9 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ IN 2027

If you’re coming to Tenerife and looking for the best things to do in Puerto de la Cruz, I’ll help you plan out your trip!

When we visited Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz was actually our base, so we managed to explore it quite a bit. While it’s not as exciting as some southern parts of the island, it’s absolutely worth visiting and we loved staying there. Since we really explored it properly, keep reading to find out what are the things you absolutely cannot miss in Puerto de la Cruz!

WHERE IS PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Puerto de la Cruz is a charming coastal city located in the northern part of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. It is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of Mount Teide. That means the views are incredible no matter where you look.

It’s one of the more popular towns on the island, and people often choose it as their base while visiting because it’s on the coast, but it’s way less expensive than Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, for example. It was actually our base as well, and we saw mount Teide from our hotel balcony!

Puerto de la Cruz is a 25-minute drive from Tenerife North Airport, and about 1 hour from Tenerife South Airport. The best way to explore the island from Puerto de la Cruz is by car. If you don’t have a car, the town is also really well-connected to other parts of the island by bus!

MY 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Explore Park Taoro

If you want a peaceful place with amazing views, Park Taoro is a must visit. Parque Taoro is a tranquil park in Puerto de la Cruz divided into gardens with fountains, walking paths, and exotic plants. From the park, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Puerto de la Cruz, the Atlantic Ocean, and even Mount Teide. We really enjoyed walking through this park, and the views left us absolutely speechless!

There are quite a few stairs up to the park and then down to the city. If you can’t climb easily, you can drive up to the park at the top of the hill.  Once you explore the park, you can enjoy a drink or snack at the small cafés within the park while enjoying the stunning views.

Have fun at Loro Parque

Loro Parque is possibly the most popular attraction on Tenerife, along with Siam Park. It’s known as one of the world’s best ZOOs, and it is home to diverse wildlife and captivating shows. You can reach it easily by car, and if you don’t have a car, the park offers free shuttle bus from the Puerto de la Cruz city center to Loro Parque.

The tickets are quite expensive, with 44 euros per adult and 30 euros per child, but Loro Parque is more than just a ZOO. They deeply care about the animals there and it’s a must-visit for families and animal enthusiasts.

Visit the Old Town

Old town of Puerto de la Cruz is a charming and historic area known for its cobblestone streets, traditional Canarian architecture, and lively atmosphere. Once you’re there, wander through the streets full of colorful colonial-style buildings with wooden balconies and flowers.

The two most visited locations in the old town are Plaza del Charco and Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia. The lively square is a favorite meeting point for locals and tourists because there are cafés, restaurants, and shops all around it. The church was built in the 17^th century and it is a stunning example of Canarian religious architecture. The old town also has a lovely promenade along the coast which you shouldn’t miss.

Swim at Lago Martiánez

Really close to the old town you’ll find Lago Martiánez, a stunning seawater pool complex and one of the island’s most iconic attractions. The famous Canarian artist and architect César Manrique designed it, and it’s truly a piece of art.

The complex includes seven saltwater pools suitable for adults and children. On top of that, the complex offers several amenities, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, and bars, so you’ll surely have a great time sipping cocktails and enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a paid entry, but the tickets are really cheap, 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for children. The pools are so stunning that it’s more than worth it spending a few euros for an enjoyable afternoon.

Visit the Botanical Garden

If you like botanical gardens, you’ll love the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz. It opened in 1788, and it’s home to an impressive collection of tropical plants from around the world.

This botanical garden has an extensive exotic plant collection with towering palms, bromeliads, orchids, and many different rare species of plants. Along with that, there are many winding paths, ponds, fountains, and shaded spots which provide a peaceful experience in the botanical garden. The botanical garden is open daily and the entrance ticket is only 3 euros!

Walk Through Punta Brava

Punta Brava is a really cute coastal neighborhood located on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz. It offers authentic Canarian atmosphere and beautiful seaside views. It’s also a quieter alternative to the crowded town centre of Puerto de la Cruz.

This neighborhood has charming narrow streets, colorful houses, and a laid-back local feel, so you’ll enjoy strolling through it. It also has a gorgeous seafront promenade along the rocky shoreline. There, you’ll get stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, ESPECIALLY during sunset!

If you feel like dining, the area has small, family-run restaurants and bars serving fresh seafood and Canarian dishes. That way, you can indulge in an authentic culinary experience!

Swim at Playa Maria Jimenez

If you’re in Punta Brava, you must visit Playa María Jiménez. This stunning, natural beach is a bit of a hidden gem which will captivate you with its beauty and beautiful views of Punta Brava. It’s less crowded than other beaches in the area, so it’s worth checking out.

The beach is known for its black volcanic sand and rocky shoreline, as well as for the surrounding cliffs which create a picturesque and secluded spot. The waves here can be strong, so swimming is only recommended when conditions are calm. However, even when it’s windy it’s worth coming to check it out.

Surf at Playa Martiánez

One of the prettiest and most exciting beaches near the Puerto de la Cruz city centre is Playa Martiánez. Generally, it’s a quieter black sand beach but the excitement is huge for surfers, who come to enjoy the incredible waves which are usually present on this beach.

It’s not the best beach for swimming, but it’s incredible during sunset, so even if you don’t surf, come with a drink in time for sunset and enjoy the views and the waves! You can reach this beach easily on foot, it’s right next to the incredible Lago Martiánez pool complex.

Enjoy the views at Viewpoint of La Paz

The Viewpoint of La Paz offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the lush La Orotava Valley. You can also see the black-sand beaches, the iconic Lago Martiánez, and the cliffs along the coastline. On clear days, the views stretch out to Mount Teide in the distance. You can reach the viewpoint on foot or by car, so it’s a great addition to your itinerary!

IS PUERTO DE LA CRUZ WORTH VISITING?

Puerto de la Cruz is absolutely worth visiting! It’s a charming town with a lot to offer, and in my opinion more interesting than Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The town has incredible black sand beaches, a lovely old town, the famous Loro Parque, and the breathtaking views of Mount Teide. In Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll also find excellent hotels and mild temperatures year-round (20–25°C). It’s quieter and more traditional compared to southern Tenerife, but you can still easily reach any part of the island in about an hour.

WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

As I’ve already mentioned, Puerto de la Cruz has many incredible hotels to offer, and they can fit any budget. There are stunning, expensive, luxury hotels, but there are also very affordable hotels and apartments for those on a budget. Here’s where to stay in Puerto de la Cruz, and a few hotel options for you:

THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ FAQ

How many days do you need in Puerto de la Cruz?

One to two days is enough to explore the main attractions in Puerto de la Cruz. You can see the old town, visit Lago Martiánez, and enjoy the seafront in one day. If you want to visit Loro Parque or explore the surrounding area, I’d recommend staying for two days.

Can you explore Puerto de la Cruz without a car?

Yes, you can easily explore the centre of Puerto de la Cruz without a car. Many attractions, restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance. You can also use local buses to visit nearby towns and other parts of Tenerife.

What is Puerto de la Cruz known for?

Puerto de la Cruz is best known for its black-sand beaches, charming old town, Lago Martiánez pools, and Loro Parque. It’s also famous for its gardens and the beautiful green landscapes of northern Tenerife.

Can you swim at the beaches in Puerto de la Cruz?

Yes, you can swim at some of the beaches in Puerto de la Cruz, but it depends when and where. The waves and currents can be strong, so always check local warnings and swimming conditions before entering the water. If you prefer swimming in a more controlled environment, Lago Martiánez is a great alternative.

Is Puerto de la Cruz a good base for exploring Tenerife?

Yes, Puerto de la Cruz is a great base if you want to explore northern Tenerife. You can easily visit places like La Orotava and the surrounding coastal towns. However, if you also want to explore the south of the island, keep in mind that driving times can be quite long, so renting a car can make your trip much easier.

CONCLUSION: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Puerto de la Cruz is one of my favourite places to explore in northern Tenerife, and I think it’s well worth adding to your itinerary. From the charming old town and black-sand beaches to the famous Lago Martiánez pools and beautiful gardens, there’s plenty to see and do here. I’d recommend spending at least one full day exploring Puerto de la Cruz, or even staying a couple of nights if you want to use it as a base for discovering more of northern Tenerife.