A First-Timer’s Guide: The Best Things to Do in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz has welcomed visitors to Tenerife’s greener side for decades. With beaches, sunset cocktails and a cute historic town center, it’s easy to understand why Puerto de la Cruz is the most important tourism hub in the north of the island.
The town is well positioned for expansive views in all directions. In front of you, the Atlantic ocean stretches out until it appears to meet the sky, behind you, the Teide rises above pine tree covered mountains.
Of course, Puerto de la Cruz offers more than just great views. The town’s historic center is full of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets and a variety of excellent restaurants. The carefully landscaped waterfront promenade extends in both directions, passing several swimming spots along the way. Popular attractions like Loro Parque and the Botanical Garden will get you outside for some open air exploration.
Are you planning a trip to Puerto de la Cruz and not sure where to start? Here’s our take on the best things to do in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife for first-timers, and what can be skipped.
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The Best Things to Do in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
As a first-time visitor, most of your time in town will be spent in the historic downtown center and along the waterfront. This is what you shouldn´t leave Puerto de la Cruz without seeing.
Wander Through Puerto de la Cruz’s Historic Center
Puerto de la Cruz’s colorful downtown is easy to explore by foot. The historic center around Plaza de la Iglesia and Plaza del Charco is relatively flat, with plenty of ice cream shops, cafés and shops found at arm’s reach.
While downtown, make sure to admire the architecture and enjoy typical Canarian elements such as wooden balconies, interior patios and the incorporation of volcanic stones as building materials. Turn down random side streets and let your curiosity discover Puerto de la Cruz’s quieter corners and plazas.
Walk Along the Waterfront Promenade
Puerto de la Cruz is a town built around, and in relation to, the Atlantic Ocean. Originally a small fishing and port village, the waterfront has been transformed from a place of work, to a relaxing place of leisurely strolls and ocean views.
A casual walk from Playa Martiánez to the historic downtown is about 15 minutes, but you can easily extend to Punta Brava (around 45 minutes) for those looking to get their steps in.
No matter the length of your walk, make a pitstop at the old fishing harbor, ¨El Muelle¨, in the historic downtown. Right beside the small harbor beach you’ll find Julio Nieto’s photo worthy bronze statue of a woman selling fish. The monument references the economic importance of fishing during Puerto de la Cruz’s early days, before the tourism industry developed. Stopping into the nearby fisherman’s museum (free) is also recommended.
Swim at Lago Martiánez
Puerto de la Cruz’s iconic outdoor saltwater swimming pool complex is loved by tourists and residents alike. Designed by the famous Canarian architect and artist, César Manrique, this is the place to go if the ocean waves are too rough for swimming.
In addition to large saltwater pools, sunbathing loungers and cafés, visitors will experience César Manrique’s signature style of blending architecture with the natural landscape. Instead of a drab concrete block with sunbeds, you’ll find manicured gardens, Manrique’s distinctive sculptures, whitewashed walls and formations made of volcanic rocks.
The site’s official name, ¨Complejo Turistico Municipal Costa Martiánez¨ (Municipal Tourism Complex Martiánez Coast) is a bit of a mouthful, so you’ll hear people referring to it as Lago Martíánez or piscinas Martiánez (Martiánez pools).
Visit Casa de la Aduana
From the outside, the Casa de la Aduana (the Customs House) looks like any other simple building in the historic harbor area. Don’t be fooled. The building, dating back to 1620, played a critical role in the town’s trading activity and the development of Puerto de la Cruz.
The building is currently home to the Tourist Information Office, a gift shop packed with local products and the small Eduardo Westerdahl Contemporary Art Museum. Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum, it’s worth walking up to the second floor to see the decorative wooden paneling around the interior patio.
Explore Playa Jardín
Tourists often mistakenly think Playa Jardín refers to a specific beach. It is actually the name of a specific coastal area that contains three beaches (Playa del Castillo, Playa Chica (also called El Charcón) and Playa María Jiménez.
Semantics aside, the area’s delightful landscaping includes wide paths for strolling, a large playground for kids and cafés/bars where you can take a break and enjoy an ocean view. The beaches are well equipped with changing rooms, bathrooms, showers and lifeguards.
Tour the Jardín Botánico
To visit Puerto de la Cruz’s loveliest green gardens, head uphill to the Jardín Botánico (Botanical and Acclimatization Garden).
Created in 1792, the garden’s main purpose was to acclimatize species of tropical plants brought back to Spain from colonized regions of the Americas. The garden retains a robust selection of tropical and subtropical plants and trees including Mammee Apple, Lord Howe Fig, macadamia nut and jackfruit.
A visit to the peaceful and photogenic park is well worth the low entry price (€3), even if you aren’t plant obsessed.
Pop Into Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
As in many cities and towns in Spain, Puerto de la Cruz’s historic downtown is centered around a church. La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia (the Church of Our Lady of the Rock of France) dates back to the late 17th century and houses the Virgin del Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), the patron saint of the town. Entry is free when the church is open.
Hunt for Street Art in La Ranilla
La Ranilla’s quiet corners and small side streets can charm anyone. The colorful, old fisherman’s neighborhood has maintained a strong sense of tradition and heritage, while simultaneously incorporating the most interesting street art project in Tenerife.
Starting in 2014, the Puerto Street Art project organized the creation of several large scale murals in the La Ranilla neighborhood. These larger pieces of art are a modern day continuation of the decorative artwork found around doors and window frames of traditional houses in the neighborhood.
Observe Animals at Loro Parque’s Animal Sanctuary
One of Tenerife’s most popular attractions is the Loro Parque Animal Sanctuary. The extensive and well manicured park features a large number of species ranging from gorillas to penguins, and flamingos to orcas. There are regular shows highlighting sea lions, dolphins, parrots and orcas.
Of course the park does not come without some controversy. Animal welfare activists denounce holding larger animals like orcas in captivity.
More Things to Do in Puerto de la Cruz (if you have extra time)
If you’re staying in Puerto de la Cruz for a few nights, you´ll be able to move beyond the historic downtown center and waterfront. Here are some additional sites worth visiting if you’ve got the time.
Viewpoints
The uphill walk to Mirador de Taoro or Mirador de la Paz will require a small workout, but are worth it for the expansive views over downtown Puerto de la Cruz and the Atlantic Ocean.
There are more stairs up to Mirador de Taoro, but you can have a celebratory beer or coffee at the small Terraza Taoro nestled into the side of the park.
Sitio Litre Garden
Sitio Litre is a well maintained private garden known for its collection of orchids. Tucked away in a small corner of Puerto de la Cruz’s hillside, the garden has over 200 years of history. In the 20th century Agatha Christie visited the property during a famous visit to the island post divorce.
The garden is not a must-see, but is a delightful green space to enjoy a coffee at the small café located inside. While sweet, the entry price of €4.75 feels inflated when compared to the €3 entry price of the much larger Jardín Botánico.
Punta Brava
Beyond Playa Jardín lies the residential neighborhood of Punta Brava. The small enclave is made up of densely packed homes, decorative succulents and pictures of the Virgin of Carmen. If you reach this far, continue onwards to Calle Tegueste for secluded seaside views.
Playa de el Bollullo
If you are up for a longer walk outside of the typical areas of Puerto de la Cruz, consider a walk to Playa de el Bollullo. Head out of town and walk in between banana plantations to find this beautiful and isolated black sand beach. You might see people sunbathing, but the beach is almost never safe for swimming due to strong currents.
Making the trek down the stairs to the beachside café is a great stopping point for a beer or a quick bite before heading back home.
Additional Swimming Spots in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz has several places to jump in for a swim. Playa Jardín and Lago Martiánez are the top swimming spots by far, but there are other options for a quick dip.
Playa San Telmo
A small protected entryway allows you to access the ocean directly off the seaside promenade. It’s a nice spot for a quick dip if you don´t feel like walking out to the Playa Jardín area.
Playa Muelle
A small pebbly beach by the old fishing harbor. You can swim here, although you generally won’t see many people here unless it’s a really hot day. The pebble rocks might be most entertaining for families with small kids who want to take a short break before continuing their downtown exploration.
Playa Martiánez
Playa Martiánez is an exposed stretch of coastline mostly attracting local surfers. The view is nice and you can find spots to sunbathe, but the rocky shoreline and rough conditions make getting in and out of the water difficult. You are better off sitting to watch the surfers and heading next door to Lago Martiánez to swim.
Things to Avoid in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz has plenty of places that deserve your time and money. Of course, there are also places you can skip. For example…
Skip franchises. Avoid Burger King and Ale-Hop, there are more interesting local spots to eat and shop.
Avoid touristy restaurants. Many of the restaurants directly on the waterfront promenade, or on the immediate outer edge of Plaza del Charco offer overpriced and generic menus. If you must, have a drink and enjoy the view, but find somewhere else to eat.
Enjoy the town center, but don’t spend all your time there. It’s worth the effort to climb up to a viewpoint, explore Puerto de la Cruz’s historic neighborhoods, or go for a walk along the coastline beyond the downtown.
Travel Tips for Visiting Puerto de la Cruz
Eat. And make reservations. If you are overnighting in Puerto de la Cruz, it would be a crime not to try some of the excellent restaurants in town. Make reservations ahead of the weekend or during busy holiday periods.
Bring layers. A light jacket is never a bad idea, especially if you are considering visiting villages higher up in altitude.
Protect your feet. Puerto de la Cruz’s black sand beaches can get uncomfortably hot in the summer. Bring a pair of flip-flops to cross the beach without burning your feet.
Carry some cash. Most places will accept a card, but may have a minimum spend. Carry some cash, just in case.
Check the tourist office hours. Unfortunately the Tourist Information Office, located in Casa de la Aduana, has no google profile and the hours can change from week to week. They do post a schedule on the Casa de la Aduana doors, and generally speaking, you have a better chance of the office being open if you visit before lunch time.
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – Is it Worth Your Time?
Absolutely!
The city makes a great day trip, and an even better base for people looking to experience the north of Tenerife. By staying in Puerto de la Cruz for a few nights, you can explore quieter areas and head up to viewpoints that typical day-trippers miss.
The best things to do in Puerto de la Cruz are often discovered on foot, so bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to explore.
Check Out Our Other Puerto de la Cruz Guides
A Travel Guide to Puerto de la Cruz: Everything You Need to Know, Before You Go
Puerto de la Cruz: Family-Friendly Hotels with Built-In Entertainment
Where History Meets Hospitality: Puerto de la Cruz’s Best Historic Hotels
Playa Castro and the Rambla de Castro Protected Area: A Day Trip From Puerto de la Cruz
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