Family-Friendly Stays in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
The seaside city of Puerto de la Cruz has a bit of everything: black-sand beaches, a world class family-friendly animal sanctuary, a vibrant downtown and views of Mount Teide. It’s a convenient and laid back holiday base on the greener side of the island.
Despite being the most important tourism hub in the north of Tenerife, you´ll find a good mix of both locals and tourists enjoying the same downtown, eating at similar restaurants and enjoying a café in the same plaza. It is precisely this delicate balance of tourism and local life that can feel difficult to find in other areas on the island.
For accommodation, families can choose between traditional hotels with large gardens and outdoor space, all-inclusive resorts or apartment style living. The family-friendly options below highlight practical considerations such as child-friendly pools and organized kiddie entertainment as well as comfort to assure the whole family enjoys their holiday together.
In a Rush? Our Favorite Family Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Precise Resort Tenerife – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Parque Vacacional Eden – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bahia Principe Explore San Felipe – Click here for rates & availability
Who is Puerto de la Cruz the Best Base For?
Puerto de la Cruz is best for families looking to enjoy spectacular landscapes without giving up the conveniences of a well-established tourism infrastructure. A holiday here will likely contain a mix of beach days, hotel pools, relaxed seaside walks and an outing to Loro Parque or the botanical gardens.
For active and adventurous families, Puerto de la Cruz’s convenient location makes for seamless excursions to other areas in the north of Tenerife. The city is a short drive or bus trip away from Icod de los Vinos, and historic towns of La Orotava and San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Although located on the seaside, Puerto de la Cruz is not your classic sun and fun beach holiday resort community. The weather can be cloudy from time to time in the winter, the beaches are black volcanic sand and the city is more laid back. If you are looking for guaranteed sunshine, white sand beaches and more active nightlife, the traditional resort complexes in southern Tenerife may be a better fit.
Mobility is also a key factor as part of Puerto de la Cruz is hilly. Families with very young children in strollers will want to book closer to the flatter seaside, or be prepared for an active workout pushing the stroller up and down hills.
Where to Stay in Puerto de la Cruz for Families – The Quick Guide
The biggest consideration about where to stay in Puerto de la Cruz for families is the tradeoff between space and centrality. Hotels located downtown in the historic center or the neighboring Martiánez area are convenient and walkable, but it’s more difficult to park, it can be noisier and they often lack the same amount of outdoor space found in hotels and complexes 10-15 minutes further away.
Thankfully, Puerto de la Cruz is relatively compact and easy to get around. Between public transportation, a large free parking lot downtown and complimentary hotel shuttles, visiting the downtown is smooth even if you decide to stay a bit further out.
In terms of neighborhoods, most there are three main areas where families center themselves, Martiánez, Playa Jardin and Taoro.
Martiánez offers quick access to the seaside promenade, restaurants, bars and the Lago Martiánez pools. This area is good for families who want to be in the center, have older children who can explore on their own, or who do not plan to bring a car. Bahia Principe Explore San Felipe is an excellent hotel in this area.
Playa Jardin is also a great spot for families due to it´s proximity to the beach and the key family attraction, Loro Parque. However, the hotels in this area have less family specific infrastructure such as children´s pools or organized kid´s activities. Thus, although the area is convenient, you will not find any hotels listed in this guide located in the Playa Jardin area. Precise Resort Tenerife is the closest hotel in this list, located in the neighboring El Burgado / Punta Brava neighborhood.
Lastly, the area around Taoro park is located a bit higher up on the Puerto de la Cruz hill. Hotels in this area are generally quieter, have good ocean views and more outdoor space than hotels downtown. This is a primer location for people who see their hotel as more than just a place to sleep and plan to spend some time relaxing there. Parque Vacacional Eden is a family favorite in this neighborhood.
The Best Hotels for Families in Puerto de la Cruz
El Burgado / Punta Brava Neighborhood
El Burgado is a tiny, quieter and more residential neighborhood lying west of central Puerto de la Cruz. Primary advantages include more space, less noise and stunning views of the ocean. It’s a 10 minute walk from the Loro Parque wildlife sanctuary and a 15 minutes walk to the start of Playa Jardin’s black sand beaches. Puerto de la Cruz’s downtown center is a 15 minute drive away.
Precise Resort Tenerife – Best Resort Facilities
This four-star oceanfront resort is particularly interesting for families looking for a quieter area and self-contained holiday. Precise Resort Tenerife has spectacular sea and sunset views, meticulously landscaped garden spaces, three swimming pools, jacuzzi, spa, restaurants, and private parking. Families have plenty of activities to do without leaving the property including table tennis, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a dedicated children´s program, kids playroom and activities like rock painting and water color postcards. While the location is slightly removed from the center of Puerto de la Cruz, the hotel’s complimentary shuttle only takes about 15 minutes to get downtown, making it easy to explore the city before returning to a quieter base. The activities, ocean views and amenities make this the strongest contender for a resort style option in Puerto de la Cruz.
Book Here: Precise Resort Tenerife
Martiánez Neighborhood
The Martiánez neighborhood scores high for families who value convenience and walkability over a more secluded resort experience. Accommodation in this area gives you direct access to the waterfront promenade, the beloved Lagos Martiánez swimming pools, and a more lively urban atmosphere with restaurants, shops, bars right at your fingertips.
Bahia Principe Explore San Felipe – Most Walkable Location
Bahia Principe Explore San Felipe is a four-star all-inclusive hotel in a prime location perfect for exploring the city. The hotel itself has two pools, three restaurants, tropical gardens, a spa, gym, private (but limited) parking, spacious rooms and ocean views. Friendly staff, good breakfast and consistent quality of the half-board and all-inclusive dining options are consistently praised in reviews. The hotel offers nightly entertainment, as well as specific programming for children during holiday breaks.
Book Here: Bahia Principe Explore San Felipe
Hotel Atlantic El Tope – Best for Kids Who Love Waterslides
Hotel Atlantic El Tope established itself on the family scene with the 2022 property upgrade and opening of the ¨Atlantic Splash¨ kids area. The zone contains a waterslide, cascades, water buckets and other water related activities to entertain and tire out kids. In addition, the property offers family rooms and family-friendly dining, although families can easily visit other restaurants in the Martiánez neighborhood by foot. The hotel is a sure winner for families with kids who want plenty of active pool time.
Book Here: Hotel Atlantic El Tope
Apartamentos Casablanca – Best Apartment Style Accommodation
Apartamentos Casablanca is a great choice for families who value flexibility and independence over a traditional hotel experience but who want retain amenities such as pools and outdoor lounge space. The apartment style setup gives families the option to prepare meals, which can be particularly useful for young children, picky eaters or longer term stays. The apartments are centrally located making it easy to get around and explore the city.
Book Here: Apartamentos Casablanca
Around Taoro Park
Taoro park is set on a hillside above Puerto de la Cruz and about a 20 minute walk from the downtown center. Hotels here generally offer more outdoor and open space as compared to hotels in the center. The tradeoff is the hill and the realization that walking down is much easier than walking back up. That said, there is consistent public transport to and from this area and many hotels located here have complimentary shuttles to help visitors access Puerto de la Cruz´s downtown. This area is for families who prefer a less heavily trafficked area and a bit more breathing room.
Hotel Puerto Palace – Best Value Stay
Hotel Puerto Palace is a four-star hotel at an excellent price point with enough space and activities to keep you engaged on–site. There are large family rooms, two pools including a wading pool, mini-golf, basketball and a dedicated children’s play area. While the hotel is not specifically marketed as a family resort, the combination of amenities and space works well for families with different ages and needs. A complimentary shuttle bus facilitates visits to downtown Puerto de la Cruz if you aren´t feeling like the 20-minute walk.
Book Here: Hotel Puerto Palace
Parque Vacacional Eden – Best for Space
A budget friendly four-star property for families interested in apartment style accommodation and ample outdoor space. Apartments have kitchens, balconies and separate living areas, making it easier to manage family dynamics or be cost efficient during a longer term stay. The property itself has pools, extensive gardens, mini-golf and a children´s play area in addition to a free shuttle downtown. The complex is best for families who want flexibility and plan to leverage their accommodation for more than just sleeping.
Book Here: Parque Vacacional Eden
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay for Families in Puerto de la Cruz
A big part of the appeal of Puerto de la Cruz is the mix of a variety of attractions, an undeniable Canarian character and a strong tourism infrastructure. The best decision on where to stay ultimately will depend on what your family values the most:
- If price is a priority, Hotel Puerto Palace and Parque Vacacional Eden are strong contenders
- If having a kitchen matters, Parque Vacacional Eden or Apartamentos Casablanca are your best bet
- If walkability is the most important, Bahía Principe Explore San Felipe, Hotel Atlantic El Tope or Apartamentos Casablanca allow visitors to easily access more of Puerto de la Cruz’s downtown
- The closest resort hotel to the famous family-friendly attraction, Loro Parque, is Precise Resort Tenerife.
The age of your children will also impact how you plan to explore Tenerife. Families with younger children can leverage properties with kid-specific pools, play areas and organized entertainment, while families with older children will likely explore farther out from Puerto de la Cruz making easy parking or location from the main bus station more important factors.
Ultimately, the best hotel for your family in Puerto de la Cruz will depend on which neighborhood and accommodation fits your family’s current needs. Fortunately the city has many options to choose from to assure your vacation is fun and memorable.
Travel Tips in Puerto de la Cruz
Consider transportation before booking a hotel. Decide first if you’d like to rent a car, then figure out your hotel. Parking will be more complicated around hotels located downtown.
Match the hotel to your children’s ages. Families with younger children may get more value from kid-centered activities and playrooms at the hotels.
Expect hills. Puerto de la Cruz is built on a slope. Distances may appear short until you have to walk up the hill. Bring comfortable walking shoes to move around easily.
Pack for changing weather. The north is greener and passing clouds are common in the winter period.
Nearby Alternatives to Puerto de la Cruz
La Orotava
La Orotava is set just above Puerto de la Cruz and is its quieter, more historic counterpart. The city’s compact downtown is filled with parks, plazas and beautiful examples of traditional Canary architecture.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a more functional and administrative city when compared to Puerto de la Cruz. It is best for families looking to practice their Spanish and immerse themselves in a more lived-in city. The city has accessible open air swimming pools and the closest beach (Las Teresitas) can be reached easily via public transport and car. Check out what to do in the city, the best hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and budget accommodation in the city.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, offers a more historic option for those looking to base themselves close to hiking in Anaga Rural Park. Keep in mind the city will be cooler than expected in the winter months as it is at a higher altitude and there is no direct beach access from the town. Access our guide to the most beautiful hotels in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and what to visit in the city.
Check Out Our Other Puerto de la Cruz Guides
Playa Castro and the Rambla de Castro protected area: An outing from Puerto de la Cruz
What To Do in Tenerife: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Tenerife
