Lush tropical gardens, preserved colonial charm, a lively seafront promenade overlooking theAtlantic Ocean… Discover all the treasures of Puerto de la Cruz, an authentic Tenerife town that perfectly blends Canarian tradition and the gentle way of life.
We share our ideas for things to do in Puerto de la Cruz during your stay in the Canaries. Between its black sand beaches, picturesque historic center and majestic Teide as a backdrop, here are all our favorite activities to help you plan a trip with a change of scenery.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
1. Garden-side sunbathing at Playa Jardin
Why visit?
Playa Jardin, also known as Playa del Castillo, offers a singular atmosphere where nature and urbanism blend harmoniously. A veritable oasis between the city and the ocean, we particularly appreciated its garden, between sea and mountain, where palm trees, cacti and tropical flowers line the promenade. A complete change of scenery. Moderate waves, shallow waters and the possibility of renting sun loungers and parasols make this beach ideal for families.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Northwest of Puerto de la Cruz
- 20min walk from downtown
- Parking is available on the beach, and was free when we visited.
- Less than a 15-minute walk away, Parking Explanada del Muelle is free and open 24 hours a day.
- The beach is supervised and there is a first-aid center.
- We found showers and toilets in the building above the beach.
- There are play areas in the garden.
- The beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There is an access ramp from the road and reserved parking spaces.
- We found a cafeteria with a terrace on the beach.
- Free access at all times.
- Link to the official beach website here.
2. Marvel at the Jardin Botanico
Why visit?
The Jardin Botanico has a definite historical character. Created in 1788 by royal order, its aim was to acclimatize exotic plants from America and Asia, before they were transferred to the Iberian Peninsula. Its botanical diversity is impressive, with a vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants.
Here you’ll find species from all over the world, some of which are particularly rare and unusual. Last but not least, its landscaped setting and meticulous landscaping won us over. Its paths through lush vegetation are serene and inviting.
We loved this garden so much that we devoted an entire article to it.
Practical advice
- In the town of Puerto de la Cruz, on Calle Retama, about 2km from Plaza del Charco. The entrance is opposite the Placita Retama.
- Length of visit: The garden can be circumnavigated in 1 hour, but it’s also very pleasant to stroll the paths for 2 to 3 hours.
- We didn’t see any specific routes for children, but following the directions from the app you can download onto your phone can be a real treasure hunt in itself, with lots to learn.
- Full adult fare: €3
- Opening hours: The garden is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
- Link to the official garden website here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Puerto de la Cruz
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Right in the center
Hotel AF Valle Orotava – Check photos and availability
Near the beach
Hotel AluaSoul Orotava Valley – Check photos and availability
On the heights
Hotel Botanica y Oriental Spa – Check photos and availability.
Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa Hotel – Check photos and availability
Tigaiga Suites apartments – Check photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz.
3. Relax at Lago Martianez
Why visit?
Lago Martianez is an aquatic leisure complex designed in the 1960s by Canary Islands artist César Manrique. It covers 100,000 m2 and includes 7 organically shaped seawater pools. The ensemble resembles a lagoon and blends into the coastal landscape. The view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Teide volcano is breathtaking. We particularly appreciated the unique atmosphere created by the blend ofmodern architecture and the natural elements of the Canaries, such as volcanic stone and lush vegetation.
Practical advice
- North of the historic heart of Puerto de la Cruz
- The complex is well served by public transport.
- The Pirámides de Martiánez shopping center parking lot is a 7-minute walk away.
- You can easily spend ½ day or even the whole day there.
- There’s a children’s pool and play area.
- Adult price: €5.5
- Lago Martianez is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in low season and until 7 p.m. in summer.
- For more information, visit the official website here.
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4. Stroll along the Paseo Maritimo
Why visit?
Our stroll along the Paseo Marítimo in Puerto de la Cruz was a lovely moment. This seafront promenade offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic on one side and the surrounding mountains on the other. She passes between lively café terraces and palm trees swaying in the breeze. We loved stopping off on a bench to enjoy an ice cream while watching the waves, with families and lovers coming and going to enjoy the special atmosphere.
Practical advice
- The paseo runs along the coast of Puerto de la Cruz
- The promenade is within easy walking distance of the town center.
- There are several parking options. TheEsplanada del Muelle is free and open 24 hours a day.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the course and the views.
- We didn’t see any special arrangements for children.
- Access to the Paseo Maritimo is free.
- Open every day of the year and at all hours.
- For more information, visit the Tourist Office website here.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Recollection at Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia church
Why visit?
We were immediately captivated by the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, with its grey facade and tall bell tower standing out against the bright Canary sky. Although we were only able to admire it from the outside (the church was closed), we spent a pleasant moment in the flower gardens of the small square in front of it. It was touching to see how this symbolic place continues to be a lively meeting point for the local community.
Practical advice
- The church is located in downtown Puerto de la Cruz.
- On the Plaza de la Iglesia
- TheEsplanada del Muelle parking lot is just a few minutes’ walk away, free of charge and open 24 hours a day.
- Admission is free.
- The church is open daily from 8:30am to 7pm.
- Find out more here.
6. Explore the Castillo San Felipe
Why visit?
The Castillo San Felipe is a small, rugged-looking fort that transports us back to a time when Puerto de la Cruz defended itself against pirate maritime intrusions. Situated at the end of the Playa Jardin (or Playa del Castillo), it’s a pentagonal structure whose dark volcanic stone stands out against the color of the sand on the beach below. It has recently been restored and is now a cultural center hosting concerts and exhibitions.
Practical advice
- Near the old port of Puerto de la Cruz
- At the eastern end of Playa Jardin (Playa del Castillo)
- TheEsplanada del Muelle parking lot is a 10-minute walk away, free of charge and open 24 hours a day.
- The Castillo San Felipe is only open for exhibitions.
- More information on the Tourist Office website here.
7. Admire Street Art on the walls of Puerto de la Cruz
Why visit?
We were amazed by the Puerto Street Art. It’s a veritable open-air gallery. Strolling through the picturesque streets of the La Ranilla district, we discovered over 15 exceptional murals created by internationally renowned artists. In this way, once mundane facades become giant canvases, breathing life and color into every street corner. Spotting them is a fun experience, a bit like an urban treasure hunt.
Practical advice
- In the heart of Puerto de la Cruz
- In the La Ranilla district
- TheEsplanada del Muelle parking lot is a 5-minute walk away, free of charge and open 24 hours a day.
- The urban art tour takes about 1 hour.
- The visit is free (public area)
- More information on the Tourist Office website here.
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8. Explore the Sitio Litre garden
Why visit?
The Sitio Litre garden is a true invitation to discovery. It was created in 1730 and extends over 4,000 m2 around the eponymous colonial villa, considered to be the oldest in Tenerife. This historic residence has played host to many personalities over the years. We particularly enjoyed following in the footsteps ofAgatha Christie, William Wilde (father of writer Oscar Wilde), and painter and botanist Marianne North. The garden is distinguished by the diversity of its subtropical vegetation, where majestic trees stand side by side with delicate orchids. The setting is wonderfully peaceful.
This lovely garden steeped in history has inspired an entire article.
Practical advice
- In the town of Puerto de la Cruz, in the Malpais district, a 10-minute walk from downtown.
- Length of visit: 20 to 45 minutes
- There is no specific tour for children. On the other hand, painting workshops are held regularly in the garden, which can be an interesting activity for the whole family. To find out more, visit the official website here.
- Full adult fare: €4.75
- Opening hours: The garden is open daily from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
9. Climbing the stairs Agatha Christie
Why visit?
An unusual feature of our visit to Puerto de la Cruz: near the historic quarter, a colorful staircase in homage to the British novelist. Each step is named after one of his many novels. We learned that she had spent time in Puerto de la Cruz in the 20s and written a few books during her stay. The town paid tribute to him. There’s also the International Agatha Christie Festival, with films, plays and exhibitions inspired by the author’s life.
Practical advice
- Located near the historic district of Puerto de la Cruz
- Near Martianez Shopping Center
- Also known as“Paseo San Amaro“.
- Easy access on foot from downtown
- Alternatively, you can leave your car in the mall parking lot.
- Allow 10-15 minutes to walk the steps and take a few photos.
- Free admission (public area)
- Accessible at all times
- Find out more here.
10. Contemplating the panorama from the Mirador de la Paz
Why visit?
Le Mirador was a real favorite. Perched on 2 levels linked by staircases, the mirador is an esplanade offering spectacular panoramic views over a large part of the city. In particular, we could see Martianez Beach and, further on, the famous Lago Martianez. We took time to savor the moment and take photos of the view. On the other side of the viewpoint, the small San Amaro chapel is also worth a visit.
Practical advice
- East of Puerto de la Cruz
- In the residential district of La Paz
- Parking spaces are available in the surrounding streets.
- You can enjoy the view as much as you like
- Access to the viewpoint is free.
- Open all day but prefer sunrise or sunset
- Find out more here.
11. Discover the remains of the Archaeological Museum
Why visit?
During our visit to the Puerto de la Cruz archaeological museum, we were fascinated by the richness of the Canary Islands’ history. The museum is housed in a superb 19th-century mansion , where we discovered Tenerife’s fascinating past. These included an impressive collection of Aboriginal ceramics, ancient utensils and even Guanche mummified remains. The exhibition recreating the habitat and costumes of the Aborigines made a lasting impression on us. It offers a unique insight into life on the island centuries ago.
Practical advice
- In the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz
- In the La Ranilla district
- TheEsplanada del Muelle parking lot is a 5-minute walk away, free of charge and open 24 hours a day.
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit.
- Free admission
- The museum is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
- Find out more here.
12. Climbing to the top of Peñon de Fraile
Why visit?
We climbed the Peñon de Fraile. The rock owes its name to the monk who used to gather there. The climb up the specially-designed stairs is fairly short, and the view of the coast is delightful. We loved its small white temple and the large black cross it houses. Below, on the Calle Luis Lavaggi side, there’s a long blue bench that follows the shape of the base of the rock.
Practical advice
- Near the waterfront, on the edge of the old town
- TheEsplanada del Muelle parking lot is an 8-minute walk away, free of charge and open 24 hours a day.
- Stairway access
- Allow about ten minutes.
- Free access
- Free hours
13. Visit San Francisco Church
Why visit?
Situated 2 steps from the Plaza del Charco, this is the city’s oldest church. It dates back to the 16th century. But what really appealed to us was its double nave-and-a-half structure. It is in fact annexed to the Chapel of theSan Juan Bautista Hermitage. Inside, there are beautiful altarpieces with rich, colorful decorations.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- In the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz
- Place Victor Perez
- 2 steps from Plaza del Charco
- The Explanada del Muelle parking lot is a 5-minute walk from the church.
- The Plaza del Charco bus stop is less than a 2-minute walk away. Find out more here.
- Allow 10-20 minutes for the visit.
- There was an access ramp via the San Juan Bautista Chapel during our visit.
- Admission to the church is free.
- Times may vary according to religious services. See local information here.
14. Tracing the history of Canary fishing at the Fisherman’s Museum
Why visit?
The Fisherman’s Museum was closed at the time of our visit. We regretted not being able to find out more about Tenerife’s maritime history. The museum boasts an impressive collection of old photographs and model boats tracing the evolution of local fishing, which we would have loved to have seen. You can also see the fishing equipment and images of the island’s fish to better understand this ancestral tradition.
Practical advice
- In the center of Puerto de la Cruz
- Near Casa de la Aduana
- TheEsplanada del Muelle parking lot is a 5-minute walk away, free of charge and open 24 hours a day.
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit.
- The museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 2pm.
- More information on the museum website here.
15. Breathing deeply on Jimenez Beach
Why visit?
Playa Jimenez is our favorite beach. It is the furthest from the center of Puerto de la Cruz. You can recognize it by the colorful facades at the end of the promenade overlooking it. We went there in the early hours of the morning and really appreciated its peaceful atmosphere. But make no mistake, during the hottest hours of the high season, the beach is packed. It’s right next to one of Tenerife’s most popular attractions, Loro Parque.
Practical advice
- Northwest of Puerto de la Cruz
- Next to Loro Parque
- The sand is fine and black, and there are a few rock formations.
- The slope is relatively gentle, but the waves can be quite strong.
- The beach is supervised and there is a first-aid post.
- We saw toilets, showers and beach games for children.
- The beach isaccessible to wheelchair users.
- There’s a restaurant above the beach.
- Find out more here.
DISCOVER Puerto de la Cruz
Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz: other ideas
Other beaches in Puerto de la Cruz
In addition to the 2 beaches previously mentioned in our must-see list, we also enjoyed..:
- Playa San Telmo: in the heart of town, lined with restaurants
- Playa del Muelle: opposite the fishing port, near Casa de la Aduana
- Playa Martianez: near Lago Martianez, ideal for surfing
- Playa Chica: between the rocks, a small, intimate beach popular with families
Read our article on the most beautiful beaches in Puerto de la Cruz.
Other gardens in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is famous for its gardens. There’s also:
- Jardin Carolina: nestled in the grounds ofHôtel Tigaiga
- Calle de la Verdad: a leafy alleyway in the historic center
- Parque de la Sortija: in our opinion, the most pleasant part of Parque Taoro, on the heights
Don’t miss our article on our favorite gardens in Puerto de la Cruz.
Other museums in Puerto de la Cruz
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl (MACEW): housed in the Casa de la Aduana, the museum is organized into 4 sections: surrealism, international art (1935-1964), post-war Spanish art, and Canarian art of the 50s and 60s.
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am-2pm.
Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz with children
Puerto de la Cruz offers a wide range of child-friendly activities. Here are a few suggestions:
- Lago Martiánez: here you’ll find natural swimming pools, safe bathing areas and children’s play areas.
- Playa Jardín: a family beach with facilities and play areas.
- Parque de la Sortija: a panoramic park with playgrounds, sports facilities and picnic areas.
- Jardin Botanico: perfect for discovering over 4,000 plant species in a peaceful setting.
- Loro Parque: a renowned wildlife park. However, we invite you to read the article we’ve devoted to it before planning your visit.
Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz when it rains?
If it rains during your stay in Puerto de la Cruz, you can make the most of it:
- Museums: the town offers a number of interesting museums, including the Fisherman’s Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Discover the churches: near the town center, we recommend the double church of San Francisco and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia.
- Shopping: there’s an indoor mall near the Lago Martianez leisure complex.
- Spend the day at theHotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Gardenspa
Excursions around Puerto de la Cruz
You can see the Teide very well from Puerto de la Cruz. Why not take a 3-hour guided hike up the slopes of Spain’s highest volcano (3,718 m)? From the departure point of the cable car, you’ll be blown away by the panoramic views over the island and the entire Canary archipelago. See prices, photos and availability.
Is Puerto de la Cruz worth a visit?
In our opinion, the town of Puerto de la Cruz is certainly worth a visit. It’s a historic town with an authentic Canarian atmosphere and a modern tourist infrastructure. We loved the historic botanical gardens, the old town with its colorful streets and traditional fishing port, and of course its volcanic black sand beaches.
Useful tips for visiting Puerto de la Cruz
Where is Puerto de la Cruz?
- On the north coast of the island of Tenerife
- Driving time from Tenerife Nord airport = 30min
- Driving time from Tenerife South airport = 1h10min
- Driving time from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife = 1h
- Here’s a map of Tenerife’s most important towns and villages to help you find your way around:
How do I get to Puerto de la Cruz?
From the port or airports, you can take public transport. The bus network is relatively well developed and offers good coverage of the island. Find out more here.
We strongly recommend that you have access to a car during your trip to Tenerife. If you want to explore the full beauty of the island, you’ll need a vehicle. It’s the quickest and easiest way to get around all our sites. Find out all our tips for renting a car in Tenerife.
Parking in Puerto de la Cruz
Close to the historic center, on the seafront, Parking Explanada del Muelle is free and open 24 hours a day.
Getting around Puerto de la Cruz
The Puerto de la Cruz bus network is run by the same operator that covers the whole island. Find all the lines, timetables and routes here.
Where to eat in Puerto de la Cruz
There are many restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz. Here’s a list of our favorites:
- Restaurant Ihüey Tasca: modern Canarian cuisine combining tradition and innovation.
- Restaurant Vinoteca con Pasion: a wine bar renowned for its fusion cuisine and warm ambience.
- Also: Restaurant Cumaï, Restaurant Cliff, Restaurant Muxacho, Restaurant Nubium, Restaurant Brunelli’s, Restaurant La Cocina, Restaurant Papa Teide, Restaurant El Limon, Restaurant Olea and Restaurant Olivo Tasca.
Read our reviews in our article on the best places to eat in Puerto de la Cruz. It will be available soon.
Visiting Puerto de la Cruz in winter
We were in Puerto de la Cruz in winter, and the city enjoys a mild, pleasant climate. Average temperatures are around 20°C. The Lago Martiánez pools remain accessible, although the water is cooler. The botanical gardens are particularly verdant at this time of year. A stroll through the old town, with its cobbled streets and colonial buildings, is very pleasant.
Restaurants serving Canarian specialties are open all year round, as is the local market. Excursions to Teide are even more comfortable than in summer, with more clement weather for hiking. If, like us, you love watching the waves, you’ll love seeing them crash onto the volcanic coast, especially from Playa Jimenez, our favorite.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
