Tourist Attractions

The Port de la Cruz is located in the North coast of Tenerife in the Valley of the Orotava at the bottom of the Teide and is one of the main and more complete places for vacation time in the Canary Islands.

The urban zone is very pleasant and still is frequented by the original establishments to eat and to go out at night.

The zone of the old port of fishing stands out by narrow streets and has houses in the style of the colonial architecture.

To enjoy the sun and the beach in their unusual volcanic sand coast, to take a walk by the exotic Botanical Garden or to spend an unforgettable day in the facilities of the Park El Loro are some of the many possibilities of leisure that offers Port de la Cruz. The lovers of nature will be able to admire in the neighborhood of the city the beautiful places of the Valley of the Orotava and the astonishing image of the Teide, the greater summit of Spain.

Pioneer in the tourist development of Tenerife, Port of the Cruz owns one long vocational tradition that goes back to the end of century XIX, time in which was born like a bath/spa station in the present facilities of Hotel-Casino Taoro.

In just a few decades, the city has become an important tourist center, thanks to the exceptional conditions that it reunites: its good climate, the beautiful volcanic coast and the singular landscapes that the Valley of the Orotava provides.

The city extends around its small port and has ample avenues and bright landscaped spaces; this is the reason why a stroll by foot will be the best way to discover its magic. On your way you will find historical monuments, like the castle of San Felipe, the hermitage of San Telmo or the church of “Our Lady de la Peña”.

THE PORT

Around the Plaza del Charco arise streets that enjoy great entertainment any time of the day, as well as the beautiful Paseo Maritimo (Marine Stroll), filled with restaurants and outdoor cafeterias. The harbor zone has become one of the historical places of the city, since it lodges the Casa de la Aduana (Old Customs Office) and the old pier, which still has its marine ambiance. But the port also reunites other many attractiveness, like Lago Martiánez, project designed by the prestigious architect from the Island Cesar Manrique. It is an original complex of swimming pools filled with sea water created in the coastal volcanic surroundings and bordered by bright vegetation, is an ideal place to rest or to enjoy a refreshing bath.

The main hotel selection of Port de la Cruz is located in coastal zones, in front of beautiful sandy grounds of volcanic origin, like Beach Garden and Playa Martiánez. In these places an ample infrastructure of services exists that include the night clubs, restaurants, shops, sport activities and many other possibilities. Also, in the bounds of the city you can contemplate the beautiful Botanical Garden. Founded at the end of century XVIII, this area reunites a great variety of tropical plants and vegetation species coming from diverse points of the planet.

On the other hand, the Park El Loro will allow you to enjoy an unforgettable time in its facilities, where exhibitions of parrots and dolphins take place.

Besides admiring the beauty of the Valley of the Orotava, the lovers of nature will be able to approach the Teide that, with its 3,718 meters, is the greater altitude of Spain. This volcanic top gives name to the National Park of the Teide that has on abundant endemic species of fauna and canary flora. This route can be completed visiting the Natural Park of the Forest Crown (Corona Forestal) that surrounds the National Park.

GASTRONOMY AND SURROUNDINGS

It is a tradition between the Natives of the Island to eat in “guachinches”; typical restaurants in which you can taste the most classic plates of the traditional kitchen, among those appear the vegetable soups and the casserole of fish. The "Vieja" is one of the most appreciated and known fish, along with others like the sardine, the jack mackerel, “Cherne” and “Sama”. In the meat section, we should mention the marinated meat and the rabbit in “salmorejo” sauce. And of course without forgetting the famous “Papas Arrugadas” (potatoes cooked with salt), served with gravies (sauces). And to accompany these delightful dishes, you will be able to choose between some of the five Denominations of wine that originate in Tenerife: Like Abona, Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle of Güimar, Valle de la Orotava and Ycoden-Daute-Isora.

From Port de la Cruz you can take numerous excursions by the North of Tenerife. The Orotava, located in the Valley “Homónimo”, has an abundant example of original canary architecture houses and has been declared Artistic Historical Monument. In Icod de los Vinos you will be able to admire a beautiful set of traditional architecture and a famous site as the one of the millenarian dragon tree (native tree). Garachico was in its origin an important port and nowadays has preserved buildings of great historical value, like the Castle of San Miguel, the Church of Santa Ana or the Palace of the Counts of the Gomera.

On the way to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you will be able to stop at San Cristobal de La Laguna. The Cathedral, the church of the Conception or the Episcopal Palace both are considered jewels of the history of Spain, that have been declared Patrimony of Humanity.

Finally, we will arrive at Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Around their important port there are ample avenues that extend to plazas and exotic green spaces. The capital of Tenerife is famous for its Carnival, one of the finest in Spain. This celebration, has declared International Tourist’s Interest, due to the spectacular of the costumes, animation and the entertainment of Murgas, Comparsas and Rondallas (Musical groupings).

The hotel supply is very ample in the entire island, although it is advisable to make reservations with sufficient advance time to be able to enjoy the carnivals.