Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is a historic coastal resort on the northern coast of Tenerife, one of the oldest tourist destinations in the Canary Islands. Unlike the modern high-rise resorts of the south, Puerto de la Cruz maintains a traditional Canarian character with its old town, black-sand volcanic beaches, and lush tropical gardens. The Loro Parque is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world.

By Plane

The nearest airport depends on the island (TFS, TFN, ACE, LPA, FUE, SPC, VDE, GMZ). Taxis and car hire are available at all airports.

By Car / Road

Hire car is the most practical way to explore. Roads are well maintained, though some interior routes are winding and narrow. Free parking is generally available outside town centres.

Within towns, walking is the best option. For inter-town travel, public guaguas (buses) are reliable and affordable. Taxis are metered and available in larger towns. Car hire offers the most flexibility for exploring the island.

• Loro Parque — one of the world's best zoological parks, famous for its parrot collection, killer whale show, and the largest penguinarium outside Antarctica. €38.

• Jardín Botánico — a 200-year-old botanical garden with an incredible collection of tropical and subtropical plants from around the world.

• Playa Jardín — a beautiful black-sand beach designed by artist César Manrique, with landscaped gardens and pools.

• Casco Histórico — the old fishing quarter with colourful houses, cobbled streets, and the charming Plaza del Charco.

• Ride the Loro Parque cable car for views across the resort and the Atlantic.

• Walk the coastal promenade from Puerto de la Cruz to the neighbouring fishing village of La Orotava.

• Take a catamaran trip for whale and dolphin watching.

• Visit the Alhóndiga cultural centre for Canarian art exhibitions.

• La Bodega de San Amaro (Av. de la Mar) — excellent Canarian tapas with sea views. Mid-range.
• Restaurante La Milagrosa (C. Perdomo, 20) — traditional island cooking, known for its fish dishes. Budget to mid-range.
• Mesón Los Montecristos (C. Iriarte, 2) — local cuisine in a historic building.

Canarian wines — particularly the Malvasía from Lanzarote and the Listán Blanco from Tenerife — are excellent. Local beers include Dorada and Tropical. Fresh fruit juices and tropical smoothies are widely available.

Budget

Budget guesthouses and hostales offer private rooms from €30–50 per night. Many smaller towns have affordable casas rurales.

Mid-range

Mid-range: Hotel Valleolivo — a charming Canarian-style hotel with gardens and pool, doubles from €60–100.

Upscale

Upscale: Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden — a 5-star resort with extensive spa facilities, doubles from €150–280.

• Local crafts: traditional Canarian pottery, basketwork, and textiles
• Gourmet specialities: local cheeses (especially queso majorero), mojo sauces, gofio, and wines
• Aloe vera products — the Canary Islands are known for high-quality aloe-based cosmetics

• Tenerife — the largest Canary Island with Teide National Park and vibrant resorts
• Lanzarote — Timanfaya National Park and César Manrique's artistic legacy
• Gran Canaria — the dunes of Maspalomas and the historic quarter of Vegueta
• Fuerteventura — pristine beaches and world-class windsurfing