Puerto de la Cruz & Loro Parque

Puerto de la Cruz was Tenerife's first tourist center — long before the south was developed. The city on the north coast has retained its authentic Canarian character: a colonial old town with brightly painted balconies, the bustling Plaza del Charco as its heart, shady squares under laurel trees, and fishing boats in the old harbor. Traditionally, many Germans vacation here — the menus are often trilingual.

The city's landmark is the seawater pools Lago Martiánez, designed by the exceptional Canarian artist César Manrique. The extensive complex from the 1970s with its saltwater pools, volcanic stone sculptures, and subtropical gardens blends organically into the coastal landscape — typical Manrique, who always merged architecture and nature. Admission: 5.50 €, sunbed 3 €.

Loro Parque: The famous animal and adventure park in the west of the city is Tenerife's most visited attraction. What began in 1972 as a small parrot park is now a huge zoo with the world's largest parrot collection (over 350 species), orcas, dolphins, penguins, gorillas, jaguars, and an impressive aquarium tunnel. The shows are spectacular, but the orca captivity is controversial — inform yourself in advance and form your own opinion. For families with children, Loro Parque remains an unforgettable experience.

Botanical Garden: The Jardín de Aclimatación (founded in 1788 by King Carlos III) is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Spain. On a modest area, over 3,000 tropical and subtropical plants grow here — including a gigantic fig tree (Ficus macrophylla) from Australia, whose aerial roots could occupy an entire building. Admission only 3 €, a bargain.