A cosmopolitan old colonial town, the resort of Puerto de la Cruz is located on the north coast of Tenerife and is one of the island’s most popular tourist centres, attracting some 900,000 visitors each year. The town has a fascinating and illustrious history, having risen to prominence in the late 19th century, when it attracted royalty and dignitaries including British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to its shores.
Today it has kept up with the times by acquiring all the amenities you would expect of a modern resort, whilst retaining the feel of a small, friendly Spanish town. Most of the area around the old fishing port is lined with cobbled streets, historical buildings and colonial architecture, while elsewhere you can find trendy hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, all co-existing in perfect harmony.
Most visitors to Puerto de la Cruz will fly into Tenerife South Airport which connects to a huge number of European cities. The resort’s position on the northern side of the island means that the transfer time from the airport is quite significant – normally around 1.5 hours by road.
Owing to the large distance, a taxi from the airport will be highly expensive. Therefore, unless you’re hiring a car, the most practical and economical way of reaching Puerto de la Cruz is by public bus, with regular and reliable services departing from the airport.
In keeping with the rest of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is a wonderful all-year-round holiday destination, with average temperature rarely dropping below 60C and more often pushing above 80C.
As an extra bonus, cooling sea breezes temper the heat, whilst rainfall during the summer months is a rarity.
The summer months are a busy time for Puerto de la Cruz, though winter also attracts heavy numbers suffering sunshine withdrawal symptoms. Winter visitors should be aware that evenings can get chilly, so remember to pack a jumper or two.
The Museo Arqueologico (Archeological Museum), located in a 19th century mansion, offers a fine exhibition of artefacts, including a vast ceramics collection and a number of mummies.
Another popular attraction in Puerto de la Cruz is the resort’s Botanical Gardens, which display an array of exotic plants from such far-away places as Africa, South America and Australia.
Meanwhile diving and activity sports such as walking tours or Mountain biking are also readily available in Puerto de la Cruz.
One of the most popular attractions on the island, Loro Pargue, which boasts over 200 species of parrots and other animals, can be found in Puerto de la Cruz. The park also offers dolphin shows, stunning gardens, an aquarium and a penguinarium.
Just 2km outside of Puerto de la Cruz is the Bananera El Guanche Tourist Attraction,which offers the public the chance to view a working banana plantation – an industry that has played a vital role in Tenerife's agricultural history.