Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Located on the north west coast of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is a sophisticated city with plenty of history as well as modern attractions, gardens and an inviting seafront. It is one of the oldest resorts in Tenerife and has 3 beaches to choose from.
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz has a long black sand beach, attractive beachfront gardens, a beautiful lido, a charming old quarter and a town full of shops, bars and restaurants. It tends to be more popular with mature couples but with Loro Parque and Pueblo Chico on your doorstep there is fun for families too.
Read more about: Beaches | Things to Do | Out and About | Nearby Attractions | Puerto de la Cruz Reviews
Beaches
Playa Jardin is the largest and most popular beach; it has black sands and is backed by beautiful beach front gardens. Across the other side of the town, Playa Martinez is ideal for sunbathing and the waters are great for surfing.
In between the two beaches, Lago Martianez is the famous lido designed by Cesar Manrique. Here you can relax on the spacious sun terraces surrounding a string of pools leading to the main lake-style pool complete with islands; watch the fountain and admire the sea views.
Things to Do
As a port and fishing village, the city dates back to 1502. Some of the oldest buildings you can visit include the early 17th century Customs House and 18th century Santa Barbara fort, both near the harbour.
For views over the town and the Lago Martianez, head up the hill to the Taoro Park (former site of the Taoro Casino) where you will also find a cafe and a children's playground.
Loro Parque is located on the edge of the city and is a world class attraction. It comprises a wildlife park and huge aquarium set in tropical landscaping. There are also daily shows with the whales, dolphins, tropical birds and the sea lions.
Pueblo Chic is also on the outskirts of the city and offers a fabulous overview of the island in miniature. Far more than your common or garden model village, you can see all the island's landmarks and attention to detail is splendid and well worth taking a really close look.
Out and About
In the old quarter, admire the sea views from the Plaza de Europe and discover all the old churches and plazas; the Nuestra Senora de la Pena de Francia and the Church of San Telmo.
Walk for miles along the seafront promenade or seek some shade in the narrow pedestrianised shopping street of Calle de Hoya. There are plenty more shops, bars and restaurants surrounding the Columbus Plaza and indeed throughout the entire resort. Sit in a pavement cafe next to the Plaza del Charco or, if you have little ones, take them into the square where there's a children's playground.
Nearby Attractions
The Sitio Litre Orchid Gardens are located in the grounds of an 18th century mansion on the outskirts of the town (approx 10 minutes walk from the seafront). Approx 10-15 minutes further walking will take you to the Botanical Gardens of La Oratova.
Set amid vineyards and banana plantations, the classy and historic town of La Oratova is just 10 minutes drive away. A wealth of history and Canarian architecture await in this charming town of cobbled streets, colonial mansions, chic boutiques and traditional tapas bars.
Tenerife Resorts
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