The soft volcanic sandy beaches and deep blue seas give Puerto de la Cruz the 'wow' factor that sun worshippers and beach lovers adore. The resort's convenient position in the middle of the north coast makes it ideally situated for exploring Tenerife's most popular attractions, too.
Tour the town, on a Segway!
First stop should be to book a Segway tour of the town to really get to grips with where everything is. A two-hour tour will give you the lowdown on the fascinating history of the area, as well as being lots of fun once you've got to grips with the controls. Combining culture with a love of the water, Costa Martienez is a water and sculpture park created by the artist Manrique. Located right on the sea front in Puerto de la Cruz, as you lounge by the series of pools you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean beyond.
Natural beauty
Head just a few meters out of the town centre and you can wander among exotic plants and trees at the Botanical Gardens. A must for anyone with green fingers, explore the 20,000 square metres of this stunning 18th century garden, which features rose gardens, waterfalls and orchids. Even on a hot day you can find some cooling shade beneath the lush palm trees, or stop for a while under the 200-year old gum tree.
A leisurely walk through the cobbled streets of the old town of La Orotava is a chance to see glimpses of traditional life on the Canary Islands. This charming town charts 300 years of the island's history. Explore the museums and browse the quaint shops, before pulling up a chair in a relaxed café or restaurant to sample local dishes like pollo al salmorejo or papas arrugadas.
Head under the waves
Diving is popular activity, with the family-run Teide Divers based in the town. This PADI Dive centre takes everyone from beginners to experts, guiding you around some of the best dive sites in the area. This includes Radazul, a sheltered site suitable for all levels of underwater explorers. Swim with abundant marine life, such as barracuda, rays, and cuttlefish.
While you'll find a choice of busy beaches in the town, head a few kilometres east and you'll come to Playa Bollullo. This popular beach is frequently rated as the best on the whole island, and attracts families as well as water sports enthusiasts who come to play in the crystal-clear water. If top of your things to do in Puerto de la Cruz involves getting wet and exploring the underwater world, this is the beach to head for.
