains the cultural capital of Tenerife.
La Laguna guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Western Canary Islands