Puerto de la Cruz , a charming, picturesque city on the north coast of Tenerife , is a perfect travel destination for everyone who wants to combine relaxation, adventure and cultural experiences. This city, which is one of the oldest tourist centers on the Canary Islands, offers a unique mix of historical charm and modern comfort.
Puerto de la Cruz - the heart of the north
The city of Puerto de la Cruz is the eight -largest community in Tenerife and represents the tourist heart of the north coast. Here Canary traditions come together with the tourism sector, which is why it finds a variety of hotels and numerous holiday apartments in Puerto de la Cruz. In contrast to the dry and low -rain south, the north impresses with the influences of the Passat winds, which produce a lavish green landscape.
Puerto de la Cruz is therefore surrounded by extensive banana plantations and vineyards as well as other agricultural areas. The city attracts many visitors because it offers a variety of highlights and attractions. From the remarkable old town to fascinating museums to fantastic seaside resorts, the range of sights in Puerto de la Cruz is extremely extensive.
The beaches of Puerto de la Cruz are known for their black volcanic beaches , which offer a fascinating contrast to the blue Atlantic. The Playa Jardín is particularly popular and is known for its extensive gardens was designed by the well -known Canarian artist César Manrique
Painted wall of a park by César Manrique, Fundación César Manrique, Tahiche, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain Image source: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Here you can not only enjoy the sun and the sea, but also admire the impressive flora.
Activities on the beach
In addition to classic sunbathing and swimming, the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz also offer numerous water sports. Whether surfing, diving or stand-up paddling-there are many options for adventurous.
For those who want to take it easy, boat trips and dolphin observation tours available that offer an unforgettable insight into the maritime wildlife .
Cultural highlights and sights
Puerto de la Cruz also has a rich culture and history to offer. A visit to the historic old town, with its paved streets and traditional Canarian houses, is a must. The Plaza del Charco , the heart of the city, is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. Here you can relax in one of the many cafes and watch the hustle and bustle.
Plaza del Charco in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife Image Source: The Fossil madness, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Plaza del Charco is also known as its full name "Plaza del Charco de los Camarones" and forms the pulsating center of Puerto de la Cruz together with today's fishing port. For many locals, this place is a real highlight of the old town. The name as a "place of the shrimp puddle" can be traced back to earlier times when the space in the event of floods was regularly flooded and shrimp in the quiet water accumulation.
When you stand with your back to the sea, you will have a fascinating sight on the right side of the Plaza del Charco: Here, some of the oldest buildings in the old town of Puerto de la Cruz testify to you. The planting with South American rubber trees in the 1830s marked the beginning of a significant further development of the square.
With an area of around 7,350 square meters, the Plaza del Charco embodies what makes a traditional Spanish plaza in an impressive way. Here, older locals enjoy their calm on the benches, while the children cheerfully play on the neighboring playground.
Around the Plaza del Charco you will find a remarkable oversupply of restaurants, cafes and bars, supplemented by charming little kiosks that underline the lively ambience of the square. In addition, this location is ideal for convenient to get one of the largest taxi stands in Puerto de la Cruz - a perfect starting point for your further explorations in the region.
The church Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia , an impressive example of Canary architecture , is also worth a visit. You will find the church only a few minutes from the impressive Ermita de San Telmo. This church, which was built in 1684, on the foundations of a hermitage,mirrorst resisted the rich history of the region. Inside you can expect magnificent saint figures from the 18th century and works by the talented artist Luis de la Cruz y Ríos and Manuel de la Cruz, which enrich the spiritual atmosphere.
External view of the church Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife Image Source: Maesi64, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The impressive interior with its elegant Tuscan semicircular arches creates a harmonious structure and inspires art and church lovers alike. Since May 12, 2003, both the church and its artistic elements have been protected as a historical monument, which contributes to the preservation of the cultural heritage.
In front of the church, a lovingly designed place with shade -giving trees and benches invites you to linger - an inspiring place that you should not miss.
For art lovers, the following start positions offer an insight into the creative work of the Canary Island:
Art Museum Eduardo Westerdahl
The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl (MACEW) , founded in 1953 by the important art critic Eduardo Westerdahl, is located in the picturesque Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife.
In the impressive Casa de la Aduana, the museum presents a varied collection of contemporary art, which is closely related to the Canary Institute for Hispanic Studies. This cultural jewel should definitely be visited in order to immerse yourself in the fascinating atmosphere and the carefully curated exhibits.
Castillo Espacio Cultural
The Castillo Espacio Cultural impressively combines the story of an old fortress with the lively presence of the art scene. His walls, once testified by past battles, now offer an inspiring backdrop for exhibitions that captivate the senses and stimulate the mind. Here, contemporary forming art meets masterful sculptures and captivating photographs that let visitors immerse themselves in new worlds.
In this versatile space, classical music sounds regularly, the sounds of which meet the historical halls and create a special atmosphere. Lectures and discussion forums invite you to gain deeper insights into cultural topics and to exchange ideas with other interested parties. The variety of events ranging from traditional to modern art makes the Castillo a center of cultural life.
For art lovers and culture -conscious, there is the opportunity to not only admire works of art, but also to discover new perspectives . In the Castillo Espacio Cultural, history and modernism merge into a unique experience that stimulates lingering and thinking.
Another highlight is the botanical garden of Puerto de la Cruz, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Spain, which houses an impressive variety of exotic plants.
Museo Arqueológico
The Museo Arqueológico del Puerto de la Cruz is a fascinating archaeological museum in the old town of Tenerife, which presents an impressive collection of artifacts and detailed replicas of the indigenous population. After his reopening in 1991, it inspires visitors with six lovingly designed exhibition rooms that group around an inviting courtyard.
In the middle of the charming fishing fishing, La Ranilla, in a historic building from the 18th century, the museum offers a deep insight into the culture and traditions of the indigenous people of Tenerife and takes it on an exciting journey through the past of this unique island.
Street art in the old town of Puerto de la Cruz
In 2014, Puerto de la Cruz received an outstanding cultural enrichment with the introduction of Puerto Street Art . These are officially commissioned graffiti works of art that transform the walls of the old town into an impressive open-air museum. Most of the now 17 large -scale wall paintings are located on the lively facades of the historic Fischerviertel La Ranilla , west of the pulsating Plaza del Charco .
Graffiti in Puerto de la Cruz Image Source: Lmbuga (Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Both less well -known and renowned artists from different countries have left their creative traces in the walls of the old town, which is an expression of international diversity and creativity. Puerto de la Cruz is also open to fresh talents, so that new works of art are constantly being created and enrich the urban backdrop.
In the immediate vicinity of every work of art will find an information card or a QR code. After scanning, you will receive detailed information about the respective artists, their creative process and the deeper meaning behind the pictures. This interactive experience invites you to discover and appreciate the history and emotions that are hidden in every composition.
Other hot spots for art and culture are:
The theater hall "Teatro Timanfaya"
The art hall "Sala de Arte Cajacanarias"
The art hall "Fleming 4 Sala de Arte"
The art and cultural center "La Ranilla Arte-Cultura"
Nature and wildlife
A special experience is a visit to the Loro Parque , a world -famous zoo. Here you can look at a variety of animals up close and experience impressive shows. The park is particularly famous for its parrot collection and orca shows and offers an exciting experience for the whole family.
The botanical garden
The botanical garden in Puerto de la Cruz , founded in 1788 on the arrangement of the Spanish monarch Carlos III.
However, the plants introduced quickly found their place in the mild and nutrient -rich conditions of Tenerife, where they could thrive splendidly. Nevertheless, an unexpected challenge revealed itself: after its transplanting to the mainland, many plants suffered greatly from the climatic conditions there. These unpredictable circumstances meant that the king's plan could not be implemented as desired.
Despite these failures, the garden developed into an important attraction for the city of Puerto de la Cruz and today offers visitors a rich variety of flora from all over the world. He invites you to discover the beauty and variety of botanical art and makes an important contribution to researching and maintaining rare plant species. Discover this extraordinary place that not only breathes history, but also embodies the passion for nature.
Orchid garden Sitio Litre
The Sitio Litre orchid garden , also known as Jardín de Orquídeas Sitio Litre, is a hidden pearl in Puerto de la Cruz, which was created in 1774 by a British merchant family and is one of the oldest gardens of Tenerife. The garden houses a manor house from 1730 and was once the place of inspiration for Agatha Christie's work "The strange Mr. Quin" , which is why a special "Agatha Christie-corner" was set up.
Alexander von Humboldt also visited this place, to which a monument was set in honor. Despite the nearby revitalized Carretera Botanico, the garden offers calm and relaxation, marinated with a fountain and a pond full of koi and goldfish. Visitors can admire an impressive collection of orchids and the oldest dragon tree in the area and fortify themselves in a small café.
Adventure and activities
Puerto de la Cruz offers numerous activities for those who are looking for adventure. Hike through the Teide National Park , which belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage and houses the highest summit of Spain, the Teide volcano. The hiking trails offer spectacular views and are suitable for hikers of every level.
A visit to the impressive Orotava Valley , which is known for its breathtaking landscapes and traditional Canarian houses, is also recommended.
Family -friendly accommodations
Coral Travel , whose team kindly supported us in the virtual exploration of the cultural highlights of Puerto de la Cruz, offers a variety of family -friendly hotels and resorts in Puerto de la Cruz, which are specifically geared towards the needs of families.
These accommodations offer spacious and comfortable rooms, often with separate sleeping areas for the children, so that the parents can also relax undisturbed. Many hotels have special children's areas with pools, playgrounds and children's clubs, in which the little ones are well looked after under supervision.
Cheap offers and all-inclusive packages
A vacation in Puerto de la Cruz does not have to be expensive. Coral Travel offers attractive offers and discounts that have been put together especially for families. The all-inclusive packages make it possible to get the best out of vacation without burdening the budget.
Flight, hotel and transfer are already included in the price, so that you can concentrate fully on relaxation.
Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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