Puerto de la Cruz Guide for UK Holidaymakers: Culture, Gardens & Northern Charm

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Puerto de la Cruz, often referred to as «the jewel of the north,» offers a distinctly different holiday experience from the sun-drenched south of Tenerife. It is famed for its authentic Canarian atmosphere, lush subtropical climate, and rich historical character, making it a perfect destination for UK visitors seeking culture, natural beauty, and excellent value. Its location is ideal for exploring the green, dramatic landscapes of the Orotava Valley and the majestic Teide National Park.

Crucially, Puerto de la Cruz is not only celebrated as one of the most beautiful destinations across the entire Canary Islands but also holds a unique place in the archipelago’s history: it was the first significant tourist resort in the Canaries. Its status as a leisure centre dates back to the 19th century, solidifying Northern Tenerife’s reputation as a pioneer in welcoming international visitors long before the southern resorts were even developed.

Puerto de la Cruz provides outstanding accommodation value, appealing directly to UK travellers seeking quality, authenticity, and competitive prices. We break down your options from fully protected packages to charming independent stays, ensuring you secure the best value for your Northern Tenerife holiday.

The coastline here offers a dramatic, natural beauty, distinct from the imported golden sands found elsewhere. You will discover striking black volcanic sand beaches and, more famously, the architecturally stunning man-made seawater lidos, guaranteeing excellent swimming opportunities regardless of sea conditions.

Playa Jardin is the most famous beach in Puerto de la Cruz. Designed by the visionary artist César Manrique, its black volcanic sand is beautifully framed by exotic tropical gardens and palm trees, creating a picturesque, safe and fully serviced environment.

Its sheltered position and excellent facilities make it a great choice for families and older couples.

A must-visit attraction, the Lago is a complex of vast, saltwater swimming pools and lidos, also designed by Manrique. Surrounded by tropical gardens, waterfalls, and lava sculptures, this complex provides a glamorous and safe alternative to the ocean, popular with all ages for a full-day cultural and relaxing experience.

For convenience, the complex typically features multiple cafeterias and restaurants on-site, meaning you can easily spend the entire day there. Entry prices usually range between €5 and €7 per adult, representing superb value for a full day. Opening hours are generally consistent year-round, typically running from 10:00 to 18:00, though it is always advisable to check the current timetable during the winter season.

Located on the Paseo Martiánez, this black sand beach is highly popular with local surfers. It is known for its stronger swell and currents, meaning it’s generally less suitable for casual swimming.

Puerto de la Cruz is a genuine centre for high-quality, memorable activities, focusing heavily on nature, conservation, and history. The resort provides world-class attractions and is the main gateway for exploring the dramatic northern end of the island and the local culture.

While the North provides stunning local attractions, Puerto de la Cruz is also the essential departure hub for exploring the wider island. Many of Tenerife’s most sought-after experiences, including whale and dolphin watching tours, trips to the famous Siam Park, and excursions to charming coastal villages like Garachico, offer convenient, pre-arranged pick-up services directly from the resort, making island-wide exploration seamless.

Beyond the major attractions, Puerto de la Cruz offers fantastic opportunities for relaxation and local exploration. We highly recommend taking a tranquil stroll through the historic Botanical Garden, famed for its rare plant collections, or visiting the beautiful Parque Taoro. This central green oasis provides stunning panoramic viewpoints of the city and coast, perfect for a relaxing afternoon away from the busy seafront.

The Plaza del Charco is unequivocally the social and cultural heartbeat of Puerto de la Cruz. This famous central square is a vibrant, palm-fringed hub surrounded by traditional cafes, tapas bars, and local shops, making it the perfect spot for people-watching or enjoying a competitively priced café con leche. Its relaxed yet animated atmosphere attracts both residents and tourists, and it often serves as the meeting point for local festivals and events.

Beyond the plaza, we highly recommend taking the time to explore the adjacent Historic Old Town (Casco Antiguo). Here, you will find a maze of charming, cobbled streets lined with preserved colonial buildings and traditional Canarian balconies. This area offers a refreshing escape from the main tourist strip, allowing visitors to appreciate the city’s rich heritage, browse authentic artisan crafts, and discover hidden, locally run restaurants.

The Paseo Martianez area and its immediate surroundings form the primary hub for evening entertainment, quality dining, and essential holiday shopping in Puerto de la Cruz. This lively seafront promenade offers stunning coastal views while acting as the gateway to the Lago Martianez complex and the resort’s best nightlife options.

The Paseo Martianez itself is more than just a walkway; it’s a social space offering spectacular views of the Atlantic coast and often of Mount Teide. Lined with abundant subtropical flora, it hosts numerous cafes and bars perfect for sunset cocktails or an afternoon refreshment, providing a vibrant, yet relaxing, coastal atmosphere.

Unlike the large centres of the south, shopping here is focused on local boutiques, quality souvenir stores, and convenient high-street brands found near the seafront. Gastronomy is a key strength; you can find everything from affordable, authentic tapas and seafood to established international restaurants right along the promenade and surrounding streets.

The local nightlife is mature and varied. While Puerto de la Cruz lacks the large, themed super-clubs of Playa de las Américas, it offers plenty of lively alternatives. Visitors can enjoy traditional Canarian live music, classic UK-style pubs offering familiar entertainment, and relaxed cocktail bars perfect for enjoying the warm northern evenings.

Puerto de la Cruz is located on the green and scenic northern coast of Tenerife, distinguishing itself from the arid south. For UK travellers, it is crucial to understand that the majority of international flights arrive at the Tenerife South Airport (TFS – Reina Sofía). This means the transfer journey to Puerto de la Cruz usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes by road, but the scenic route makes it worthwhile.

However, the North is also served by the Tenerife North Airport (TFN – Los Rodeos), located only about 25 to 30 minutes away. TFN primarily handles domestic and inter-island flights, but sometimes serves European routes. We highly recommend arranging your transport (private transfer or shared shuttle) in advance from whichever airport you land at, as this is the most direct and least stressful way to start your holiday in the North.

Upon arrival at Tenerife South (TFS), you have several options for the quick 15-20 minute journey to Las Americas:

Taxis: The 90 km taxi journey from Tenerife South Airport (TFS) to Puerto de la Cruz typically takes 60 to 75 minutes and costs approximately €95 to €110, so pre-booking a private transfer—often similarly priced—is highly recommended. From Tenerife North Airport (TFN) the 27 km journey is significantly shorter, taking around 25 minutes by road, with the estimated taxi fare generally ranging between €35 and €45.

Pre-booked Transfers: This is the most popular and stress-free option for UK holidaymakers landing at TFS (South). Pre-booked shared shuttle buses are significantly cheaper than a taxi (often starting around €10–€20 per person one-way) but take longer due to multiple hotel drop-offs (up to 120 minutes). Private transfers offer the speed of a taxi at a fixed, often competitive price, especially for groups.

To secure your stress-free journey, compare transfer types here:

For the most economical journey, the island’s public bus network, TITSA (known locally as guaguas), is a reliable option.

Route Information: Look specifically for the Line 343, which is the direct express route linking TFS (South Airport) – TFN (North Airport) – Puerto de la Cruz. This is the fastest bus option from the South.

Cost: The ticket price from the South is typically between €12 to €15 per person, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. From TFN, the cost is significantly lower.

Duration: Expect the journey from TFS (South) to take approximately 90–105 minutes. The journey from TFN (North) is much faster, taking only around 30 minutes.

More info: titsa.com/index.php/en/

To ensure you get the best value for your Las Americas holiday, keep these specific booking factors in mind:

If travelling from TFS and looking for the absolute cheapest transfer, take the direct Line 343 bus. At around €15, it is the most economical way to reach the North.