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Puerto de la Cruz

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City
PlizioGo—°61110
Puerto de la Cruz (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — Puerto de la Cruz

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit Lago Martiánez early in the morning to secure the best spots at this pool complex designed by César Manrique.
  • Keep in mind that Northern Tenerife is often more humid and cloudy than the south; pack a light jacket for the evenings.
  • Explore the La Ranilla district, the former fisherman's quarter, to find street art and local tapas bars away from the main promenade.
  • Take advantage of the free yellow shuttle buses if you want to visit the La Villa shopping center located above the town.
  • Pay attention to the green flags on the black volcanic sand beaches; currents on the north coast can be very strong.

🍽 Food

🍽
Papas Arrugadas con Mojo

Small wrinkled potatoes with green or red pepper sauce; a staple in every local tavern.

🍽
Barraquito

A layered coffee specialty with condensed milk, liqueur, and lemon zest; great as an afternoon drink.

🍽
Fresh Fish

Visit the small restaurants right by the fishing port (Muelle) for the catch of the day.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Mercado Municipal

A local market where you can buy Canarian cheeses, mojo spices, and fresh tropical fruits.

🛍
La Ranilla Crafts

In the narrow streets of the Ranilla district, you can find handmade jewelry and local ceramics.

🧘
Botanical Garden

The Jardin de Aclimatación de la Orotava provides a cool, shaded oasis with exotic plants.

🧘
Mirador de la Paz

A viewpoint in the east of the city with a wide view over the coast and the ocean.

Highlights of 2026

6

Puerto de la Cruz stands as the historic gateway to tourism in Tenerife. In contrast to the sun-drenched south, the northern region gives lush vegetation and an authentic Canarian lifestyle. The city is renowned for its colonial-style architecture, flower-filled squares like Plaza del Charco, and a small harbor where fishing boats still land daily. A major highlight is Lago Martiánez, a vast saltwater pool complex designed by the famous artist César Manrique, which seamlessly blends art with leisure. Equally significant is Loro Parque, one of the world's finest zoos with a strong commitment to wildlife conservation. Despite its popularity, Puerto de la Cruz has successfully preserved its original charm as a bustling city featuring narrow alleys and traditional tapas bars. Tenerife saw large 2024 protests under the slogan Canarias tiene un límite against mass tourism, followed by debate over tourist taxes. Summer 2023 wildfires in the Anaga mountains had also affected the region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171717181921222323222019
Rain mm25322215733510253539

Live webcam – Puerto de la Cruz

See what it looks like near Puerto de la Cruz right now.

Santa Ursula › West: La quinta - Sendero Playa del Ancón - Santa Úrsula · 5.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
32,219
Coordinates
28.41170, -16.55000

Facts

  • The first hotel, 'Grand Hotel Taoro', opened back in 1890
  • The Botanical Garden was established in 1788 by royal decree
  • Located at the foot of the fertile Orotava Valley
  • Home to the famous Loro Parque, which opened in 1972
  • Playa Jardín beach was also designed by César Manrique
  • The port was historically a major export point for Canarian wine

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Puerto de la Cruz (11)

Loro Parque

World-famous zoo known for its vast collection of parrots and spectacular dolphin and orca shows.

Lago Martiánez

Large-scale salt-water pool complex designed by César Manrique, blending modern art with leisure.

Botanical Garden

Historic 18th-century garden showcasing a diverse array of tropical and subtropical flora from around the world.

🕒 Apr 01-Sep 30: 09:00-19:00; Oct 01-Mar 31: 09:00-18:00

Plaza del Charco

The lively heart of Puerto de la Cruz pulses in this beautiful square, deeply shaded by mighty laurel trees. Surrounded by cozy cafes and excellent restaurants, the scenery invites guests to linger and people-watch for hours. Local life blends harmoniously here with the relaxed rhythm of visitors. It serves as the great spot for a refreshing afternoon coffee in the cool shade.

Iglesia de la Peña de Francia

The city's principal church, dating back to 1699, featuring a beautiful bell tower and altarpieces.

Balsa de la Cruz Santa🌿 nature

A lake in Puerto De La Cruz that provides a tranquil environment for nature lovers.

Balsa de Benijos🌿 nature

A lake in Puerto De La Cruz, good for a relaxing walk in nature.

Balsa Aguamansa🌿 nature

This lake in Puerto De La Cruz invites you to relax and observe the landscape.

La Cupula👨‍👩‍👧 family

A nice place in Puerto De La Cruz for families with children to play.

Juegos Infantiles👨‍👩‍👧 family

A public play area in Puerto De La Cruz for children of various ages.

Parque infantil Calle Cruz Roja👨‍👩‍👧 family

A playground in Puerto De La Cruz where children can play and run around safely.

Frequently asked questions

What weather can I expect in northern Tenerife?
The climate is milder and more humid than in the south, providing lush vegetation but more frequent clouds.
How do I get to Loro Parque?
A free yellow express train departs every 20 minutes from Plaza de los Reyes Católicos directly to the park.
Can you swim in the Lago Martiánez pools?
Yes, the complex features seven artificial seawater lagoons designed by architect César Manrique.
Which is the best beach in the city?
Playa Jardín is the most famous beach, known for its black volcanic sand and surrounding gardens.
Is the Botanical Garden worth visiting?
The Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava has showcased exotic plants since 1788 across 20,000 sqm.
Puerto de la Cruz: where is it located?
Puerto de la Cruz is located in Spain.
Puerto de la Cruz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Loro Parque, Lago Martiánez, Botanical Garden.
Puerto de la Cruz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Puerto de la Cruz: why is it worth visiting?
Puerto de la Cruz stands as the historic gateway to tourism in Tenerife.
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