Things to do in Puerto De La Cruz
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Loro Parque
Where else can you see 3000 parrots (the world's largest collection) all in one place? Loro Parque is home to 340 species of parrots along with other exotic animals, including tigers, gorillas and chimpanzees. Unless you object in principle to wild animals in captivity, the park is quite impressive. Don't miss the dolphin and whale shows, the subterranean aquarium with the world's longest submarine tunnel and the vast 'penguinarium'.
You could walk here from town, but it's much easier to hop on the free train that leaves every 20 minutes from outside McDonalds on Plaza Reyes Católicos.
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Lago Martiánez
Designed by Canario César Manrique, the watery playground of Lago Martiánez, northeast of the centre, has four saltwater pools and a large central 'lake'. It can get just as crowded as the surrounding small volcanic beaches. Swim, sunbathe or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants and bars. There's a glittery new casino here, as well.
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Casa El Farol
Comprises three separate eateries for the indecisive. There's a mesón (traditional restaurant) with good Mediterranean-style dishes, a bistro in the patio (try the goat's cheese and tomato salad with pesto) and a bakery with a German pastry chef, plus homemade fresh-fruit ice cream.
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Museo Arqueológico
The Museo Arqueológico provides an insight into the Guanche way of life with its replicas of a typical cave dwelling, as well as a burial cave where pots and baked-clay adornments share the same burial area, demonstrating the Guanches' belief in an afterlife.
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Plaza Europa
The Plaza Europa, a balcony of sorts built in 1992, may be a modern addition, but it blends well with its historic surroundings and is a good place to start your visit. The tourist office is here, in the Casa de la Aduana, opposite the town hall.
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La Papaya
This long-time favourite has a series of small dining rooms with rock-face walls and a pretty patio with adjacent leafy garden. There are Canarian touches to the menu, including the succulent salmon in malvasía (Malmsey wine) sauce.
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Casa Miranda
A three-storey Canarian mansion built in 1730, this was the family home of 18th-century Venezuelan president Francisco de Miranda. Nowadays you can get seafood and grilled meats in the fine dining room, or order tapas in the downstairs bar.
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Casa Iriarte
Several Canarian mansions, many of them in poor repair, dot the town centre. The mid-18th-century Casa Iriarte, once the home of intellectual Tomás de Iriarte and the site of clandestine political meetings, has seen better days.
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Plaza Charco
The heart of Puerto de la Cruz is the lively Plaza Charco, centred around an ancient Indian laurel tree. The plaza acquired its name because it used to flood from the sea every time there was a heavy storm (thankfully, no more).
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Colours Café
Above a pizzeria on this energetic stretch of eateries, snag a seat by a window overlooking the square. A cocktail bar with mellow décor and Latin and African music, this is a good place to kick off your night on the tiles.
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Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, a 17th-century church with three naves, a wooden mudéjar ceiling and the image of Gran Poder de Dios, one of the town's most revered saints.
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Meson Los Gemelos
Round the corner from the bus station, this is a friendly, welcoming restaurant with a great atmosphere; the house speciality is grilled meats. There's a covered interior patio, lots of locals and a noisy parrot.
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Pomodora
The location, in a cave under the seaside promenade, is the main draw at this restaurant and pizzeria. Diners get a fantastic view of the rocky coast; the menu reads like a novel, in six languages, no less.
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La Rosa di Bari
One of the classiest restaurants in town, located in a lovely old house with several romantic dining rooms. Enjoy innovative dishes like cod in port sauce with truffles, or asparagus gnocchi with prawns.
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Tapas Arcón
Papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) with mojo (spicy salsa), or the Arcón special sauces of almond and sweet pepper or parsley and coriander are the must-have tapas here.
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Nature Hikes - Jorg and Mario
For nature hikes there are local guides, including Jorg and Mario, who meet hikers at the bus station from where they set out on several hikes, including Teide and the northwest.
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Jardín Botánico
Don't miss a visit to the Jardín Botánico, on the road out of town. Established in 1788, the botanical garden has thousands of plant varieties from all over the world.
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Joy
Sophisticated it ain't. This cavernous disco pumps out a mix of techno, pop and house. It's popular with the local 20-something gang with free drinks for ladies until 01:30.
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Torreon de Ventoso
The Torreon de Ventoso is one of the better-kept historic buildings. The tower once formed part of the town's Augustine convent and was used to keep watch over the port.
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Mirador de la Paz
Above town, the Mirador de la Paz is a square with great views where Agatha Christie was supposedly inspired to write the novel The Mysterious Mr Quin.
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El Limón
A bright vegetarian restaurant with a menu of mainly snack-style fare, including veggie burgers, seitan kebabs, salads and fresh fruit juices; try the papaya.
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Casa de la Aduana
The tourist office is located in the Casa de la Aduana (built in 1620), the old customs house, where now you can also find quality arts and crafts for sale.
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Ebano Café
This is a beautiful building with lots of original features. Sit outside in a comfy wicker chair with a view of the church and gardens. Tapas also served.
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Caballo Blanco
This club is for a more mature crowd with a keyboard player as well as DJ and music stuck firmly in the Lady in Red genre of the '60s to '80s.
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Ermita de San Juan
Just off Plaza Charco is Iglesia de San Francisco, tacked on to tiny Ermita de San Juan, the oldest structure in town (built in 1599).
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