Puerto de la Cruz is the historic tourist capital of northern Tenerife: one of the first places on the island to welcome travellers, facing the ocean in the Orotava Valley, with the Teide behind it. Unlike the big resort areas of the south, here you find a real town, with a lived-in old quarter, a seafront promenade, gardens and attractions gathered within a short distance. Here's what to see, when to go, where to eat and how to plan it.
What to see in Puerto de la Cruz
The good thing about Puerto is that most of the attractions are concentrated and walkable. The main stops:
- Lago Martiánez: the large complex of seawater pools designed by César Manrique, a scenic alternative to the beach (check the entry fee before going); since 3 August 2026 it has gained the new Terraza Mirador de Costa Martiánez, with Atlantic views.
- Playa Jardín: the black-sand beach in the heart of the town, also a Manrique design, with gardens and calmer water thanks to the breakwaters. For a swim there's also Playa Martiánez, a traditional black beach also popular with surfers.
- The old town and Plaza del Charco: the town's living-room square (the centre is a listed historic-artistic site), among the old fishing harbour, the Canarian colonial houses and the cafés.
- The Botanical Garden: a historic botanical garden created in 1788, with a large collection of tropical and subtropical species.
- Parque Taoro: a large hillside park with gardens, trails and viewpoints over the town and the ocean — the place to escape the busier areas and see Puerto from above.
- Loro Parque: one of the island's most famous parks, devoted to animals and nature — one of Puerto de la Cruz's main paid attractions (ticket required).
When to go
Being on the north coast, Puerto de la Cruz has a mild climate all year, though cooler and cloudier than the south. It's a good base if you prefer a more urban, greener feel than the big southern resorts. To choose the period by climate and prices there's the guide on when to visit Tenerife.
How to get there and get around
Puerto de la Cruz is well connected: the TITSA buses (guaguas) link it from Santa Cruz and the island's main areas, and the centre is easily walked. Since 2026 there's also a City Sightseeing tourist bus linking the main points on a loop route (Lago Martiánez, Botanical Garden, Loro Parque, Playa Jardín). To work out whether to stay here or in the south, and how to get around without a car, there are the guides on north or south Tenerife and on where to stay without a car.
Where to eat
In the old town you'll find Canarian cooking, fish and plenty of traditional restaurants and eateries, especially around Plaza del Charco and in the La Ranilla quarter. Nearby, in the Orotava Valley, there are also several traditional guachinches. Start with the guides on what to eat in Tenerife and on the guachinches.
And the Tenerife Premium Card?
Strolling the centre, the promenade and Plaza del Charco costs nothing. For the paid attractions (like Loro Parque and the Lago Martiánez) and the restaurants, the Tenerife Premium Card can be useful here too at participating partners: check the partner, discount and conditions case by case, and pay with the card when it's worth it.
In short
Puerto de la Cruz is the right choice for experiencing northern Tenerife: an authentic town, sea and attractions within a stroll, from Manrique's Lago Martiánez to Playa Jardín, from the old town to the Botanical Garden and Parque Taoro, and on to Loro Parque. Cooler and greener than the south, well connected: it's perfect for a day trip, but even more rewarding as a base to explore the north — with the Teide always there, on the horizon.
