25 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ [TENERIFE]
WHAT TO SEE IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ IN TENERIFE? IS PUERTO DE LA CRUZ WORTH VISITING?
Puerto de la Cruz is one of the most important towns in the north of Tenerife and one of the best things to see on the island (Read: 25 best things to see in Tenerife). We absolutely love spending time in this city!
Puerto de la Cruz is a beautiful and charming city with its historical center, its old port, the fishing district La Ranilla, historical places like the Casa de la Aduana, the Martiánez complex as well as Play Jardin, and the legendary Botanical Garden.
Key Takeaways from a Visit to Puerto De La Cruz in Tenerife:
– Visit Lago Martiánez, a large open-air swimming pool complex designed by renowned Canarian architect César Manrique
– Puerto de La Cruz is home to the famous Botanical Gardens, where you can explore a wide variety of plant species from around the world.
– Have fun at Loro Parque a renowned animal park home to a diverse range of animals
– Check out Plaza del Charco, a lively square in the heart of the city
– Relax at Playa Jardín, a beautiful black sand beach designed by César Manrique, with well-maintained facilities.
– There is a lot more to see in Puerto de La Cruz in Tenerife, which we listed in this post!
Here is a teaser about Puerto de La Cruz in Tenerife:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ?
1. Start your visit at the Botanical Garden
The magnificent botanical garden was created in 1788 to cultivate species of plants and flowers from the tropics. It is a perfect place to walk in nature and discover very interesting botanical species.
The botanical garden is a real paradise for lovers of nature. It is also a great place to rest and escape the heat during the hot summer days.
The Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz is located in the district of La Paz, the upper part of the city that overlooks the ocean and the newest area of the city, built in the 60s and 70s. Right next to the Botanical Garden, you can see one of the most iconic hotels in Tenerife, Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden. More information here. (READ: TOP 10 HOTELS IN TENERIFE)
2. Check out Hermitage of San Amaro
After visiting the stunning Botanical Garden to the historical center and start your exploration of this charming town.
Head to The Hermitage of San Amaro first, the oldest in the city, built in 1591.
Location: here
3. Be amazed at the viewpoint of La Paz
Very close to the hermitage of San Amaro is the viewpoint of La Paz which offers beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic, as well as the complex of Lake Martianez and Martianez Beach.
Location: here
4. Chill at Playa Martianez
From the Mirador of La Paz, continue your exploration to Playa Martianez. This is a black sand beach which is nice and quiet despite being so close to the city. The view from Playa Martianez is stunning. With good conditions, it can also be a surf spot.
Location: here
READ: BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
5. Spend a day at Lago Martiánez
Lago Martiánez was designed in 1977 by César Manrique.
The Lanzarote artist César Manrique designated two works in the city of Puerto de la Cruz in the sixties and seventies: Lake Martiánez and the Playa Jardin. If you want to know more about this amazing artist, you can check this post.
Lago Martiánez is a rather big leisure complex with a huge lake surrounded by swimming pools, gardens, and terraces with fantastic views of the sea and Mount Teide. The artist César Manrique used elements of traditional Canarian architecture, as well as native vegetation.
6. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
Continue your visit at Plaza de la Iglesia the most important church in the city, built in 1684 on an old hermitage. The tower of the church is from 1898. Inside you can see the image of Our Lady of the Rock of France and paintings by Luis de la Cruz y Ríos and Manuel de la Cruz.
Location: here
7. The cute hermitage of San Telmo
The hermitage of San Telmo was founded in 1780, next to which there is a promenade of the same name. This hermitage is dedicated to the patron Saint of Sailors. From there, you have a beautiful panoramic view of the pools of Lake Martianez.
Location: here
8. San Telmo Beach
San Telmo beach, known as “Bajío de San Telmo”, is a small family beach located next to the promenade and the hermitage. The locals at Puerto de la Cruz prefer this beach thanks to its many “charcos” or natural pools that are perfect for swimming.
Location: here
9. Charco Square
The “plaza del Charco” is a large square with many bars and restaurants where you can taste the culinary specialties of the island of Tenerife: fresh fish, “papas arrugás” (potatoes), “queso asado” (cheese in a frying pan),… In the center of the square there is a fountain decorated with plants.
Location: here
10. The Old Port of Puerto de la Cruz
The old port is one of the most charming places in the city. From the waterfront promenade, you can have some of the most beautiful photographs: the small beach of the port, the building of the Real Aduana, and the sculpture of a fisherwoman.
Location: here
11. Casa de la Real Aduana
The Casa de la Real Aduana is today the location of the Tourist Office but also a place of art exhibitions. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Puerto de la Cruz for its typical architecture. Founded in 1620, the Casa de la Real Aduana is next to the castle of Santa Barbara, located opposite the traditional fishing port.
Location: here
12. Visit Europe Square
It is a surprising and enormous square in the shape of a fortress-balcony which has six cannons from the 18th and 19th centuries and is located by the sea. Facing this popular and beautiful square is the town hall of Puerto de la Cruz.
Location: here
13. The fishermen’s quarter of La Ranilla
This is the old fishing district, very interesting for its typical traditional architecture: small colorful houses that make the charm of the district. In this district, take a walk in the beautiful street: Calle de La Verdad, with beautiful shops and restaurants, calle Mequinez with colorful houses, and El Lomo Street.
Location: here
14. San Felipe Castle
The San Felipe Castle is an old military fortress built between 1641 and 1655, renovated in the 19th century, today a cultural center for exhibitions and concerts.
Location: here
15. Playa Jardin, the best beach in Puerto de La Cruz
The Lanzarote artist César Manrique designed the Playa Jardin complex, made up of three beaches: Playa Jardín, Playa Chica and Punta Brava which are integrated into a very beautiful environment with gardens of endemic species, caves and waterfalls.
Punta Brava is the largest beach, with 260 meters in length. The Playa Jardin complex is a surprising place to enjoy the beach and the sun in a magnificent natural setting.
The beaches of the Playa Jardin are of black sand and offer many services: toilets, showers, bars and restaurants, sun lounger rentals, children’s play area, parking…
Location: here
READ: 10 BEST BEACHES IN TENERIFE
16. The Museum of Sacred Art
It houses sculptures, altarpieces, paintings, and jewelry testifying to the history and worship of Puerto de la Cruz. It is owned by the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia.
Location: here
17. The Archeology Museum
A grand 19th-century Canarian-style mansion is home to the Archeology Museum, located in the fishing district of La Ranilla. It houses a rich collection of Aboriginal ceramics, a collection of 17th-century maps, and exhibits of the culture and history of the Canary Islands.
Location: here
18. Visit Loro Parque, one of the best things to do in Tenerife for families
In Tenerife take the opportunity to visit the Loro Parque, the best zoological park in the world according to Tripadvisor. Penguins, Orcas, Parrots, etc. There are lot to see here.
If you are visiting Tenerife, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the Loro Parque, which you may have already heard of. Some even go on excursions from the island of Gran Canaria just to visit the park. This place is rather huge, so plan at least half a day to see it all.
The park is located in Puerto de La Cruz.
BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE HERE AND SKIP THE QUEUE
Location: here
19. Check the Street Arts
Do not miss the street art in Puerto de la Cruz, a pleasant route that begins in the neighborhood of La Ranilla. The facades of the houses are painted with beautiful art. These houses were painted as part of the Street Art Festival “MUECA” which takes place every year.
20. Surf in Puerto de La Cruz
There are surf schools in Puerto de la Cruz, where you can take lessons or rent equipment for surfing. For instance, you can check La Marea Surfschool (location) at Playa Martianez.
READ: BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
21. Puerto de la Cruz Carnival
Carnival in Tenerife is one of the most important parties of the year: colorful parades that attract people from all over Spain and the world.
But on the island, several carnivals are interesting, such as the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or the Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz.
The latter lasts a few days and offers one of the most awaited events: the Marcarita Ponte Tacón men’s marathon: an obstacle course where participants are disguised and wear heels. The Carnival begins in February and ends in March.
22. Museo Abaco
This 18th-century house with typical Canarian architecture houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Canaries.
Discover how the Spanish conquistadors lived and how the first inhabitants of Tenerife, the Ganches, were enslaved to work in the Spanish plantations… The house has a splendid garden and a restaurant!
23. La Orotava
While Puerto de la Cruz once belonged to the municipality of La Orotava, today the the two towns are independent. La Orotava is however much older. It was founded in the 16th century by the conquistadors. The city is built in a staircase on the mountainside and collects water from many springs descending from the mountain.
With all this water, La Orotava was able to become the first banana-producing town in Tenerife. Many of the streets in La Orotava are steep, so be prepared to climb a bit. From the gardens of the Marquis, you have a magnificent panorama of the old town as well as Puerto de la Cruz which extends it to the sea.
La Orotava is a typical Canarian town with many colonial mansions. Some are among the most beautiful in Tenerife. A city not to be missed for anyone looking for the authenticity of Canarian towns rather than the bustle of large seaside resorts.
Location: here
24. Sitio Litre Garden
The creation of this garden, in 1730, coincides with the construction of the property to which it belonged. It is the oldest garden in Tenerife. It has a nice collection of orchids as well as the oldest dragon tree in Puerto de la Cruz.
The garden can be proud of counting the novelist Agatha Christie and Alexander von Humboldt, a German scientist who founded the bases of scientific explorations as visitors. The garden is quite small and is located at the very top of a beautiful hill. You can also enjoy a nice coffee at the bottom of the garden.
Location: here
25. Walk to Bollullo Beach
If you want to enjoy a pleasant coastal walk, head to Bollulo Beach from Puerto de la Cruz. Bollulo Beach is a wild beach of black sand. From there you can continue your journey to Play Ancon and Playa del Pato.
This walk has amazing views all along. It’s a nice thing to do if you stay at Puerto de la Cruz while in Tenerife.
Location: here
How to get there?
To get to Puerto de la Cruz from Tenerife North Airport (La Laguna) by car which is 27 km away, 21 minutes by TF5. You can rent a car or have a transfer service from the airport. Once you reach the Canary Islands, it is highly recommended to rent a car. To get the cheaper rate we used Rentalcars.com. Check it out here for the best deals.
It is possible to get to Puerto de la Cruz by bus. Check the buses of Tenerife (known as “guaguas”).
Where to stay in Puerto de la Cruz?
Today, Puerto de la Cruz is the most sophisticated tourist area on the island. If you visit Tenerife we highly recommend staying at Puerto de la Cruz. From there you can easily reach other main sights in Tenerife such as Laguna, Garachico, or Masca.
Our Recommended Hotels:
$$$ – Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden
$$ – Puerto Palace
$ – RF San Borondo
READ ALSO: TOP 10 HOTELS IN TENERIFE
Best restaurants in the city
Here are the best places in this city to enjoy Canarian and international cuisine.
Casa Pache
A magnificent place in the heart of the Ranilla district. The Casa Pache restaurant has a long tradition of good food. It is a house with a humble facade that hides small cozy rooms, each with a different personality and full of fascinating details typical of the Canaries.
The food, creative Spanish cuisine, is fabulous and the restaurant regularly wins prizes when the town holds tapas competitions.
Location: here
Regulo
Often elected as one of the best restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz. The Regulo restaurant is located in a beautiful Canarian house with traditional wooden balconies and a wide wooden staircase.
The food is of the highest quality, and price are a bit higher than usual in Puerto de la Cruz.
Location: here
The Cofradía de Pescadores
Another great place to eat is La Cofradía de Pescadores a really nice place in town.
This place is very famous if you are looking for fresh and quality seafood.
The location is absolutely stunning too!
Location: here
Our Final thoughts
Visiting Puerto de la Cruz was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. We absolutely loved the historical city center and the coastal walks. The work of César Manrique with Lake Martianez and Playa Jardin is also fabulous.
For more information on the best things to do and see in Tenerife, check out this post: 25 AWESOME THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN TENERIFE
Tenerife is a great destination to travel to. No wonder, why it is one of the most popular islands in the Canary!
If you have any questions about Tenerife or Puerto de la Cruz, feel free to leave a comment below.
All our posts about the Canary Islands can be found here.
HAPPY TRAVELS!
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