Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is the perfect base for active travellers who want to stay away from the overly touristy resorts in the south of the island. Located on the northern and greener side of Tenerife, there are many outdoor activities you can do in (and from) this charming small town. Whether you prefer a stroll along the rugged coastline on your own, learn to surf and speak Spanish, or venture up Mount Teide on a bike, Puerto de la Cruz is worth visiting. There are various accommodation and dining options in this activity hub where many adventurous trips begin (or free pick up from here).

Lago Martiánez

The Lago Martiánez bathing complex is the jewel in the crown of Puerto de la Cruz, with it sitting pride of place on the town’s main promenade. Designed by the famous Spanish architect César Manrique in 1977, the pools are one of the defining features of the town with the artistic water features, picturesque flower beds and modern sculptures making the attraction not just a place to swim but also a work of art. Costing €3.50 to get into, inside visitors have the choice of four pools to swim in (two child friendly), the grandest and most beautiful being the artificial lake that sits in the centre, that has fluorescent lights illuminating the entire complex at night and a temperamental, volcanic-like water feature in its centre that erupts without warning. Aside from swimming and sunbathing, there is a selection of restaurants, cafes and bars meaning that visitors do not have to leave the complex in search of lunch, along with a casino if you want to try and win your entrance fee back and maybe a bit more. Another quirky feature is the artificial rock pools that have formed along the seawall at the far side of the attraction. The giant wave breakers that now protect Lago Martiánez have created the perfect home for the local crabs and fish, with the walls of the complex being a great place to stand and watch the sometimes huge creatures scurrying about their daily lifes.Address: Avenida Colón s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 385 955
Entrance to the pools is from 10:00 to 17:00. Entrance fee: €5.50 for adults and €1.20 for children up to 10 years, including the use of sun beds, changing rooms and showers; sun umbrellas cost €1.50.

Puerto Pesquero (Fishermen’s Quay)

The 17th century port is one of the most beautiful parts of the town where, on a fine day, sunbathers laze over its grand and ancient walls and bold locals dive into its refreshingly clear waters. At its height the port was an important part of the town’s existence, as traders from around Europe brought goods in and out of Tenerife. However, in modern times the port is now used primarily by the town’s local fisherman and the occasional speedboat, meaning there is plenty of room for tourists and locals to siesta on its quaint beach. In the evenings the port is the venue for Puerto de la Cruz’s many fiestas and gatherings. On quiet weekday nights a giant projector is set up to play the latest Hollywood blockbuster, free of charge, and on the weekends there is usually a party or festival of some sort going on that pretty much the whole town turns out for. The fort that sits above Pesquero is also a great spot to snap a picture of the sun setting and generally take in the views of Puerto de la Cruz, although the only remnants left over from its days protecting the town are a few rustic canons. Where: from Plaza del Charco, venture north-eastward for Calle La Marina.