Puerto de la Cruz, located on the north coast of Tenerife, is one of the island’s best-known and most popular towns — an excellent base for exploring the island’s greener, quieter northern regions.
The town beautifully combines local life, history, and the presence of the sea, making it one of the most charming destinations in northern Tenerife.
From Puerto de la Cruz, it’s easy to explore nearby attractions such as the lush laurel forests of Parque Rural de Anaga, the historic town of Garachico with its natural sea pools, the secluded and picturesque Playa de Castro, or the dramatic ruins of Las Ruinas de Gordejuela, an old water-pumping station perched on a cliffside. After a day of exploring, it’s wonderful to return to the relaxed atmosphere of Puerto de la Cruz’s seaside promenade and cozy restaurants.Puerto de la Cruz is perfect for travelers who want to combine a relaxing holiday with sightseeing and exploring the natural beauty of northern Tenerife. It offers a little bit of everything, just in a calmer, more authentic setting compared to the busier resorts in the south. The town has a great selection of restaurants and atmospheric bars where you can enjoy live music and ocean views in the evenings.
However, if you’re looking for a more vibrant nightlife, it’s better to head south. Read more about the differences between northern and southern Tenerife.
Accommodation and Location
We spent four nights of our week-long trip in Puerto de la Cruz and stayed at Apartamentos Pez Azul. The hotel was simple, clean and quiet, a great value for the price. We had a rental car for the entire week and even though the hotel didn’t have its own parking lot, there was plenty of free street parking right outside.
The walk from the hotel to the city center was about 700 meters, depending on where you wanted to go. It was an easy walk, though the hotel is slightly uphill from the center, so the return trip involves a gentle incline, nothing steep.
The hotel had a swimming pool, sun loungers and a small pool bar and there was a mini-market just a couple of hundred meters away, it was perfect for picking up snacks or light evening meals.
Shopping and Services
Puerto de la Cruz offers plenty of shops and shopping opportunities, yet it still retains a local and relaxed atmosphere. In the center, you’ll find small boutiques, souvenir shops, and clothing stores, as well as a few larger shopping centers:
🛍️ Centro Comercial Martiánez — located right in the city center near the seafront promenade, ideal for a little shopping or a coffee break in the afternoon.
🛒 Centro Comercial La Villa and Multicentro Comercial El Trompo — located side by side about 5 km from the center (a short drive or around a 3 km walk). These malls have a wider selection of international brands, restaurants, and supermarkets. It is a great option for a rainy day.
Sights in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is full of charm, with picturesque streets and plenty to see and most of it easily reachable on foot.
🎨Agatha Christie Painted Stairs
A colorful staircase dedicated to Agatha Christie, decorated with the titles of her novels and adding a splash of color to the hillside. It’s a very photogenic spot located near Mirador La Paz, so you can easily visit both at once. Nearby, there’s also a street and viewpoint named after the author. A small sign at the stairs tells the story of her visit to Puerto de la Cruz in the 1920s, which is said to have inspired some of her works.
🌅 Mirador La Paz
A scenic viewpoint above the city offering panoramic views over Puerto de la Cruz, the Atlantic Ocean, and Playa de Martiánez. There’s also a café/restaurant at the top — a lovely spot to enjoy a break while watching surfers ride the waves below.
🏖️ Playa de Martiánez
One of Puerto de la Cruz’s most popular beaches, known for its dark volcanic sand and dramatic waves. It’s a great place for an evening stroll or simply taking in the views. Surfers love it here, though swimmers should be mindful of strong currents at times. The Paseo Martiánez promenade runs along the shore, lined with palm trees and inviting terrace cafés.
🏊 Lago Martiánez / Costa Martiánez
Designed by the famous architect César Manrique, this seawater pool complex is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It features several pools, restaurants, bars, and plenty of sun loungers, a perfect place to spend a full day relaxing. Entry costs just a few euros, and it’s suitable for both adults and families with children.
🌴 Paseo Martiánez and San Telmo Area
Along this charming seaside promenade, you’ll find the small Plaza-Mirador de la Ermita de San Telmo viewpoint and the iconic San Telmo Chapel, one of the city’s symbols. In front of the chapel lies Piscina natural de San Telmo, a small natural sea pool where you can take a refreshing dip and soak up the sun.
⛪ Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
The main church of Puerto de la Cruz, built in the 17th century and beautifully preserved. It’s surrounded by a peaceful park where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the shade of the palm trees.
⚓ Batería de Santa Bárbara
This historic coastal battery near the harbor offers great sea views from its old walls, with cannons still standing as reminders of the city’s pirate-fighting past. It’s a nice stop on the way to the La Ranilla district.
🎭 La Ranilla District
Colorful and full of life, La Ranilla is the artistic heart of Puerto de la Cruz. The area is dotted with murals, small galleries, and local restaurants. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll see bright, beautifully painted houses and plenty of street art. It’s a perfect area for an afternoon stroll — and one of our absolute favorite parts of the city.
🌊 Punta Brava
Located at the edge of town, Punta Brava is a charming, authentic neighborhood where you can get a glimpse of everyday local life. Its narrow lanes, colorful houses, and proximity to the ocean make it a lovely area to explore. From here, you’ll also have a fantastic view of Playa Jardín, famous for its black sand and scenic seaside promenade.
Day Trips from Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is ideally located for day trips, as it sits roughly halfway along Tenerife’s northern coastline. Many of the island’s top sights are within an hour’s drive:
- 🌿 Parque Rural de Anaga – Sharp mountain peaks, lush laurel forests, hiking trails, and spectacular viewpoints.
- 🏚️ Las Ruinas de Gordejuela – Impressive ruins of an old water-pumping station perched on a cliff, offering stunning coastal views.
- 🏝️ Playa de Castro – A beautiful, peaceful beach reached via a palm-lined path through a green park. The route includes some elevation but is easy to walk. There’s also a small waterfall at the far end of the beach.
- 🐚 Garachico – A charming historic village that feels like a step back in time. Dating back to the 1400s, it’s one of the oldest settlements in the Canary Islands and is famous for its natural sea pools.
- 🌄 Mirador de Chipeque – A breathtaking viewpoint to watch the sunset above the clouds, with views toward Mount Teide.
- 🏙️ Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The island’s lively capital city, great for shopping and sightseeing. It offers plenty of museums, parks, and cultural attractions. Every February, Santa Cruz hosts its world-famous carnival, filling the streets with music, dancing, and parades — an unforgettable experience if your visit coincides.
Puerto de la Cruz is the perfect choice if you want to experience Tenerife’s authentic and peaceful side while still being close to all essential services and attractions. The town is big enough to keep you entertained for several days but compact enough to explore easily on foot.Its greenery, coastal charm, and relaxed atmosphere make Puerto de la Cruz a destination you’ll want to return to again. You can easily visit through a package holiday and many day trips around the island’s north and beyond depart directly from the city. Even if you’re not traveling independently, excursions can be conveniently browsed and booked via sites like GetYourGuide.
