Spain · City Guide
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is the most traditional and culturally rich resort on Tenerife's northern coast, combining outstanding botanical gardens, a beautiful colonial town centre, the extraordinary Lago Martínez by César Manrique, easy access to the Anaga Rural Park rainforest and the volcanic landscape of Mount Teide. Less developed and more genuinely Spanish than the southern resorts, it offers a more authentic Tenerife experience.
Explore Puerto de la Cruz →Elect's take
"Puerto de la Cruz has a character and a cultural depth that the southern resorts of Tenerife cannot match. The botanical gardens are extraordinary, the Lago Martínez is beautiful and the combination of colonial town atmosphere and access to the green north creates something genuinely distinctive."
The Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens established in 1788, contains an extraordinary collection of tropical and subtropical plants. The Lago Martínez, designed by César Manrique, is one of the most beautiful public bathing complexes in the world. The old town is beautifully preserved. The Anaga Rural Park is a remarkable ancient laurisilva rainforest with outstanding hiking. Loro Parque is one of the world's finest zoological parks.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Botanical Gardens
One of Europe's oldest botanical gardens with an extraordinary tropical collection.
Lago Martínez
César Manrique's spectacular seawater bathing complex on the volcanic coast.
Anaga Rainforest
An ancient laurisilva rainforest with outstanding hiking in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Colonial Old Town
A beautifully preserved town centre with authentic Canarian architecture and squares.
Loro Parque
One of the world's finest zoological parks with outstanding conservation programmes.
Mount Teide
Spain's highest peak and UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible in under 2 hours.