Puerto de la Cruz is one of the most atmospheric and charming towns in Tenerife. The many hotels, souvenir shops, and lively town squares make it clear that this is a favorite spot for travelers from around the world. Still, even with its popularity, the town has held on to its authentic feel. You can sense it in the historic buildings, the colorful streets, and the easy mix of local life and seaside buzz. Picture a lovely old town center, striking black sand beaches shaped by volcanic landscapes, green botanical gardens filled with exotic plants, and the powerful Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocky shore.
This is a place where you can explore everything on foot. You might start your day at the beach, walk up to a historic fort, continue through the old fishermen’s quarter, and end in a quiet park shaded by palm trees. From a sunny terrace, you can head straight to a natural swimming pool carved out of lava rock. The town feels compact and relaxed, yet full of variety. Every street seems to lead to a new view, a hidden square, or a cozy café.
At the same time, Puerto de la Cruz is a perfect base for discovering the greener and more mountainous north of the island. Within a short drive you will find scenic hiking trails, small mountain villages, and the ancient laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park. You are also within reach of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, rising high above the island’s volcanic landscape. Staying here allows you to combine relaxed seaside days with unforgettable nature experiences.
In this blog, we guide you through 20 of the most beautiful places in and around Puerto de la Cruz. You will find a thoughtful mix of highlights within the town and inspiring day trips in the surrounding area, all easy to organize on your own. Whether you are drawn to culture, nature, good food, peaceful moments by the sea, or a bit of adventure, this guide will help you discover the very best that Puerto de la Cruz and its surroundings have to offer.
What is Puerto de la Cruz known for?
Puerto de la Cruz is one of the oldest seaside resorts on Tenerife, and its long history is part of what makes it so special. As early as the nineteenth century, European travelers were drawn here by the gentle climate and its beautiful location along the Atlantic coast. That past has not faded. You can still feel it as you walk through town, in the architecture, the atmosphere, and the slower rhythm of daily life. Unlike many modern beach destinations, you will not find endless rows of high rise resorts or oversized boulevards. Instead, there is a compact and easy to explore center where beaches, gardens, culture, and local art are all within walking distance. Everything feels close and convenient, yet never crowded or overwhelming. It is an ideal place for travelers who want sunshine and sea, but also character, history, and a sense of place.
The black lava beaches are among the most eye catching features of the town. Playa Jardín is the most famous and feels more like a landscaped park by the sea than a typical beach. You can stretch out on the dark sand surrounded by palm trees and bright flowers, while the dramatic volcanic scenery rises in the background. The setting feels unique and unmistakably Tenerife. At San Telmo, the experience is different but just as memorable. Here you swim in a natural rock pool, protected from the stronger waves yet still filled with clear ocean water. Both places are right in the heart of town, making it easy to combine a swim with a relaxed stroll, a coffee on a terrace, or a visit to nearby sights.
The old town adds another layer to Puerto’s appeal. Walking through its streets, you pass colonial style houses with wooden balconies, quiet squares shaded by trees, and cozy cafés where people linger over drinks. The streets are narrow and full of small details that invite you to slow down and look around. Plaza del Charco is a central meeting point, lively and friendly at almost any time of day. Nearby, the neighborhood of La Ranilla has a creative and colorful feel, with street art and local shops adding to its character. In these areas, locals, visitors, and families move side by side, creating an atmosphere that feels authentic and welcoming rather than built purely for tourism.
For anyone who loves greenery and quiet corners, the botanical gardens are a true highlight of Puerto de la Cruz. The Jardín Botánico was originally established to help tropical plants adjust to the European climate. Over time, it has grown into a beautiful and peaceful oasis. Today, you wander beneath tall palm trees, pass through thick bamboo groves, and stand beside impressive old trees whose wide branches stretch high above the curving pathways. It is a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy the shade and silence. Sitio Litre is smaller and more intimate, yet equally special. Tucked away in the middle of the city, this historic garden is filled with delicate orchids and bright butterflies. Despite its central location, it feels calm and secluded, offering a gentle break from the movement and noise of the surrounding streets.
The town’s setting is another reason it is so highly regarded. From many points along the coastline, you can spot the impressive outline of Mount Teide rising in the distance. The volcano is visible on most days and lies only a short drive away, making a visit both tempting and easy to arrange. Other beautiful destinations such as La Orotava, Anaga Rural Park, Icod de los Vinos, and Garachico are also close by. Thanks to this convenient location in the north of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is not just a pleasant place to stay. It is also a natural and comfortable base for discovering the varied landscapes, historic towns, and scenic beauty that make northern Tenerife so special.
The top sights in Puerto de la Cruz
#1 Lago Martiánez
Lago Martiánez is far more than a typical swimming pool. It is a carefully designed landscape of water, stone, light, and space, brought to life in the 1970s by the famous local architect César Manrique. Set right in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, this remarkable complex features several saltwater pools, elegant patios, open pavilions, and wide terraces that invite you to wander and explore. At the center lies a large artificial lake that gives the entire area a sense of openness and balance. The combination of black lava stone and bright white walls is typical of Manrique’s style and beautifully reflects the volcanic character of the island.
As you walk between the pools, you pass sculptures, tall palm trees, and colorful flowerbeds filled with tropical plants. The layout feels spacious and thoughtfully designed, stretching along the coastline so that the ocean is never far from view. The pools are filled with water drawn directly from the Atlantic, which adds to the feeling of swimming by the sea while still enjoying calm and protected surroundings. Comfortable sun loungers are spread across the terraces, and practical facilities such as changing rooms and cafés make it easy to spend hours here. For a modest entrance fee, you can settle in for the entire day, moving between swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing with a drink. With sweeping views of the ocean on one side and the mountains rising in the distance on the other, Lago Martiánez offers a setting that feels both dramatic and serene, making it one of the most unforgettable highlights of Puerto de la Cruz.
#2 Playa Jardín
Playa Jardín is the largest beach in Puerto de la Cruz and one of its most impressive coastal spots. The wide stretch of black lava sand immediately catches your eye, especially against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. Palm trees and cacti line the edge of the beach, adding greenery and a tropical feel to the dramatic volcanic setting. On clear days, you can see the outline of Mount Teide rising in the distance, which makes the view even more memorable. The beach was redesigned in the 1990s by the well known Canarian architect César Manrique. He divided the coastline into three sections, Playa Jardín, Playa Chica, and Punta Brava, and connected them with walking paths, landscaped gardens, and pleasant seating areas. Because of this careful design, the entire area feels more like a seaside park than a simple stretch of sand.
The beach is spacious and easy to reach, making it suitable for both relaxed mornings and long afternoons by the sea. You will find practical facilities such as toilets and outdoor showers, along with sun loungers and beach bars where you can enjoy a cold drink or a casual lunch. Waves are present most of the time, which attracts surfers who wait patiently in the water for the perfect moment to ride a wave. Swimming is also possible, although conditions can vary throughout the day, so it is important to check the flags and pay attention to the sea.
#3 Batería de Santa Bárbara
On the edge of the old harbor of Puerto de la Cruz stands a quiet reminder of the town’s military history: the Batería de Santa Bárbara. This small coastal fort was built in the eighteenth century to protect the town from pirates and attacks coming from the sea. In those days, the threat was real, and coastal defenses were essential. Its position was carefully chosen, right by the water between the historic center and what is now called Casa de la Real Aduana. From here, soldiers had a clear view of ships approaching the harbor and could respond quickly if needed.
Today, only a limited part of the original structure has survived. You will find a restored section of wall, a few old cannons still pointing toward the ocean, and an information panel that explains the history of the site. At first glance, it may look modest and easy to pass by without much thought. But the battery was once part of a larger defensive network of coastal forts that worked together to guard Puerto de la Cruz from danger at sea. From this spot, you can nowadays look out over the harbor and the wide Atlantic Ocean.
#4 Castillo de San Felipe
The Castillo de San Felipe was built around the year 1600 on a rugged basalt cliff at the mouth of the Barranco de San Felipe. In those days, Puerto de la Cruz needed strong defenses against attacks from the sea, and this fort was one of five coastal strongholds created to protect the town. Its elevated position on the rocky cliff offered a clear strategic advantage, giving soldiers wide views over the bay and enough time to react to ships approaching from the horizon. The structure itself is compact and solid, built from thick lava stone that reflects the volcanic nature of the island. Its appearance is clearly military in character, with narrow windows, heavy walls, open views across the water, and an entrance that was once reached by a drawbridge.
In the twentieth century, the fort slowly fell into disrepair and lost its original purpose. Fortunately, it was later restored with care and given a new role. Today, the castle functions as a cultural space where art exhibitions, chamber music concerts, and other small scale events are held, bringing fresh energy into the historic setting. We were not able to visit the interior ourselves, as it was closed during our stay. Still, it is well worth walking past simply for its location.
#5 Plaza del Charco
Anyone strolling through Puerto de la Cruz will inevitably find their way to Plaza del Charco. Set right in the heart of town, this welcoming square has been the social center of the city since the eighteenth century. It is a place where everyday life unfolds without effort. Beneath the canopy of tall trees, you can settle onto a bench in the shade while fountains gently splash nearby. Around the square, cafés, ice cream parlors, and sunny terraces line the edges, and they always seem to hum with a little more energy than the quieter streets beyond.
The square takes its name from a small pool of seawater that once gathered here. In the past, at high tide, water from the harbor would slip through the quay and settle in the square, forming a charco, or pond. Very little of that history is visible today, and only the name hints at this unusual origin. Even so, no visit to Puerto de la Cruz feels complete without spending at least a little time here. For us, it also offered a welcome moment to let the children play in the charming maritime themed playground.
#6 La Ranilla
La Ranilla is the old fishermen’s quarter of Puerto de la Cruz, and today it feels like the most vibrant and creative part of town. What was once a quiet working neighborhood has been transformed into a colorful outdoor gallery. Large, eye catching murals cover the walls, turning simple streets into a place where art is part of everyday life. These works were created by international artists as part of the Puerto Street Art project, which has given the area a fresh and lively spirit. You will find many of the paintings in and around Calle Mequinez and Calle Lomo, as well as in the narrow side streets that link them together. It is worth stopping every now and then, because many of the murals tell stories about the town, the sea, and daily life on the island.
In between the artworks, you will come across small restaurants, artisan shops, friendly fish bars, and intimate galleries. The contrast between traditional fishing houses and bold contemporary art creates a relaxed yet creative atmosphere that feels authentic and welcoming. For us, this was without doubt the most charming area of Puerto de la Cruz.
#7 Punta de la Laja de la Sal
Just beyond the center of Puerto de la Cruz lies Punta de la Laja de la Sal, a rugged rocky point where the Atlantic crashes against dark volcanic stone with full force. This is not a stretch of coast lined with sun loungers or beach bars. Instead, you are greeted by bare basalt cliffs, fresh sea air, and sweeping views that seem to go on forever. The walk there is part of the experience. Follow the seaside promenade toward the southwest side of town and listen to the steady rhythm of the waves as you approach. Swimming is not a good idea here because of the strong currents and rough water, but for anyone who loves dramatic coastal landscapes, this spot is a real highlight.
#8 Parque Taoro
High above the town, Parque Taoro offers a calm and refreshing contrast to the busy streets below. Set on a hillside overlooking the coast, the park feels like a green retreat where you can slow down and breathe more deeply. You can reach it by climbing a long staircase or by taking a gently winding path that leads uphill through landscaped gardens. Small waterfalls and elegant fountains line your way up, creating a peaceful atmosphere even before you reach the top. Once there, the park opens into wide lawns dotted with palm trees, bright flowers, and shaded benches. From several viewpoints, you can enjoy lovely views over the rooftops of the town and out toward the coastline and the sea.
In the nineteenth century, the grand Gran Hotel Taoro stood proudly here as one of the island’s most prestigious hotels, welcoming writers, artists, and other well known guests from across Europe. The impressive building is still there today, although it is currently closed. What continues to attract visitors, however, is the surrounding park. It remains a wonderful place for an easy walk, a relaxed coffee break, or simply a quiet moment while taking in the wide views.
#9 Piscina Natural de San Telmo
In the very center of Puerto de la Cruz, right beside the lively seaside promenade, you will find Piscina Natural de San Telmo. At low tide, the surrounding volcanic rocks create a shallow pool where you can swim more safely, even when the Atlantic beyond is a little restless. The water is beautifully clear, and if you take a moment to look between the rocks, you will often see tiny fish moving through the calm pools. Even so, swimming here requires care. When the waves rise, the currents can quickly turn strong and unpredictable. On quiet days, however, it is a wonderful place to cool down, drift in the water, and experience the unique feeling of bathing in a natural pool shaped by lava and the sea.
#10 The Harbor of Puerto de la Cruz
The harbor of Puerto de la Cruz is small in size but full of character, and it is still very much part of everyday life. Centuries ago, this harbor played an important role in trade. Barrels of local wine and crates of bananas were shipped from here to destinations across Europe. It is a pleasant place to stroll, observe daily routines, and take in the blend of working harbor and relaxed coastal setting.
On the small square near the quay stands a statue of a fisherman’s wife looking out over the ocean, a moving tribute to the families who relied on the sea for their livelihood for generations. From here, you can walk onto the pier that stretches straight out into the Atlantic. This walk should only be done in calm weather. During our visit, the pier was closed after a fatal accident caused by unusually high waves. Along this stretch of coast, the sea can be both impressive and unpredictable.
#11 Ermita de San Telmo
The Ermita de San Telmo is a small white chapel set on the rocks above the sea, one of the most picturesque spots in Puerto de la Cruz. Built in the eighteenth century, it is dedicated to San Telmo, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. Its location is part of its charm. The chapel looks straight out over the Atlantic, with only a low wall standing between the rocky cliffs and the waves below.
Services are still held here, keeping the chapel very much alive. During our visit to Puerto de la Cruz, the service happened to be in German, most likely for visitors staying in the area. Each year, during the festival of the Virgen del Carmen, a special procession begins at this chapel. A statue of the saint is carried outside, placed carefully on a fishing boat, and taken out onto the water.
#12 Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico & Jardín de Orquídeas)
Garden lovers will discover two very different green spaces in Puerto de la Cruz, each offering its own atmosphere and story. The Jardín Botánico was officially established in 1788 by order of King Carlos III. Its purpose was practical at first. Exotic plants from tropical regions were brought here to adjust to the climate before being transported to mainland Spain. Today, it is a peaceful place to explore at your own pace. You can wander along shaded paths beneath tall palm trees, pass through thick bamboo groves, and pause beside ponds filled with water lilies.
The second garden, the Jardín de Orquídeas, also known as Sitio Litre, lies close to the town center and is privately owned. Here, the focus is on orchids and ornamental plants in a more intimate setting. The garden has existed for more than two hundred years and has attracted well known visitors, including Alexander von Humboldt and Agatha Christie. As you stroll through the paths, you are surrounded by bright blossoms, butterflies drifting through the air, and colorful bougainvillea climbing along the walls.
#13 Loro Parque
Loro Parque is one of the best known zoos in Europe and, without doubt, the most visited attraction in Puerto de la Cruz. It began in 1972 as a private parrot collection, but over the decades it grew into a large and professionally run animal park. Today, visitors will find an aquarium, a penguin habitat designed to recreate icy conditions, a spacious gorilla island, and daily shows featuring dolphins and orcas. The park is especially famous for its parrots. With more than four thousand birds from around the world, it houses the largest collection of parrots anywhere.
Recommended read: Best Things to Do in Tenerife with Children
We chose not to visit the park ourselves, as we are generally cautious about attractions that keep wild animals in captivity. In particular, the use of animals in shows does not align with how we prefer to travel and make choices on the road. Responsible travel means different things to different people, and we believe it is important to be open about our own perspective. At the same time, it is clear that Loro Parque has earned a strong international reputation and continues to be a highlight for many families spending their holiday on the island.
If you are planning a visit, you will find the park on the western edge of the city, in the Punta Brava district. It is easy to reach by car, and it is also possible to walk there from the center if you enjoy a longer stroll. In addition, a small tourist train runs several times a day between the town center and the park entrance. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online in advance. Most visitors spend an entire day here, as there is a wide range of exhibits, presentations, and landscaped areas to explore at a relaxed pace.
#14 The Best Playgrounds in Puerto de la Cruz
Tenerife is a wonderful destination to explore with children, and Puerto de la Cruz clearly shows just how family friendly the island can be. Throughout the town, you will find several thoughtfully designed playgrounds where children can burn off energy while parents take a well earned break. Our own children quickly picked their favorites, especially the playgrounds at Plaza del Charco and near Playa Jardín.
The playground at Plaza del Charco was an instant hit with our toddler and preschooler. The wooden equipment is shaped like a cheerful pirate ship, complete with masts to climb, ropes to balance on, and slides that children run toward without hesitation. Palm trees and natural materials give the space a relaxed, tropical feel that fits perfectly with the square around it. Because it is located right in the center of town, it is an easy and comfortable place for families to spend some time. Parents can settle down at one of the nearby cafés while keeping an eye on their children as they play, making it a pleasant stop for everyone.
Close to Playa Jardín, you will find another of the town’s best playgrounds. This one is more spacious and set among greenery, just a short walk from the beach. There is plenty of room for children to climb, slide, balance, and explore at their own pace. The wooden structures encourage active play and spark the imagination at the same time. Once the energy has been used up, you can simply walk on to the black sand beach or continue along the promenade by the sea.
Best Day Trips from Puerto de la Cruz
#15 Teide National Park
Teide National Park is home to Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and the volcanic heart of Tenerife. Towering above the island, this mighty volcano defines the skyline and has shaped the island’s landscape for thousands of years. From Puerto de la Cruz, the drive takes just over an hour, yet it feels like a journey into a completely different world. As you leave the town behind, along with its banana plantations and coastal views, the road slowly climbs higher. The scenery shifts dramatically into a rugged, almost lunar landscape of hardened lava flows, dark rock formations, and sweeping pine forests that stretch across the mountainside.
Recommended read: Best Things to Do in Teide National Park
The park itself is vast, so it is wise to think ahead about how you would like to spend your time there. One of the most rewarding short walks leads past the striking Roques de García. These sculpted rock formations, shaped by wind and erosion over countless years, stand in sharp contrast to the volcanic slopes behind them and create one of the island’s most photographed views. Many visitors also choose to take the cable car up to about 3,555 meters. From this height, the views are wide and unforgettable. On a clear day, you can see far across Tenerife and even spot other Canary Islands in the distance. If you plan to hike the final section to the summit of Mount Teide itself, you will need to arrange a special permit in advance. Even without standing on the very top, the dramatic scenery and open space make the visit an experience you will remember for a long time.
It is best to leave early in the morning, bring warm layers, and check the weather forecast before setting off. At higher altitudes, temperatures are often much lower than along the coast, and clouds can appear quickly. If this is your first trip to Tenerife, a visit to Teide National Park should be high on your list. It is one of those places that truly reveals the island’s wild beauty and powerful natural character.
#16 La Laguna
About a thirty minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz, you arrive at San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a city that feels completely different from the coastal towns of Tenerife. There are no palm trees or beaches here. Instead, the streets are lined with elegant historic homes, monasteries, and open squares arranged in a precise grid, reflecting the city’s careful planning. Founded in the sixteenth century, La Laguna holds the distinction of being the first planned city in Spain. Its well preserved historic center has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it a true gem of architecture and history.
As you walk through the streets, you pass grand old houses with wooden balconies, colorful façades, and charming hidden courtyards. The city is full of inviting cafés, small independent bookstores, and local eateries where you can pause for a coffee or a light bite. Notable spots to explore include the covered Mercado Municipal, the stately city palace Casa Salazar, the popular coffee shop We The North Speciality Coffee, and the impressive Iglesia de la Concepción.
La Laguna is also a university city, giving it a lively, youthful energy without ever feeling crowded. For the best experience, it is wise to arrive early in the day. You can then enjoy the historic streets mostly to yourself, taking in the architecture, the colors, and the atmosphere before the city becomes busier.
#17 Los Silos & Charco de Los Chochos
Los Silos is a peaceful town on Tenerife’s northwest coast, radiating a raw and natural charm that perfectly matches the rugged lava rocks and small villages in this part of the island. The coastline here is shaped by dark volcanic stones, gentle waves, and a string of natural lava pools, the most famous being Charco de Los Chochos. At low tide, these pools reveal crystal clear water in shimmering shades of green and blue. From the cliffs above, you can take in sweeping views along the coast toward Buenavista.
Los Silos is also an ideal starting point for a coastal walk. From the nearby parking areas, the trail takes you past a black sand beach, a whale skeleton display, several smaller rock pools, and dramatic blowholes where the sea bursts through the volcanic formations with a roar. The lava pools and coastal tracks see very few visitors.
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#18 Anaga Park
Anaga fills the green northeastern corner of Tenerife with steep mountains, dense cloud forests, and walking trails that have been used for centuries. From Puerto de la Cruz, it takes just over an hour to reach, depending on the route you choose. The area is wild and remote, offering a completely different experience from the rest of the island.
Recommended read: Most Beautiful Places in Anaga Park.
Popular starting points include Cruz del Carmen or the parking area near the village of Taganana. From either, you can set out on trails through lush laurel forests or climb to viewpoints high above the ocean for truly spectacular panoramas. The black sand beach of Playa de Benijo is a perfect stop for anyone seeking quiet on a dramatic, windswept shore. Another unforgettable spot is the Túnel de las Hadas, a fairytale-like path carved through the mountains, flanked by towering walls covered in thick moss, ferns, and twisted tree roots.
Although a bus does run through Anaga, we strongly recommend exploring the park by rental car. This gives you the freedom to stop whenever you like at the many viewpoints, take side paths, and linger as long as you wish.
#19 La Orotava
La Orotava is just a short drive from Puerto de la Cruz, less than twenty minutes away, yet stepping into this town feels like entering a completely different world. Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, it is renowned for its colonial houses, beautifully carved wooden balconies, and narrow cobbled streets.
A highlight of the town is Casa de los Balcones, a magnificent historic house with a central courtyard, exquisite wooden carvings, and displays of traditional crafts that showcase local artistry. Beyond this, you can wander through peaceful squares, discover small historic churches, and visit a botanical garden with sweeping views over the lush valley below. Many travelers combine a visit to La Orotava with a trip up Mount Teide, but the town deserves more than a quick stop.
# 20 Garachico & Icod de los Vinos
For those ready to venture a little further, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos make a perfect and memorable day trip. Both villages lie along Tenerife’s northern coast, each with its own distinct personality and fascinating history.
Recommended read: Best Things to Do in Garachico.
Garachico was once the island’s most important port, until a volcanic eruption in 1706 partially destroyed it. Today, you can wander among the remnants of lava flows, explore centuries-old city walls, and even dip your toes in the natural sea pools that form along the rugged coastline. The town has a calm and timeless atmosphere, with picturesque squares, historic churches, and inviting cafés that feel as though they have changed little since the nineteenth century.
A short drive away, you will find Icod de los Vinos, best known for the Drago Milenario, a majestic dragon tree said to be over a thousand years old. The town also offers a wine museum and a volcanic cave, giving visitors a fascinating insight into Tenerife’s natural and cultural history.
