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Puerto de la Cruz

Scenically and languidly spread over the slopes of north Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is the elder statesman of Tenerife tourism. Its history of welcoming foreign visitors dates back to the late 19th century, when the cultured settlement was a spa destination popular with genteel Victorian ladies. These days the easy-going and relaxed town is a charming destination with genuine character and history. There are stylish boardwalks, beaches with safe swimming, traditional restaurants, a leafy central plaza, and lots of pretty parks, gardens and churches. There are also plenty of German tourists and foreign residents here, hence the proliferation of bakeries selling delicious German-style breads and cakes and a host of other international cuisines.

Explore Puerto de la Cruz

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Jardín Botánico
Established in 1788, this magnificent botanical garden has thousands of plant varieties from all over the world and is a delightful place to while away an…
R
Risco Belle Aquatic Gardens
This is not just any old garden: step through the entrance and you'll be met by a sweeping lawn punctuated with tables and chairs, tropical plants (birds…
S
Sitio Litre Garden
This delightful garden is exquisitely laid out with walkways, fountains, tropical and subtropical plants and flowers, plus the oldest drago tree in town…
I
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
This pretty 17th-century church boasts three naves, a wooden Mudéjar ceiling and a carved wood effigy of Gran Poder de Dios, one of the town’s most…
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Museo Arqueológico
This small but well laid-out museum provides an insight into the Guanche way of life with its replicas of a typical cave dwelling, as well as a burial…
P
Plaza Charco
The magnificent central square of Plaza Charco (the names translates as 'Puddle Plaza' – it used to flood from the sea every time it was stormy) is shaded…
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Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
The first contemporary art museum to open in Spain, dating from 1953, this well-displayed collection includes outstanding foreign, Spanish and Canarian…
P
Playa Martiánez
The long and sandy Playa Martiánez is at the eastern end of town, where a large jetty filters the anger of Atlantic swells and turns them into mere gentle…
C
Castillo de San Felipe
This modest but imposing castle beside Playa Jardín plays host to a variety of temporary art exhibitions over two levels, plus regular theatre and dance…

J
Jardín Botánico
Established in 1788, this magnificent botanical garden has thousands of plant varieties from all over the world and is a delightful place to while away an…
R
Risco Belle Aquatic Gardens
This is not just any old garden: step through the entrance and you'll be met by a sweeping lawn punctuated with tables and chairs, tropical plants (birds…
S
Sitio Litre Garden
This delightful garden is exquisitely laid out with walkways, fountains, tropical and subtropical plants and flowers, plus the oldest drago tree in town…
I
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
This pretty 17th-century church boasts three naves, a wooden Mudéjar ceiling and a carved wood effigy of Gran Poder de Dios, one of the town’s most…
M
Museo Arqueológico
This small but well laid-out museum provides an insight into the Guanche way of life with its replicas of a typical cave dwelling, as well as a burial…
P
Plaza Charco
The magnificent central square of Plaza Charco (the names translates as 'Puddle Plaza' – it used to flood from the sea every time it was stormy) is shaded…
M
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
The first contemporary art museum to open in Spain, dating from 1953, this well-displayed collection includes outstanding foreign, Spanish and Canarian…
P
Playa Martiánez
The long and sandy Playa Martiánez is at the eastern end of town, where a large jetty filters the anger of Atlantic swells and turns them into mere gentle…
C
Castillo de San Felipe
This modest but imposing castle beside Playa Jardín plays host to a variety of temporary art exhibitions over two levels, plus regular theatre and dance…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Puerto de la Cruz.

See
Jardín Botánico
Established in 1788, this magnificent botanical garden has thousands of plant varieties from all over the world and is a delightful place to while away an…
See
Risco Belle Aquatic Gardens
This is not just any old garden: step through the entrance and you'll be met by a sweeping lawn punctuated with tables and chairs, tropical plants (birds…
See
Sitio Litre Garden
This delightful garden is exquisitely laid out with walkways, fountains, tropical and subtropical plants and flowers, plus the oldest drago tree in town…
See
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
This pretty 17th-century church boasts three naves, a wooden Mudéjar ceiling and a carved wood effigy of Gran Poder de Dios, one of the town’s most…
See
Museo Arqueológico
This small but well laid-out museum provides an insight into the Guanche way of life with its replicas of a typical cave dwelling, as well as a burial…
See
Plaza Charco
The magnificent central square of Plaza Charco (the names translates as 'Puddle Plaza' – it used to flood from the sea every time it was stormy) is shaded…
See
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
The first contemporary art museum to open in Spain, dating from 1953, this well-displayed collection includes outstanding foreign, Spanish and Canarian…
See
Playa Martiánez
The long and sandy Playa Martiánez is at the eastern end of town, where a large jetty filters the anger of Atlantic swells and turns them into mere gentle…
See
Castillo de San Felipe
This modest but imposing castle beside Playa Jardín plays host to a variety of temporary art exhibitions over two levels, plus regular theatre and dance…

Guidebooks

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