Puerto de la Cruz
Classic Canary charm meets volcanic beaches and botanical gardens — perfect for couples and relaxed year-round sunshine seekers.
Deals from 292ppBest Deal of Puerto de la Cruz
24 Jun - 01 Jul 2026
7 Nights
Bed & Breakfast
24 Jun - 01 Jul 2026
7 Nights
Self Catering
14 Dec - 21 Dec 2026
7 Nights
Bed & Breakfast
25 Sep - 02 Oct 2026
7 Nights
Self Catering
Overview
Things To Do
Deals
Travel Guide
Puerto de la Cruz is Tenerife's original holiday resort, on the green, lush northern coast of the island, in the Orotava Valley, 70km (a 50-minute transfer) from Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and 35km from Tenerife North Airport (TFN). Tenerife's tourism began here — Puerto de la Cruz drew British and German travellers from the late 19th century, long before the purpose-built southern resorts existed, and it retains a genuine Canarian town character that Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje lack. The town wraps a historic fishing harbour, the Lago Martiánez lido complex designed by the artist César Manrique, and the black-volcanic-sand Playa Jardín beach. The northern position means a greener, cloudier and slightly cooler climate than the sun-baked south, with the Teide massif and the UNESCO-listed Anaga rainforest on the doorstep. UK travellers come for the authentic town atmosphere, the year-round 21°C climate, the Loro Parque animal park, the Orotava Valley's botanical gardens and a more cultured, less package-led Tenerife experience.
✨ Why Visit Puerto de la Cruz
- Tenerife's original and most authentic resort — a working Canarian town that drew British and German travellers from the late 19th century, with a genuine local character.
- Loro Parque — consistently rated among the world's best zoos, with orcas, dolphins, penguins and the largest parrot collection on Earth, on the western edge of the town.
- The César Manrique Lago Martiánez — a striking saltwater lido complex of pools, palms and volcanic-rock landscaping designed by the famous Canarian artist, opened in 1977.
- A greener, cooler northern climate — Puerto de la Cruz averages 21°C in January and 27°C in August, with the lush Orotava Valley and Anaga rainforest on the doorstep.
- Black-volcanic-sand beaches — Playa Jardín (landscaped by Manrique) and Playa Martiánez are the town's distinctive dark-sand swimming beaches.
- Direct UK flights into Tenerife (TFS or TFN) from 25+ airports — easyJet, Jet2, TUI, Ryanair, British Airways and Wizz Air, 4hr 15min from London Gatwick.
🌴 What Makes Puerto de la Cruz Special
Unlike the purpose-built southern resorts of Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz is a genuine working Canarian town — the historic harbour, the Plaza del Charco, the 17th-century San Francisco church and the daily fish market shape an experience that feels Spanish rather than package-led. Unlike the sun-baked south, the northern position delivers a greener, lusher landscape — the Orotava Valley's banana plantations and botanical gardens, the Anaga rainforest's laurel woodland and the proximity to Mount Teide all sit within easy reach, though the trade-off is more cloud and the occasional northern shower. And unlike anywhere else on Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz pairs Loro Parque (a world-class animal park), the Manrique-designed Lago Martiánez lido and a historic town centre into a single destination. The combination of authentic atmosphere, lush northern scenery, world-class attractions and a year-round climate makes Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife's most characterful resort.
📍 Key Areas to Explore
- Plaza del Charco — The historic central square at the heart of the old town, lined with Indian laurel trees, cafés and traditional Canarian restaurants.
- The Fishing Harbour (Muelle) — The original 17th-century harbour, with the Casa de la Aduana customs house and the seafront promenade.
- Lago Martiánez — The César Manrique-designed saltwater lido complex of pools, palms and volcanic-rock landscaping on the seafront.
- Playa Jardín — The black-volcanic-sand Blue Flag beach landscaped by Manrique, on the western side of town below Loro Parque.
- Loro Parque — The world-class animal park on the western edge of town, with orcas, dolphins, penguins and the largest parrot collection on Earth.
- La Ranilla — The old fishermen's quarter behind the harbour, now the town's most concentrated tapas-and-seafood restaurant district.
- La Orotava (inland) — The historic colonial town 5km uphill, with the finest 17th-century Canarian architecture on the island and the Victoria Gardens.
- Jardín Botánico — The 1788 botanical gardens, with tropical and subtropical species from across the Canaries and the Americas.
- Mount Teide & Anaga (inland) — Spain's highest peak (3,718m) and the UNESCO Anaga rainforest, both within a 60–90 minute drive.
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Activities
- Take the cable car up Mount Teide in Teide National Park
- Walk the coastal promenade from Playa Jardín to Punta Brava
- Explore Jardín Botánico’s giant ficus trees
- Drive through the Anaga Rural Park for dramatic mountain scenery
🏖️ Beaches
- Relax on Playa Jardín’s black volcanic sands
- Swim at Playa Martiánez near Lago Martiánez
- Watch sunset from Playa San Telmo
- Try Atlantic surfing at El Bollullo Beach (near La Orotava)
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Taste local wines in La Orotava Valley bodegas
- Dine on fresh seafood at Restaurante Régulo
- Try traditional papas arrugadas with mojo sauce
- Enjoy ocean-view cafés along Avenida Colón
🎉 Nightlife & Entertainment
- Live Canarian music in Plaza del Charco
- Cocktail bars along Calle Quintana
- Cultural performances at Teatro Timanfaya
- Low-key evening strolls along the promenade
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Lago Martiánez pools at sunset
- Mount Teide volcanic landscape
- Colourful balconies in La Orotava
- Atlantic waves crashing at Playa Jardín
Best Value Deals
🌴 All-Inclusive Holidays
Puerto de la Cruz offers excellent all-inclusive holidays for travellers looking for a stress-free Tenerife escape with everything conveniently included in one package. Deals generally start from around £399pp including return UK flights, accommodation, meals, drinks and entertainment. Many hotels are located close to Playa Jardín, Lago Martiánez and the seafront promenade, allowing guests to enjoy easy beach access and stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Visitors can relax by large swimming pools, enjoy buffet dining, evening entertainment and wellness facilities while experiencing the authentic Canarian atmosphere that makes Puerto de la Cruz different from southern Tenerife resorts.
👨👩👧👦 Family Holidays
Puerto de la Cruz is one of Tenerife’s most family-friendly resorts, offering a safe, relaxed and walkable environment ideal for travellers with children. Family holiday deals usually start from approximately £449pp including flights from the UK, with many hotels providing children’s pools, spacious family rooms and entertainment programmes. Families particularly enjoy attractions such as Loro Parque and Lago Martiánez, along with the resort’s scenic promenades and black-sand beaches. The calmer atmosphere compared to busier Tenerife resorts makes Puerto de la Cruz an excellent choice for families seeking year-round sunshine without overwhelming nightlife or crowded tourist areas.
💎 Luxury Holidays
Luxury holidays in Puerto de la Cruz focus on elegant hotels with panoramic Atlantic Ocean views, upscale dining experiences and premium wellness facilities. Luxury packages generally begin from around £699pp including flights and often feature spa access, rooftop terraces, sea-view suites and beautifully landscaped surroundings near the botanical gardens or coastline. Travellers choose Puerto de la Cruz for its refined atmosphere, authentic Canarian character and scenic volcanic landscapes that create a more sophisticated experience compared to larger commercial resorts. Couples and honeymooners especially appreciate the peaceful setting, quality service and relaxed pace that make luxury holidays here feel exclusive yet authentic.
⚡ Last-Minute Deals
Last-minute deals to Puerto de la Cruz are available throughout the year thanks to Tenerife’s strong year-round tourism market and consistent flight availability from the UK. Travellers booking within a few weeks of departure can often secure significant savings, particularly during shoulder seasons such as May, June, September and November. Prices for late deals frequently start from around £349pp including flights and accommodation, making Puerto de la Cruz one of the best-value Canary Islands destinations. Its mild winter climate, authentic atmosphere and wide choice of hotels make it particularly popular with UK travellers searching for affordable winter sun holidays at short notice.
Why book with us:
💷 Low deposits from £49pp
🔄 Flexible booking & payment options
🛡️ Fully ATOL Protected holidays
✈️ Handpicked flight & hotel package deals
💰 Competitive prices with great holiday value
📅 Best Time to Visit Puerto de la Cruz
- The best time to visit Puerto de la Cruz is March to June and September to November for warm temperatures without peak summer crowds.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Ideal for winter sun (18–22°C)
- Spring: Mild and green after winter rains
- Summer: Warm but breezy (mid-20s°C)
- Autumn: Warm sea temperatures
🏨 Where to Stay
- Families: Hotels near Playa Jardín
- Couples: Boutique stays in La Paz
- Luxury travellers: Seafront spa hotels with Atlantic views
- Budget travellers: Central Puerto apartments
🚗 Getting Around
- Public buses (TITSA) connect to Santa Cruz and Teide
- Car hire recommended for exploring north Tenerife
- Walkable town centre
- Taxi fares reasonable within resort
💡 Travel Tips
- Northern Tenerife is slightly cooler — pack a light jacket.
- Atlantic beaches have stronger currents — swim in designated areas.
- Try local guachinches (family-run eateries).
- Visit Teide early morning to avoid queues.
Map Of Puerto de la Cruz
Top Experiences
Loro Parque (Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife)
World-class wildlife park with orca presentations, penguinarium and lush botanical landscapes — one of the top attractions in the Canary Islands.
Lago Martiánez (Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife)
Saltwater swimming complex designed by César Manrique, offering ocean-front pools and sun terraces
Mount Teide National Park (La Orotava, Tenerife)
Cable-car views above Spain’s highest peak with dramatic volcanic scenery.
Playa Jardín (Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife)
Black-sand beach framed by tropical gardens and Atlantic waves.
La Orotava Old Town (La Orotava, Tenerife)
Traditional Canarian balconies, cobbled streets and authentic local restaurants.
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Travel Information
Everything You Need To Know Before You Jet Off To Puerto de la Cruz.
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