Coastal, Historic
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz
Tenerife's oldest resort town on the green north coast, with a colonial old town, volcanic black beaches and the iconic Lago Martiánez seawater pools.
Puerto de la Cruz sits on the north coast of Tenerife, at the foot of the Orotava Valley, with Mount Teide rising behind it. It was the island's first tourist destination, recommended by the British Medical Society in the 19th century for its mild, healthy climate. Today it is still the most characterful of Tenerife's resort towns, with a proper colonial old town, black volcanic beaches and a genuine Spanish street life that the south-coast resorts rarely match.
What Puerto de la Cruz is known for
Puerto de la Cruz is best known for its old town and the Lago Martiánez seawater pools. The old town centres on Plaza del Charco, a shaded square where locals gather in the evenings under Indian laurel trees, surrounded by 17th-century buildings and traditional cafes. Right on the seafront, the Lago Martiánez is a complex of seven seawater pools designed by César Manrique, built into the volcanic coastline with sculptures, gardens and sea views. Playa Jardín nearby is a stretch of black volcanic sand set in tropical gardens. The Botanical Garden, founded in 1788, is one of the oldest in Spain.
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Experiences and things to do in Puerto de la Cruz
If you want to feel Tenerife beyond the resort world, come to Plaza del Charco in the evening, when the old town fills with locals and the cafes spill outside. If you enjoy outdoor swimming, spend a morning at the Lago Martiánez before the crowds arrive — Manrique designed the pools to feel like part of the coastline, and they are quieter before midday. For day trips, La Orotava is 20 minutes by bus.
Where to stay in Puerto de la Cruz
Food and drink in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz has a good local food scene, with tascas and traditional bars serving Canarian cooking at honest prices. Look for papas arrugadas with mojo, fresh fish and the local zaperoco coffee, a layered drink of condensed milk, liqueur, espresso and cream that is very much a northern Tenerife speciality.
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Best time to visit Puerto de la Cruz
The north coast is cooler and greener than the south, with more cloud and rain in winter. Spring and autumn bring the mildest, driest days for exploring the old town. Summer is warm but rarely as hot or dry as the south's resorts.
Getting to Puerto de la Cruz and around
Puerto de la Cruz is on the north coast, about 25 minutes from Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and around 90 minutes from Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Regular buses connect it to Santa Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico and the rest of the north. The old town and the Lago Martiánez are walkable. A car is useful for exploring the Orotava Valley and the north coast.
Nearest Airport to Puerto de la Cruz
Nearest Sea Port to Puerto de la Cruz
Travel tips for visiting Puerto de la Cruz
The Lago Martiánez pools are at their best in the morning before they get busy. The old town streets around Plaza del Charco show the real character of Puerto de la Cruz, a world away from the south-coast resorts. La Orotava is an easy bus ride and makes a great half-day trip. Playa Jardín can have rough surf, so check the flags before swimming. The north coast is greener and cooler than the south, so bring a layer for evenings.
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FAQs about visiting Puerto de la Cruz
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