Puerto de la Cruz

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines tradition and sophistication, contemporary bars, local cuisine and lovely beaches with safe swimming, Tenerife’s north coast town of Puerto de la Cruz is going to hold a great deal of appeal. This former fishing village provides Spanish and island traditions, colonial-style restaurants, an Old Town with narrow and winding streets that are ripe for exploration and generally plenty to see and do.

When to go

The Mediterranean climate means you can expect long, warm summers and mild winters. The average high in the hottest months – July and August – is roughly 23°C, but it’s not uncommon for highs to hit well over 30°C.

For a cooler alternative, visit between October and May instead, and we’d recommend late spring or early autumn, when the heat is comfortable, and the water is warm enough to enjoy yet still pleasantly cooling.

Top Attractions

It’s very own festival, the Puerto de la Cruz Carnival, is hard to beat when it comes to zealous atmospheres and plain old fun. Making an appearance are large, colourful processions, dance groups, clowns, even locals donning extravagant costumes… and that’s all before the all-night parties kick-off.

To take in some flora from near and far, Jardín Botánico botanical gardens has literally thousands of tropical plant varieties, palms and herbs from all over the world.

Beaches

Playa de Jardin is the main beach which is striking with its black sand and stunning backdrop of tropical gardens, waterfalls and sun terraces. The other beach, Playa Martiánez, doesn’t lack for beauty either, and is situated next door to the Lago Martiánez pool complex.

Dining

Head to the old part of town for a wide selection of good, affordable restaurants offering a first-rate mix of Spanish and Canarian cuisine. The old fishing quarter of La Ranilla has some particularly good eateries.

To follow the lead of the locals, Meson Los Gemelos, located adjacent to Plaza de Charco, has a character that wouldn’t be amiss in the countryside. The terrific menu and semi-open courtyard make it a very charming place indeed.

Entertainment

For a sleek and chic evening drowning in live entertainment and exotic drinks, head to the trendy and popular Blanco Bar. Though there is also a lively scene of bars and nightclubs found on Calle Obispo Pérez Cacéres, so you won’t be short on options.

Culture

One of the most important local museums of Tenerife can be found here, the Archaeological Museum of Puerto de la Cruz, where specimens of aboriginal Guanche culture – more than 2,600 of them – are held.

Areas designed by César Manrique, the famous Canary architect, can also be viewed, including Lago Martiánez and the picturesque backdrop of Playa de Jardin.

Adventure and Sports

If you fancy combining 21st Century tech with the historical centre of Puerto de la Cruz, and who doesn’t, then why not zip around the place on a Segway. Don’t zip too far though, this is part of a guided tour, after all.

If you don’t mind heading further afield, a coach ride to Teide National Park will be time well-spent, where you’ll find cable cars, paragliding, guided tours, and a whole lot more.

Getting around

Though the main shopping area is flat, the further away you venture, the steeper the hills you have to climb. So, you may want to take advantage of the widely available and relatively cheap taxis. Alternatively, the bus service is reliable and frequent.