Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz
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Original north-coast resort with botanical gardens, Cesar Manrique lidos and German retirees.
Tenerifes original tourist town predates the south-coast resort boom by 200 years, and the result is a real town that happens to have hotels rather than a manufactured strip. The Lago Martianez complex of Cesar Manrique seawater pools is the architectural highlight, with the Botanico gardens and Loro Parque pulling daytrippers from across the island.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑Lago Martianez seawater lido — Cesar Manriques only major commission outside Lanzarote
- ↑Real town with year-round Canarian residents, not a tourist-only enclave
- ↑Loro Parque is on the doorstep — frequently rated among the worlds top zoos
What you sacrifice
- ↓Atlantic-facing black sand beach has dangerous undertow — most swimming happens in the lidos
- ↓Noticeably wetter and cloudier than the south coast year-round
Best for
Avoid if
Other Tenerife neighbourhoods
Working capital with grand colonial squares, the Auditorio, and zero resort gloss.
Original south-coast fishing port turned mid-market resort, walkable promenade and ferry hub to La Gomera.
Historic hill town at 400m, gateway to Spains highest mountain and the islands volcanic interior.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Tenerife →