Discover the best of Puerto de la Cruz in just one day! Go through our travel itinerary, which is perfect for travelers who love exploring at their own pace. Let's visit charming streets, enjoy stunning ocean views, visit botanical gardens, and find even more impressive sight of this city.
Puerto de la Cruz is a resort town in the north of Tenerife. This place combines charming nature, rich history, and a cozy atmosphere. You’ll see narrow streets, colonial architecture, and panoramic views of the Atlantic, which makes it an ideal place for strolls.
Puerto de la Cruz is perfect for a one-day walking trip, with many sights located close to each other. However, having a car gives you the flexibility to explore nearby beaches, viewpoints, and attractions outside the town before or after your walk.
Jardín Botánicowas founded in 1788 by the order of King Charles III of Spain. It was conceived as an acclimatization garden for exotic plants from America and Asia before transplanting them to Madrid. The site occupies only about 2 hectares. Yet, it contains more than 4,000 species of plants from all continents.
One of the most impressive inhabitants of the garden is the Ficus macrophylla, also known as the banyan. Its roots look like columns, and its crown is a green cathedral. The garden operates not only as a tourist destination but also as a scientific institution associated with the Institute of Canary Studies. Many rare species are preserved and studied here.
👉 Walk along C. Retama and C. Aceviño streets to the next destination (~10 minutes).
🏨 Staying in Puerto de la Cruz? Apartotel Tigaiga Suites is set on the slopes of Parque Taoro, just minutes from Playa Jardín and Plaza del Charco — perfect base for this walk.
Mirador La Paz & Ermita de San Amaro
First, you'll pass through the Ermita de San Amaro. It is the oldest chapel in the city, built in 1591. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Amaro, the patron saint of pilgrims. Its white walls and traditional Canarian architecture create an atmosphere of coziness and peace.
Mirador La Paz is a picturesque viewpoint located on a cliff in the La Paz area.
It offers breathtaking views of:
The coastal area of the Orotava Valley (to the north);
Luxury Atlantic Studio — penthouse with La Orotava valley views, Martiánez beach steps away
Ermita de San Amaro
Mirador La Paz
Playa de Martianez
Agatha Christie Painted Stairs
Don't miss a unique attraction - the Agatha Christie Painted Stairs. It's not only a colorful place for photos but also an exceptional cultural object associated with the famous writer's name. The steps are located on Calle de Agatha Christie (formerly known as Paseo de los Cipreses) and are a staircase, each step of which is painted in bright colors and decorated with the name of one of Agatha Christie's works.
Agatha Christie Painted Stairs
Calle de Agatha Christie
👉Then you should go down C. Aceviño and Av. de Colón (~15 min).
2. 🌊 Daytime Walk by the Ocean
Playa Martiánez – 11:00
Playa Martiánez is not just a beach but a whole cultural and natural complex. The beach is covered with black volcanic sand and surrounded by cliffs, creating a unique landscape. It is a great place to walk and watch the ocean, especially during sunset. Due to the constant waves and the presence of surf schools such as La Marea, the beach is popular among surfers.
Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez – 11:30
The Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez is a unique open-air leisure complex. The central element is an artificial lake of 15,000 m², surrounded by terraces, gardens, and seawater pools. The complex has seven seawater pools, including children's areas and one heated pool. The area features original sculptures by Manrique, as well as restaurants, bars, terraces, and sunbathing areas.
🪂 The north is one of the best spots for paragliding in Tenerife.Book a tandem flight over the green valley and ocean — up to 35 min (€110–€140).
Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez
👉 Next you can walk along the Av. de Colón (~10 min.).
San Telmo Shrine and Playa San Telmo – 12:00
The San Telmo Shrine was built in 1780 by the Guild of Navigators. This small white chapel is dedicated to Saint Peter González Telmo, the patron saint of sailors. Inside is an original statue of the saint from the late 18th century. The chapel has survived fire, storms, and even a robbery, but has been restored and is in excellent condition today.
Walking down from the chapel, you will find yourself on Playa San Telmo, a small urban beach about 20 meters long with black volcanic sand and pebbles. Its special feature is the natural pools that form between the lava rocks at low tide. However, be careful: when the ocean is rough, swimming may not be safe.
San Telmo Shrine and Playa San Telmo
Mirador de la Punta del Viento – 12:30
Mirador de la Punta del Viento is ideal for those who want to enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coast. The site offers impressive views of the ocean, black volcanic rocks, and San Telmo beach. It is a great place for photos, especially at sunset. The name "Punta del Viento" translates as "cape of the wind", and indeed, fresh sea breezes are often felt here, giving the place a special charm.
Mirador de la Punta del Viento
👉 Go down to the central part of the city (~5 min).
3. 🍽 Lunch and Walk Through the Historic Center
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia – 13:00
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Franciais one of the oldest churches in the city, built in the 17th century. It is considered a spiritual center for locals and tourists. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Peña de Francia, the patroness of immigrants and sailors.
The cult came from mainland Spain, from the Castilla y Leon region. Inside, you will find a baroque altar, ancient wooden carved elements, and an amazing atmosphere of coziness and peace. It is a small but very soulful church.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
Plaza del Charco – 13:30
Plaza del Charco is not just the central square of Puerto de la Cruz but the real cultural and historical heart of the city. The name "Plaza del Charco" is translated as "Puddle Square". Previously, a sea puddle formed here, in which locals caught shrimp. Indian laurels, brought from Cuba in 1852, palm trees, and other exotic plants grow here. In the center, there is a decorative fountain with a taro.
Lunch: You can visit Bambi Gourmet or Restaurante Xauen 'Sabor Andaluz'. These places have 4.8 and 4.7 stars based on hundreds of reviews. Alternatively, choose the option nearby with good reviews on Google Maps.
Plaza del Charco
👉 After lunch, you can explore the street art (~5 min).
Mural: Granada, La fuerza está en las raíces, El niño de las pinturas – 14:30
The mural's title "La fuerza está en las raíces" translates as "Strength in the Roots", reflecting the deep connection between a person and their origins. The mural "La fuerza está en las raíces" emphasizes the importance of our roots and cultural identity. Through the depiction of human figures and symbolic elements, the artist conveys the idea that a person's strength lies in their origins and connection to culture.
Mural: "La fuerza está en las raíces"
👉 Let's continue our walk along the ocean (~10 min).
4. 🏰 History and Beach Break
El Castillo San Felipe – 15:00
El Castillo San Felipewas built in 1539 to protect against pirate attacks and now serves as the city's cultural center. The fortress has a pentagonal shape with two levels and was formerly equipped with a drawbridge, which has now been replaced by a permanent walkway. It hosts temporary art exhibitions, theater productions, and dance performances.
El Castillo San Felipe
Playa del Castillo (Playa Jardín) – 15:30
Playa Jardín is a famous black-sand beach complex in Puerto de la Cruz, designed by César Manrique. It includes Playa del Castillo, Playa Chica, and Playa María Jiménez — each with its own vibe but all surrounded by palm trees, volcanic rocks, and tropical gardens. These beaches offer everything you need: sunbeds, showers, lifeguards, beach bars, and cozy cafés — perfect for a relaxed day by the ocean.
🚧However, it is important to take into account the environmental problems of the region. In recent years, Playa Jardín and other beaches of Puerto de la Cruz have faced increased levels of water pollution caused by wastewater discharge. This has led to a temporary ban on swimming due to the high concentration of harmful bacteria (in particular, E. coli). Therefore, before visiting, it is recommended to check the current state of the water.🚧
Paseo Punta Brava is ideal for strolls, enjoying the ocean views, and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a traditional Canarian fishing village.
Narrow streets with colorful houses built close to each other create a sense of coziness and remind you of the traditional way of life of the locals.
A walk along Paseo Punta Brava reveals breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and black volcanic rocks formed by ancient eruptions. Next to Paseo Punta Brava is the famous zoo and oceanarium Loro Parque.
📌Discover more of Tenerife's wild north in our guide to the Anaga Mountains — ancient forests, dramatic viewpoints, and volcanic beaches.
🍷 Pair dinner with a wine experience.Winery Tour at Bodegas Monje — just outside Puerto de la Cruz, wine + cheese tasting (€35).
Plan Your Visit: Everything You Need
🚗 Rent a Car
🚗 Planning to explore beyond Puerto de la Cruz? The north has stunning viewpoints, black sand beaches, and mountain villages best reached by car. Find the best car rental deal on DiscoverCars before you go.
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