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What to see in London in 4 days
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Culture
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Culture
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Entering Puerto de la Cruz is like stepping into a microclimate of well-being. Unlike other areas, tourism in Puerto de la Cruz is experienced at a much more relaxed pace, allowing ample time to stroll through its historic avenues and enjoy its vegetation, thanks to the humidity of the Orotava Valley.
When you wonder what to do in Puerto de la Cruz, the answer combines nature, culture, leisure, and gastronomy all in one day.
To discover this destination, start with its seafront promenade, which connects the historic centre with leisure areas facing the Atlantic, as well as iconic spots like Paseo de San Telmo or Lago Martiánez.
If you're looking for activities in Puerto de la Cruz, be sure to visit leisure spaces like Lago Martiánez with views of the sea and Teide, enjoy its black volcanic sand beaches, or explore its centenary gardens.
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia is one of the most important religious buildings in the city.
Of great historical and architectural value, take a moment to admire its tower and interior, which house treasures of Baroque and Neoclassical art.
The church is surrounded by a square filled with Indian laurel trees, which is the true meeting point for the locals.
San Felipe Castle is an old defensive fortress made of volcanic stone that now hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Built in the 17th century to defend the city from pirate attacks, centuries later it keeps alive the memory of the defence of the Canary Islands' coasts.
Perched on a small cliff by the sea is the San Telmo Hermitage, one of the most photographed spots in the city. Linked to the municipality's seafaring tradition, the visit is very worthwhile, especially if you're lucky enough to see the waves crashing right below the viewpoint.
The La Ranilla neighbourhood stands out as one of the most characterful areas in the city. It's a former fishing quarter that has transformed into an open-air museum thanks to the Puerto Street Art project, with lively streets full of urban art and colour.
The San Telmo neighbourhood runs along the coast and is where much of the municipality's social life is concentrated. Here, traditional architecture and modern buildings coexist, always with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. It's an ideal place to understand the evolution of tourism in Puerto de la Cruz since its beginnings in the 19th century.
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You can't say you've been here if you haven't visited Lago Martiánez, a work by the Lanzarote artist César Manrique.
It's a complex of swimming pools that integrates volcanic rock, seawater, and vegetation in a unique environment.
Although known by the name of the valley, the Botanical Garden is located in the municipality of Puerto de la Cruz.
It's a paradise of tropical flora and exotic species brought from the former Spanish colonies. The enormous rubber tree in its gardens will surprise you.
Designed by César Manrique, this black sand beach is surrounded by gardens with colourful flowers, waterfalls, and stone caves. It's one of the places where the contrast between the volcanic black and the intense blue of the sea is best appreciated.
The Eduardo Westerdahl Museum of Contemporary Art stands out among the cultural spaces in Puerto de la Cruz. Undoubtedly, an excellent option if you're interested in art.
Located in a 19th-century Canarian manor house in the La Ranilla neighbourhood, the Archaeological Museum of Puerto de la Cruz is key to understanding the past of the Guanches in this area of the island. Its collections of aboriginal pottery are impressive for their beauty and history.
The Casa de la Aduana is one of the oldest buildings in the city, situated next to the fishing harbour, offering an interesting glimpse into local history and the development of tourism in Puerto de la Cruz. Its value lies in its pine 'tea' wood architecture and its legacy as the centre of maritime trade on the island.
If you're looking for something different, there are many things to do in Puerto de la Cruz that will leave a lasting impression.
For example, you can watch the sunset at the Mirador de la Paz. From there, you'll have a complete panoramic view of the city and the Costa de Martiánez.
Here are some other ideas to inspire your trip:
As a fishing town, be sure to try the fresh fish in the harbour area. Additionally, cherne (wreckfish), roasted vieja (parrotfish), or fish fritters are essential bites.
Of course, you can't miss the 'papas arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, and try the octopus with mojo or a hearty 'garbanzada' (chickpea stew).
To sweeten your day, look for a local bakery and order a puff pastry cake with angel hair or a dessert of gofio with honey.
The range of dining experiences in Puerto de la Cruz is complemented by high-quality international cuisine restaurants, a testament to its history as a port open to the world.
One of the most important events is the Fiestas del Carmen in July. The procession of the Virgin, carried by fishermen to the sea, is a quintessential Puerto de la Cruz activity.
Among the most anticipated annual events is the International Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz, with special mention to the obstacle race "Mascarita Ponte Tacón" (Masquerade, Put on Your Heels), where men in drag race in very high heels through the cobbled streets.
Loro Parque is the king of family plans. It's a world-renowned zoo and conservation centre where you can see orca and dolphin shows, or an incredible collection of parrots.
You can also visit Taoro Park, which has many play areas, waterfalls, and duck ponds, where the little ones can run and enjoy nature.
If you only have 24 hours, this itinerary covers the most important sights in Puerto de la Cruz for a single day:
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📍See the full route on Google Maps
Other guides of interest for your itinerary in Tenerife:
There are places that are best understood when explored at a leisurely pace, and Puerto de la Cruz is one of them. Here, you'll find a blend of squares, promenades along the Atlantic, and tropical gardens, along with urban art and a history linked to the origins of tourism on the island.
For those deciding what to see in Puerto de la Cruz, this guide can serve as a starting point. You'll discover that, within your plans for Tenerife, this municipality offers a perfect combination of local atmosphere, heritage, and coastline.
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