Puerto de la Cruz is Tenerife’s oldest resort and still retains much of its traditional Canarian style. Though the resort is rather large the relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere is very different to the similar sized Las Americas to the south. The main central area is busy throughout the day and evenings. Nightlife consists mostly of live entertainment with the many excellent bars and restaurants.
A minute of History:
Few places in the world have managed to combine the past and future quite as successfully as Puerto de la Cruz. Historical streets and shady parks stitch their way through the town and reminders of the areas proud seafaring past are everywhere.
Where to go:
One of the most delightful aspects of staying in Puerto is there is so much to see and do on non-walking days. There are museums, Botanical Gardens, Orchid Gardens, Bananera where you will learn about the life of a banana! Loro Park - a very impressive animal/bird park, largely open air.
Local Market:
The town holds a weekly market every Wednesday from around 10:00 to 14:00 on the rooftop of Las Pyramides de Martinez. As with all markets, use common sense and be prepared to haggle, something the British hate to do.
Attractions:
Loro Parque is Tenerife's most popular wildlife centre and receives more than 1.3 million visitors each year. Situated at outskirts of the northern resort of Puerto da la Cruz it is home to the largest parrot collection in the world and the biggest dolphinarium in Europe. If parrots are not your thing, you'll also find gorillas, jaguars and some huge tigers. The latest addition to the park, opened in the summer of 1999 is the penguin island. Throughout the day visitors are entertained with parrot, dolphin and sea lion shows, which at peak times can become very crowded. So, arrive early to get the best pool side seats.
Facilities:
There are plenty of restaurants and street cafes to choose from and all the world´s great cuisines can be found but do make a point to stop in one of those which specialise in traditional local dishes, which here in Puerto de la Cruz centres round fresh, locally caught fish.
Art and Culture:
If you are near the centre of Puerto it is very pleasant to stroll out during the evening in light clothing, in well lit pedestrian areas, to listen to a wide variety of live music or to sit in an open air café and watch the world go by. From time to time there are orchestral concerts, quartets, ensembles, art exhibitions and, of course, local, colourful festivals.
Nightlife:
Nightlife here is mainly hotel based and not as vibrant as that in the south of the island, although the town does have a good selection of bars, restaurants and discos. Beneath the Lido Martianez a subterranean club puts on Spanish and other international shows.
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