Cruz your way to a good time in Tenerife's sophisticated cultural heart! This gorgeous colonial town on the island's lush north coast is a different world from the party resorts down south. Where else can you swim in seawater pools designed by a famous artist, wander through 200-year-old botanical gardens, and sip surprisingly decent banana wine all in one afternoon? Puerto de la Cruz has been welcoming visitors since the 18th century (they clearly know what they're doing by now), and it shows in the charming cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and that proper authentic Canarian atmosphere.
Why Visit Puerto de la Cruz
🏖️ Woa-ooh Black Beaches (bam-ba-lam) – volcanic black sand beaches like Playa Jardín are absolutely stunning with dramatic mountain backdrops that make every photo look professional
🎨 Lago Martiánez seawater pools – César Manrique's incredible swimming complex is basically an outdoor art installation you can actually swim in, surrounded by sculptures and tropical gardens
🌴 Botanical Gardens that don't feel like homework – 200 years old, packed with tropical plants from around the world, and you'll easily spend hours wandering through different climate zones
🍌 Banana plantations everywhere – you're surrounded by lush green landscapes and actual working banana farms (plus banana wine is a thing here and surprisingly good, even if it sounds made up)
🏛️ Proper culture without the stuffiness – colonial architecture, charming plazas, and museums that are actually interesting rather than feeling like a school trip
Good to Know
☀️ Year-round spring weather – temperatures hover around 20-24°C most of the year, with more greenery than the south thanks to the north's slightly wetter climate (still mostly sunny though)
💰 Excellent value – pints from €2-€3, menú del día lunches from €7.50-€11, three-course dinners for two with wine around €40-€60 (and none of that aggressive price-cutting that feels dodgy)
🎭 Culture central – locals still gather for their evening paseo in the plazas, and you get proper Canarian atmosphere rather than "British pub with sunshine" vibes
Top Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz
🌟 Five-Star Luxury
Hotel Las Aguilas Tenerife Affiliated by Melia - Perched on a hilltop with unobstructed ocean views, two swimming pools, and a kids club that'll keep ages 4-12 entertained with hour-long activities. The hydromassage bathtubs in every room are proper luxurious.
Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa - Adults Only - Modern design meets traditional Puerto de la Cruz with gorgeous views of Mount Teide. All suites come with king beds, sea view balconies, and kitchenettes. The pool terrace is brilliant for adult peace and quiet.
🏨 Four-Star Favourites
Fergus Puerto de la Cruz - Modern rooms in subtropical gardens with two pools (one heated in winter), free casino entrance, and a complimentary transfer bus to Martianez Shopping Center. The show cooking stations and themed nights at the buffet are excellent.
Hotel Puerto Palace - Set in gorgeous green gardens with two swimming pools and evening entertainment. The free fruit basket on arrival is a nice touch, and the buffet restaurant does proper show cooking. Dress code of long trousers at dinner (except summer) gives it a bit of class.
🍹 All-Inclusive Options
Sol Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife - In the heart of the resort, just 500m from Plaza del Charco and 150m from Playa Jardín. Within walking distance to Lago Martiánez pools and only 1km from world-famous Loro Parque.
👫 Adults-Only Escapes
Be Live Adults Only Tenerife - Two heated swimming pools, "Vital" Wellness Centre with gym, sauna, jacuzzi, and squash court. The giant chess board and mini golf are brilliant for competitive couples. Full entertainment programme keeps things lively.
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Tropical - Smack in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz with 35 rooms featuring kitchenettes and balconies. Public transport links 100m away make exploring dead easy. Simple and sweet for laid-back travellers who want the essentials.
Coral Teide Mar - Typical Canarian wooden balconies surrounded by 4,000sqm of subtropical gardens in the La Paz area. Views over the Orotava Valley and Mount Teide are spectacular, and the Botanical Gardens are a short walk away.
🏞️ Traditional Charm
Tigaiga - Family-owned hotel set in tranquil Taoro Park with commanding views over Puerto de la Cruz, the ocean, and Mount Teide. Many loyal customers return year after year for the fabulous views from the glass-walled pool area and panoramic restaurant windows.
What to Do in Puerto de la Cruz
👨👩👧👦 Families
🦜 Loro Parque – world-famous zoo and aquarium just 1km away with incredible dolphin shows, parrots, gorillas, and penguins (yes, penguins in Tenerife, they've got air conditioning)
🏊 Lago Martiánez pools – kids love the massive seawater pool complex, and you'll love that it's safer than open ocean while still feeling like proper swimming rather than boring hotel pools
🌺 Botanical Gardens – surprisingly engaging for kids with plants that look like they're from alien planets, and you can easily make a game of spotting the weirdest specimens
🎪 Plaza del Charco – lively square perfect for ice cream stops, people-watching, and letting kids run about while you enjoy a coffee (the whole town's pedestrian-friendly)
💑 Couples
🍷 Romantic dining – Restaurante Régulo serves traditional dishes in a properly authentic atmosphere, or Casa Pache offers elegant seafood dining that feels like someone's beautiful home
🌅 Sunset strolls along the promenade – the ocean-front walkway is gorgeous in the evening, especially around the Martianez area with views of Mount Teide in the distance
🎨 César Manrique's architectural legacy – explore the artistic swimming pools and gardens designed by Lanzarote's famous artist, perfect for culture-loving couples
🍌 Banana wine tasting – try this surprisingly good local speciality that proves Canarian cuisine can be both traditional and innovative (it's a proper conversation starter back home)
🎉 Groups & Beach Bums
🏖️ Playa Jardín beach days – the main black sand beach has gorgeous gardens, palm trees, and enough space for groups to spread out with sun loungers and beach bars
🍺 Bar hopping – loads of local tapas bars and Canarian music venues (rather than British tribute acts), so you get proper authentic atmosphere
🚶 Cobbled street wandering – the old town's brilliant for exploring in groups, with charming plazas where you can stop for drinks and locals still gather for evening paseo
🎭 Evening entertainment – many hotels do full programmes, or head into town for more traditional Canarian shows and live music
🎨 Culture Vultures
🏛️ Casa de la Aduana museum – excellent exhibits about Tenerife's history without feeling like a boring history lesson (proper interesting displays)
⛪ Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña – beautiful seafront church with gorgeous views over the town and coast, brilliant for architecture enthusiasts
🌳 200-year-old Botanical Gardens – wander for hours through tropical plants from around the world, different climate zones, and specimens you've never seen before
🎪 Traditional festivals – time your visit right and you'll catch proper Canarian celebrations with locals in traditional dress rather than tourist-focused entertainment
When to Visit Puerto de la Cruz
🌸 Spring (March-May)
Temperature: 19-22°C with increasing sunshine and lovely mild evenings perfect for outdoor dining
What's On:
Semana Santa (mid-April) – Holy Week brings respectful processions, beautiful floral displays, and deeply rooted traditions throughout the town
Día de la Cruz (May 3) – residents adorn crosses with flowers, transforming the city into a vibrant tapestry of colour celebrating Cross Day
Holi Festival (late April) – the Hindu community shares their culture with colourful powder throwing and rich gastronomy in Plaza de Europa
☀️ Summer (June-August)
Temperature: 23-26°C with warm but not scorching weather thanks to the north's slightly cooler climate
What's On:
World Beer Festival (July 19-21) – Martiánez Beach hosts three days of vibrant music, craft beers, and culinary delights
PHE Festival (September 5-6) – massive clubbing and music festival with BMX sea jump competitions, Phe Yoga sessions, and over 25 artists across two stages
San Juan Night (June 23-24) – bonfires on the beaches, traditional rituals, live music, and the tradition of jumping waves to make wishes
🍂 Autumn (September-November)
Temperature: 22-25°C with warm seas from summer still perfect for swimming and fewer crowds than peak season
What's On:
Summer Carnival (September 19-21) – explosion of music, colour, and joy at Costa Martiánez and Playa Jardín with orchestras, DJs, drag shows, and parades
Oktoberfest (October, running since 1973!) – great beer and party atmosphere celebrating German culture in the sunshine
Agatha Christie Week (November) – week-long event dedicated to the Queen of mystery with various activities for crime fiction enthusiasts
❄️ Winter (December-February)
Temperature: 18-21°C – feels like a proper mild British spring without the rain (still swimming weather by UK & Ireland standards)
What's On:
International Carnival (February 15 - March 8, 2025 theme: Tim Burton and fantasies) – second-largest carnival in Tenerife with dazzling parades, gala events, and the hilarious Men's Marathon in High Heels
Mascarita Ponte Tacón (during Carnival) – the famous crazy race where competitors don fancy dress and heels, absolutely brilliant spectator sport
Burial of the Sardine (end of Carnival) – unique closing ceremony marking the end of festivities with mock funeral processions
Nearby Resorts
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The island's capital hosts the biggest carnival in Tenerife and offers brilliant shopping, cultural attractions, and proper city atmosphere
Los Cristianos – Popular southern resort with golden sand beaches (rather than black), loads of restaurants, and ferry connections to La Gomera for day trips
Playa de las Américas – Lively southern resort with buzzing nightlife, water sports galore, and guaranteed sunshine if the north's being cloudy
Popular Puerto de la Cruz hotels
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Puerto de la Cruz?
How long does it take to fly to Puerto de la Cruz?
Flights from the UK & Ireland to Tenerife North Airport take around four hours, then it's just 27km (roughly 30 minutes) to Puerto de la Cruz. If you fly into Tenerife South Airport, it's about 98km (an hour and a half). We can sort your transfers when you book.
What's the time difference between the UK & Ireland and Puerto de la Cruz?
What's the time difference between the UK & Ireland and Puerto de la Cruz?
Puerto de la Cruz is on GMT, same as the UK & Ireland in winter. During British Summer Time, the Canaries are one hour behind.
What language do they speak in Puerto de la Cruz?
What language do they speak in Puerto de la Cruz?
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. That said, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will get you proper local appreciation.
Is Puerto de la Cruz good for families?
Is Puerto de la Cruz good for families?
Absolutely brilliant – Loro Parque alone makes it worth visiting with kids. The Lago Martiánez pools are safer than open ocean but way more interesting than hotel pools, and the whole town is pedestrian-friendly with loads of ice cream shops and plazas where kids can run about.
What's the difference between Puerto de la Cruz and the south of Tenerife?
What's the difference between Puerto de la Cruz and the south of Tenerife?
Puerto's got more culture, greenery, and authentic Canarian atmosphere. The south has guaranteed sunshine and golden sand beaches, but Puerto has more interesting architecture, botanical gardens, and that colonial town charm. Weather's slightly cooler and occasionally cloudier in the north, but still lovely.
Do I need to rent a car in Puerto de la Cruz?
Do I need to rent a car in Puerto de la Cruz?
Not essential since the town's compact and walkable, but hiring one for a day or two is brilliant for exploring Mount Teide, the Anaga Mountains, or popping down to the southern beaches. Public transport's decent though if you're budget-conscious.
What are the beaches like in Puerto de la Cruz?
What are the beaches like in Puerto de la Cruz?
Volcanic black sand rather than golden, which takes a minute to get used to but looks absolutely stunning. Playa Jardín has dramatic mountain backdrops and gorgeous gardens. The Lago Martiánez seawater pools are brilliant if you prefer calmer swimming without waves.
Is Puerto de la Cruz touristy?
Is Puerto de la Cruz touristy?
It attracts tourists but keeps its authentic character – you'll still see locals gathering in plazas for evening paseo, traditional restaurants serving proper Canarian cuisine, and a vibe that's more "sophisticated cultural town" than "British resort in the sun."
Can you drink the tap water in Puerto de la Cruz?
Can you drink the tap water in Puerto de la Cruz?
Technically safe but tastes a bit odd, so most people buy bottled water. Supermarkets sell massive 5-litre bottles for around €1.80.