Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is the historic north-coast resort: a protected old town, black-sand beaches and the Manrique sea complex.
Compiled from the sources listed below. Not yet individually fact-checked by an editor.
Who it suits
Puerto de la Cruz suits people who want a town rather than a strip: old streets, restaurants, the Playa Jardín gardens and a long history of tourism, which began here in the 19th century. It is also the better base for the north, with Teide and the La Orotava valley nearby. Most hotels sit along the coast, and the tourism board suggests exploring the town on foot.
Beaches and the sea
- Playa Jardín complex: three black-sand beaches behind breakwaters, designed by César Manrique.
- Martiánez: black sand and pebbles, with a marked surf area. The sea is often choppy, so take care.
- San Telmo: a tiny cove with rock pools at low tide. No parking.
- No Puerto de la Cruz beach is on the 2026 Blue Flag list, despite the island board’s pages.
Lago Martiánez
The Costa Martiánez complex has a large seawater lake and several pools. It closed its large lake for works in 2023. A reopening was reported later, but the reports are undated. Check its current status before you visit.
Places to stay in Puerto de la Cruz
No properties published for this area yet.
Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you book through links on this site. It costs you nothing extra and does not change what we recommend. How this works.