Holiday in Puerto de la Cruz

What makes Puerto de la Cruz special as a destination?

Puerto de la Cruz is the historical heart of tourism in Tenerife and a charming harbor town on the green, lush northern coast of the island. Long before the concrete resorts in the south were built, Puerto de la Cruz was already the preferred destination for European travelers - and it has preserved its authentic Canarian character to this day. For German holidaymakers who prefer culture, nature, and Canarian lifestyle over mass tourism, Puerto de la Cruz is the ideal choice. The city's landmark is Loro Parque, one of the best zoos in the world and Tenerife's most visited attraction. With over 700 species of parrots, a spectacular orca show pool, penguins, gorillas, and an impressive aquarium, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. But Puerto de la Cruz has much more to offer than Loro Parque. The historic old town, with its colonial houses, small squares, and traditional bodegas, is a labyrinth of Canarian culture and atmosphere. Lago Martíanez, a seawater bathing complex designed by the legendary architect César Manrique, is a work of art in itself. The extensive facility with several pools, volcanic rock sculptures, and subtropical gardens harmoniously blends into the volcanic coastal landscape and is the perfect place to spend the day swimming and sunbathing. At Playa Jardín, a beach designed by Manrique with black volcanic sand and tropical gardens, one experiences the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The northern coast around Puerto de la Cruz is dramatically different from the dry south. Lush laurel forest remnants, banana plantations, deep ravines, and spectacular coastal formations shape the landscape. The Botanical Garden, founded in 1788, houses exotic plants from around the world. The Orotava Valley, which rises behind the city up to Teide, is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Canary Islands. From Germany, it takes about five hours to fly to Tenerife North, whose airport is only 25 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz.