Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is Tenerife's original tourist resort, nestled on the lush northern coast at the foot of the fertile Orotava Valley with dramatic views toward Mount Teide. The town rose to prominence after the 1706 volcanic eruption that destroyed the rival port of Garachico, becoming the island's principal harbour for exporting sugar and wine to the New World. By the late 19th century, European travellers began arriving for the mild climate and botanical riches, making it one of the earliest tourist destinations in the Canary Islands. The iconic Lago Martianez, a sprawling complex of saltwater swimming pools designed by celebrated Lanzarote architect Cesar Manrique, is built into the volcanic coastline amid tropical gardens. Founded in 1788, the Jardin Botanico is Spain's second-oldest botanical garden, home to thousands of tropical and subtropical species including a magnificent 200-year-old Australian Moreton Bay fig tree. Playa Jardin, the town's main beach of black volcanic sand, stretches along a beautifully landscaped promenade designed to blend nature with the seafront. The atmospheric old town centres on Plaza del Charco, a lively square shaded by Indian laurel trees, while the former fishing quarter of La Ranilla has been transformed into a vibrant street-art district with galleries and cafes. Loro Parque, one of Europe's most acclaimed zoos, lies on the town's western outskirts and attracts over a million visitors annually with its orca shows, penguin habitat and tropical aquarium. Unlike the purpose-built resorts of the south, Puerto de la Cruz retains an authentic Canarian character with cobblestone streets, colonial balconies, centuries-old churches and a genuine local population of over 30,000 residents. The town's warm year-round climate, greener and more temperate than the arid south, combined with its compact walkable layout make it an ideal base for exploring the Orotava Valley, Anaga mountains and Teide National Park.