A preferred holiday spot for European royalty
In Puerto de la Cruz, old-world Spanish and colonial charm co-exist with trendy hotels, making the birthplace of Canary Island tourism a favourite holiday destination for European royalty and tourists alike.
A cosmopolitan old colonial town on the north coast of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz became a fashionable spa town in the 1890s, and later a preferred holiday spot for European royalty and dignitaries such as Winston Churchill. It is now the principal tourist centre of the island, but despite its popularity – it attracts 900,000 visitors each year – the town retains the style of a cosmopolitan spa and the feel of a small bustling Spanish town. The attractive area around the old fishing port, where locals still work (and play), is lined with cobbled streets and full of colonial architecture.
Take one of the many guided walks starting in Puerto de la Cruz to discover some of the best tourist attractions on Tenerife. Explore the town’s historical buildings, including the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Pena and the Castle of San Felipe, or visit the Loro Pargue, boasting over 200 species of parrot. The botanical gardens are a must for green-fingered holiday-makers, displaying plants from Africa, South America and Australia, and if you venture out to the Teide National Park you will be rewarded with the sight of its mysterious volcanic landscape.
Tenerife’s free port status allows imports from all over the world, making it a shoppers’ paradise. Holiday-makers in Puerto de la Cruz will find hundreds of shops selling a variety of goods. Electronic items, photographic gear, perfumes and alcohol are especially cheap, but beware of tat and counterfeits. The Martianez mall is a favourite with tourists wanting to splash out on clothes, shoes and gifts.
Clubs in Puerto de la Cruz stay open into the early hours, and of the many bars in the town the most popular are Frigata, Molly Malones, Color Café and Azucar. Restaurants also abound, offering a variety of cuisine and local dishes. For a fine culinary experience during your holiday, try La Casona, Meson los Gemelos, Regulo or La Ganania. The Plaza de Charco is lined with restaurants and cafés, the perfect place to enjoy a meal or tapas – or just a drink while watching the world go by.
You don’t have to be a VIP to holiday in Puerto de la Cruz – check Co-op Holidays’ prices for a great holiday deal.