What to See in Puerto de la Cruz: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours
Puerto de la Cruz is on Tenerife’s green north coast, facing the Atlantic and surrounded by the Orotava Valley and Mount Teide. It started in the 16th century as a small fishing and export port for sugar and wine. After a volcanic eruption destroyed Garachico in 1706, Puerto de la Cruz became the main harbour in the north, growing with new houses, warehouses, and churches. In the 19th century, it became one of the first tourist resorts in the Canary Islands, attracting European visitors looking for a mild climate. Today, the town mixes historic Canarian buildings, leafy squares, black-sand beaches, and the famous Lago Martiánez pool complex designed by César Manrique. Free walking tours from the harbour show how the town grew from a fishing port into a lively, authentic Canarian city.
The old harbour, called Muelle del Puerto de la Cruz, was once the town’s main link to the world, sending sugar, wine, and other goods from the Orotava Valley to Europe and the Americas. Today, small boats, ocean views, and the sound of waves keep its seafaring spirit alive. Nearby cafés and streets make it a great place to start exploring.
Plaza del Charco, just inland from the harbour, is the main square and social hub, shaded by trees and lined with bars, restaurants and traditional houses with wooden balconies. The surrounding fishermen’s quarter preserves narrow lanes, low-rise homes and everyday local life, offering a contrast to more resort-style areas elsewhere on Tenerife.
The Visit to Puerto de la Cruz Walking Tour starts at the harbour and takes you through Plaza del Charco, the Royal Customs House, puddle square, the fishermen’s quarter, old churches, merchants’ houses, the town hall, and Plaza de Europa. During the 1.5-hour tour, the guide talks about the conquest of Tenerife, the Guanche people, the port’s history, and local festivals like Carnival, San Juan, and the Virgen del Carmen boat procession.
Puerto de la Cruz’s centre showcases typical Canarian architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries, with whitewashed walls, volcanic stone details, and wooden balconies and patios. Many former merchants’ houses, like the Iriarte and Ventoso homes, reflect the wealth that trade brought to this once modest port.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, which looks over its own square, is the main church and a highlight on most walking tours. Close by, the church and old convent of San Francisco offer a peaceful spot with historic religious buildings and a glimpse into the town’s early spiritual life.
Strolling between these squares and churches reveals small courtyards, carved stone portals, and colourfully painted façades that show how Puerto de la Cruz combined local building traditions with influences from foreign merchants and travellers.
Lago Martiánez (Costa Martiánez Tourist Complex) is Puerto de la Cruz’s most iconic modern attraction: a vast seawater pool complex centred on an artificial lake, landscaped with lava rock, palm trees, sculptures and terraces. Designed by famed Canarian artist César Manrique in the 1970s, it covers about 100,000 square metres and integrates art, architecture and views of the Atlantic.
The complex has several saltwater pools for both adults and children, as well as islands, sunbathing spots, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to relax by the ocean for a whole day. It usually opens from 10:00 to 18:00, with entry costing about €5.50 for adults and €2.50 for children under 10. Local residents can get discounts.
From the San Telmo viewpoint and chapel, a coastal walkway leads to Lago Martiánez. Along the way, you can see waves hitting volcanic rocks and, on clear days, look back at Mount Teide. Evening walks here are especially nice, with lights reflecting on the pools and the sea.
Puerto de la Cruz is famous for its black volcanic-sand beaches, especially Playa Jardín. This beach, made up of three coves west of the center, was designed by César Manrique and features gardens, paths, and viewpoints. It has lifeguards, showers, play areas, and views of the port and Mount Teide, making it popular with both locals and visitors.
On the east side near Lago Martiánez is Playa Martiánez, a smaller black-sand beach that’s popular with surfers and people who like to watch the waves from the promenade. San Telmo cove has a small beach, rock pools, and a historic chapel above, giving this part of the coast its own charm.
The town’s Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico), dating from the 18th century, contains over 4,000 plant species from tropical and subtropical regions. Its mature trees, shaded paths and exotic specimens provide a calm, green break from the urban seafront and are easily reached by a short uphill walk or local bus.
LoLoro Parque, on the west side of Puerto de la Cruz, is one of Tenerife’s top attractions. It started as a parrot park and grew into a large zoo and marine park. You’ll find parrots, penguins, dolphins, orcas, and themed enclosures and shows. Many visitors now also think about animal welfare and conservation when deciding to visit. Families also like playgrounds and parks such as Parque Taoro and Parque de la Sortija, which have viewpoints, walking paths, and places for kids to play. Along with the pools at Lago Martiánez and safe parts of Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz has many family-friendly activities close together or a short bus ride away.
Visit to Puerto de la Cruz Walking Tour: 1.5-hour tip-based tour in English and Spanish, starting at Muelle del Puerto de la Cruz (harbour). The route covers the harbour, Royal Customs House, Plaza del Charco, fishermen’s quarter, key churches, merchants’ houses, Church Square of Peña de Francia, San Telmo viewpoint, Plaza de Europa, town hall and Miranda’s House, with explanations on conquest, Guanche heritage and local festivals.
Walking Route in Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife: This tip-based tour lasts about 1.5 hours and focuses on the center of Puerto de la Cruz. It’s an orientation walk in Spanish that takes you through main squares, churches, and seafront viewpoints. It’s perfect for visitors who want a quick introduction to the town’s layout and main sights.
Explore Puerto de la Cruz and its Tourist History: Approximately 2 hours, tip-based, exploring how Puerto de la Cruz transformed from a trading port into a pioneering tourist destination. The route emphasises early hotels, visits by Europeans, the arrival of health tourism, and modern developments such as Lago Martiánez.
Find more tours in Puerto de la Cruz.
Getting there: Puerto de la Cruz is about 30 kilometers from Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and about 90 kilometers from Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Regular buses run between the town, both airports, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and La Laguna. If you drive from TFN, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes on the TF-5 motorway.
Getting around: The historic centre, seafront, Lago Martiánez, and Playa Jardín are all easy to walk to, though some streets have cobblestones or gentle hills. Local buses connect Puerto de la Cruz with the Botanical Garden, La Orotava, Loro Parque, and other places on the island. Taxis are helpful for late-night trips or steeper areas.
Accommodation ranges from historic hotels and guesthouses around the old town to modern seafront hotels overlooking Lago Martiánez and Playa Jardín. Many properties offer pools and terraces taking advantage of the mild climate, and Puerto de la Cruz is often a better value than some southern resorts.
Visit duration
Puerto de la Cruz has a mild subtropical climate. It’s a bit cooler and more humid than the south of Tenerife, with lots of green plants thanks to the trade winds. Average temperatures are about 17–21°C in winter and 22–26°C in summer, so it’s comfortable for walking all year. There are more showers here than in the south.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring particularly pleasant conditions for city walks, gardens and coastal promenades, with fewer crowds than peak summer. In summer, sea breezes help moderate the heat, while winter visitors enjoy light-jacket weather and quieter streets compared to high season.
Best visiting periods:
Puerto de la Cruz emerged in the early 16th century as the coastal outlet for La Orotava, serving as a small fishing village and an export point for sugar and, later, wine. As exports grew, merchants built houses, warehouses and a church and square, and after Garachico’s destruction in 1706, the port became the main commercial gateway on Tenerife’s north coast.
In the 19th century, the town started to attract European visitors, especially from Britain and northern Europe, who came for the mild winters and sea air. This made Puerto de la Cruz one of the first tourist resorts in the Canary Islands. Some of Tenerife’s oldest hotels and guesthouses opened during this time, and many still add to the town’s unique look today.
The 20th century brought further growth, adding big attractions like Lago Martiánez in the 1970s. This helped make Puerto de la Cruz known as a stylish, art-filled resort. Today, the town balances tourism with preserving its historic centre, gardens, and seafront, and it’s still a favourite for visitors who want a more traditional, cultural experience than newer resorts offer.
What is Puerto de la Cruz famous for?
Puerto de la Cruz is known for its historic harbour, early tourism heritage, Lago Martiánez seawater pools, black-sand beaches and tropical gardens. It is also recognised for its views towards Mount Teide and its more local, Canarian feel compared with larger southern resorts.
Is Puerto de la Cruz good for swimming and beaches?
Yes; Playa Jardín offers family-friendly black-sand coves with facilities, while Playa Martiánez and San Telmo cove are popular for swimming and wave-watching. Lago Martiánez provides seawater pools with lifeguards, sunbeds and amenities for those preferring a controlled environment.
Are the free walking tours really free?
Free walking tours, such as the Visit to Puerto de la Cruz Walking Tour, operate on a tip-based model with no fixed price. You book without paying in advance, and tip the guide at the end based on your experience and budget.
How long do you need in Puerto de la Cruz?
Two to three days are enough to cover the old town, harbour, one walking tour, Lago Martiánez, Playa Jardín and the Botanical Garden. Staying for 4 or more days lets you add Loro Parque, La Orotava, and day trips to Teide or other parts of Tenerife.
Is Puerto de la Cruz suitable for families?
Yes, family-friendly attractions include Playa Jardín, Lago Martiánez, Loro Parque, playgrounds and relatively flat central streets. Many free tours and walks are accessible for children and people with reduced mobility.
What’s the difference between Puerto de la Cruz and the southern resorts?
Puerto de la Cruz has a greener, slightly cooler climate, more historic buildings and a stronger local feel, with fewer large all-inclusive complexes. Southern resorts like Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje are sunnier and drier with bigger beaches, newer hotels and more nightlife.
Quick Takeaway
- Must-see: Historic harbour and Muelle del Puerto, Plaza del Charco, fishermen’s quarter, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, San Francisco church and cloister, San Telmo chapel and coastal path, Lago Martiánez, Playa Jardín, Botanical Garden, seafront promenade with views to Mount Teide.
- Daily budget: €45–65 (excluding accommodation), including meals, local buses, Lago Martiánez entry, coffee breaks and one paid attraction per day.
- Best time: March–June and September–November for mild temperatures and fewer crowds; July–August for hotter, busier beach days; winter is cooler but still pleasant and far milder than mainland Europe.
- Famous for: Early Canarian tourism, traditional port and merchants’ houses, black volcanic-sand beaches, Lago Martiánez seawater pools, tropical gardens and relaxed local atmosphere.
- Top tours: Visit to Puerto de la Cruz Walking Tour, Walking Route in Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife, Explore Puerto de la Cruz and its Tourist History.
Historic Harbour & Old Town
The old harbour, called Muelle del Puerto de la Cruz, was once the town’s main link to the world, sending sugar, wine, and other goods from the Orotava Valley to Europe and the Americas. Today, small boats, ocean views, and the sound of waves keep its seafaring spirit alive. Nearby cafés and streets make it a great place to start exploring.
Plaza del Charco, just inland from the harbour, is the main square and social hub, shaded by trees and lined with bars, restaurants and traditional houses with wooden balconies. The surrounding fishermen’s quarter preserves narrow lanes, low-rise homes and everyday local life, offering a contrast to more resort-style areas elsewhere on Tenerife.
The Visit to Puerto de la Cruz Walking Tour starts at the harbour and takes you through Plaza del Charco, the Royal Customs House, puddle square, the fishermen’s quarter, old churches, merchants’ houses, the town hall, and Plaza de Europa. During the 1.5-hour tour, the guide talks about the conquest of Tenerife, the Guanche people, the port’s history, and local festivals like Carnival, San Juan, and the Virgen del Carmen boat procession.
Churches, Squares & Canarian Architecture
Puerto de la Cruz’s centre showcases typical Canarian architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries, with whitewashed walls, volcanic stone details, and wooden balconies and patios. Many former merchants’ houses, like the Iriarte and Ventoso homes, reflect the wealth that trade brought to this once modest port.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, which looks over its own square, is the main church and a highlight on most walking tours. Close by, the church and old convent of San Francisco offer a peaceful spot with historic religious buildings and a glimpse into the town’s early spiritual life.
Strolling between these squares and churches reveals small courtyards, carved stone portals, and colourfully painted façades that show how Puerto de la Cruz combined local building traditions with influences from foreign merchants and travellers.
Lago Martiánez & Seafront Promenade
Lago Martiánez (Costa Martiánez Tourist Complex) is Puerto de la Cruz’s most iconic modern attraction: a vast seawater pool complex centred on an artificial lake, landscaped with lava rock, palm trees, sculptures and terraces. Designed by famed Canarian artist César Manrique in the 1970s, it covers about 100,000 square metres and integrates art, architecture and views of the Atlantic.
The complex has several saltwater pools for both adults and children, as well as islands, sunbathing spots, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to relax by the ocean for a whole day. It usually opens from 10:00 to 18:00, with entry costing about €5.50 for adults and €2.50 for children under 10. Local residents can get discounts.
From the San Telmo viewpoint and chapel, a coastal walkway leads to Lago Martiánez. Along the way, you can see waves hitting volcanic rocks and, on clear days, look back at Mount Teide. Evening walks here are especially nice, with lights reflecting on the pools and the sea.
Beaches & Gardens
Puerto de la Cruz is famous for its black volcanic-sand beaches, especially Playa Jardín. This beach, made up of three coves west of the center, was designed by César Manrique and features gardens, paths, and viewpoints. It has lifeguards, showers, play areas, and views of the port and Mount Teide, making it popular with both locals and visitors.
On the east side near Lago Martiánez is Playa Martiánez, a smaller black-sand beach that’s popular with surfers and people who like to watch the waves from the promenade. San Telmo cove has a small beach, rock pools, and a historic chapel above, giving this part of the coast its own charm.
The town’s Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico), dating from the 18th century, contains over 4,000 plant species from tropical and subtropical regions. Its mature trees, shaded paths and exotic specimens provide a calm, green break from the urban seafront and are easily reached by a short uphill walk or local bus.
Loro Parque & Family Attractions
LoLoro Parque, on the west side of Puerto de la Cruz, is one of Tenerife’s top attractions. It started as a parrot park and grew into a large zoo and marine park. You’ll find parrots, penguins, dolphins, orcas, and themed enclosures and shows. Many visitors now also think about animal welfare and conservation when deciding to visit. Families also like playgrounds and parks such as Parque Taoro and Parque de la Sortija, which have viewpoints, walking paths, and places for kids to play. Along with the pools at Lago Martiánez and safe parts of Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz has many family-friendly activities close together or a short bus ride away.
Free Walking Tours in Puerto de la Cruz
Visit to Puerto de la Cruz Walking Tour: 1.5-hour tip-based tour in English and Spanish, starting at Muelle del Puerto de la Cruz (harbour). The route covers the harbour, Royal Customs House, Plaza del Charco, fishermen’s quarter, key churches, merchants’ houses, Church Square of Peña de Francia, San Telmo viewpoint, Plaza de Europa, town hall and Miranda’s House, with explanations on conquest, Guanche heritage and local festivals.
Walking Route in Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife: This tip-based tour lasts about 1.5 hours and focuses on the center of Puerto de la Cruz. It’s an orientation walk in Spanish that takes you through main squares, churches, and seafront viewpoints. It’s perfect for visitors who want a quick introduction to the town’s layout and main sights.
Explore Puerto de la Cruz and its Tourist History: Approximately 2 hours, tip-based, exploring how Puerto de la Cruz transformed from a trading port into a pioneering tourist destination. The route emphasises early hotels, visits by Europeans, the arrival of health tourism, and modern developments such as Lago Martiánez.
Find more tours in Puerto de la Cruz.
Practical Tips
Getting there: Puerto de la Cruz is about 30 kilometers from Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and about 90 kilometers from Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Regular buses run between the town, both airports, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and La Laguna. If you drive from TFN, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes on the TF-5 motorway.
Getting around: The historic centre, seafront, Lago Martiánez, and Playa Jardín are all easy to walk to, though some streets have cobblestones or gentle hills. Local buses connect Puerto de la Cruz with the Botanical Garden, La Orotava, Loro Parque, and other places on the island. Taxis are helpful for late-night trips or steeper areas.
Accommodation ranges from historic hotels and guesthouses around the old town to modern seafront hotels overlooking Lago Martiánez and Playa Jardín. Many properties offer pools and terraces taking advantage of the mild climate, and Puerto de la Cruz is often a better value than some southern resorts.
Visit duration
- Short stay (2–3 days): cover the harbour and old town, one free walking tour, Lago Martiánez, Playa Jardín and the Botanical Garden.
- Longer stay (4–5 days): add Loro Parque, additional coastal walks, a visit to nearby La Orotava, and a day trip to Mount Teide or other parts of Tenerife.
Weather in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz has a mild subtropical climate. It’s a bit cooler and more humid than the south of Tenerife, with lots of green plants thanks to the trade winds. Average temperatures are about 17–21°C in winter and 22–26°C in summer, so it’s comfortable for walking all year. There are more showers here than in the south.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring particularly pleasant conditions for city walks, gardens and coastal promenades, with fewer crowds than peak summer. In summer, sea breezes help moderate the heat, while winter visitors enjoy light-jacket weather and quieter streets compared to high season.
Best visiting periods:
- March–June and September–November for an ideal balance of warmth, light and moderate visitor numbers.
- July–August for those prioritising pool and beach time, with more intense sun and busier attractions.
Short History
Puerto de la Cruz emerged in the early 16th century as the coastal outlet for La Orotava, serving as a small fishing village and an export point for sugar and, later, wine. As exports grew, merchants built houses, warehouses and a church and square, and after Garachico’s destruction in 1706, the port became the main commercial gateway on Tenerife’s north coast.
In the 19th century, the town started to attract European visitors, especially from Britain and northern Europe, who came for the mild winters and sea air. This made Puerto de la Cruz one of the first tourist resorts in the Canary Islands. Some of Tenerife’s oldest hotels and guesthouses opened during this time, and many still add to the town’s unique look today.
The 20th century brought further growth, adding big attractions like Lago Martiánez in the 1970s. This helped make Puerto de la Cruz known as a stylish, art-filled resort. Today, the town balances tourism with preserving its historic centre, gardens, and seafront, and it’s still a favourite for visitors who want a more traditional, cultural experience than newer resorts offer.
FAQ about Puerto de la Cruz
What is Puerto de la Cruz famous for?
Puerto de la Cruz is known for its historic harbour, early tourism heritage, Lago Martiánez seawater pools, black-sand beaches and tropical gardens. It is also recognised for its views towards Mount Teide and its more local, Canarian feel compared with larger southern resorts.
Is Puerto de la Cruz good for swimming and beaches?
Yes; Playa Jardín offers family-friendly black-sand coves with facilities, while Playa Martiánez and San Telmo cove are popular for swimming and wave-watching. Lago Martiánez provides seawater pools with lifeguards, sunbeds and amenities for those preferring a controlled environment.
Are the free walking tours really free?
Free walking tours, such as the Visit to Puerto de la Cruz Walking Tour, operate on a tip-based model with no fixed price. You book without paying in advance, and tip the guide at the end based on your experience and budget.
How long do you need in Puerto de la Cruz?
Two to three days are enough to cover the old town, harbour, one walking tour, Lago Martiánez, Playa Jardín and the Botanical Garden. Staying for 4 or more days lets you add Loro Parque, La Orotava, and day trips to Teide or other parts of Tenerife.
Is Puerto de la Cruz suitable for families?
Yes, family-friendly attractions include Playa Jardín, Lago Martiánez, Loro Parque, playgrounds and relatively flat central streets. Many free tours and walks are accessible for children and people with reduced mobility.
What’s the difference between Puerto de la Cruz and the southern resorts?
Puerto de la Cruz has a greener, slightly cooler climate, more historic buildings and a stronger local feel, with fewer large all-inclusive complexes. Southern resorts like Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje are sunnier and drier with bigger beaches, newer hotels and more nightlife.
