Puerto de la Cruz is one of the smaller towns on the largest of the Canary Islands, but don’t let that fool you – it packs a real punch as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from far and wide.
While it’s renowned for its hot, dry summers, Tenerife is a great place to visit all year round, with many Northern Europeans flocking to the island to bask in its warm winters. Rocky, volcanic landscapes meet the deep blue Atlantic at beautiful beaches, and a flourishing tourist industry has unsurprisingly sprung up over the decades.
All this means there’s something for everyone, whether you like to dance the night away or enjoy a quiet cocktail. Read on for a quick guide to some of Puerto de la Cruz’s best bars.
Traditional Music at Las Tejas Verdes
This bar has everything it needs to be a favourite among both holidaymakers and locals. It’s lively, open late and offers affordable drinks. It’s the perfect place to start a night out, with its easygoing vibe encouraging patrons to talk and socialise. If you want to meet some residents and get some top local tips, this is the place to go.
On top of all this, Las Tejas Verdes also provides live performances of traditional Spanish and Canarian music. Spanish speakers will get the most out of the lyrics, but the infectious rhythms ensure everyone gets on board.
More Live Music at Blanco Bar
It’s less distinctive than Las Tejas Verdes, but what it might lack in authenticity Blanco Bar more than makes up for in variety. Performances vary from DJs to live bands to tribute acts, and a staggering range of genres can be enjoyed, from electronica and hip hop to R’n’B and rock.
Salsa Dancing at Azucar
Azucar is Spanish for ‘sugar’, and this trendy dance club has sweetness to spare. It’s a fun night out regardless of your dancing ability, but look out for the experienced salsa dancers, who are sure to put on a show.
Clubbing at Mansion Lounge
Salsa is played here at the Mansion Lounge, but it promises to be far more diverse, with great DJs playing a range of music including R’n’B and EDM.
Top Tip: If you’re in Tenerife for a special occasion, why not splash out on a private room? It’s the perfect way to celebrate a birthday VIP style – or just to kick back and enjoy a cocktail.
Hearty Food and a Classy Atmosphere at La Vola
La Vola might seem a strange mix, but it perfectly captures the way that Puerto de la Cruz’s bars appeal to all audiences. During the day, a range of hearty meals are on offer, including favourites like burgers and pizza alongside local fare.
Once you’ve settled in and enjoyed a bite to eat, you can sit back and roll on into the next night, with cocktails and wine sharing the menu with a great range of drafts and bottled beers. Add in a little music and the beautiful outside terrace and you’ve got the perfect place to relax on a warm night.
German-Themed Fun at Hennen Bar
One of the best things about travelling is soaking up the local culture of your destination, and in many cases, it’s the little differences that drive home the uniqueness of a place. One of the best ways to spot these differences is to experience the locals taking on international favourites.
Alongside the ubiquitous Irish and English-themed pubs, you should also make sure to check out Puerto’s ‘German’ joint, Hennen Bar. Its rustic decoration helps create a friendly, laidback atmosphere, and it has perhaps the best selection of beers in the town. Sip a pint of pilsner on the open-air patio and marvel at just how far this place seems from our ideas of Germany.
Where to Stay
Just a short walk from the beach and the town centre, the Tropical is the perfect place to stay if you want a central base to explore Puerto de la Cruz. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and an outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing area are also available for guests. Each room comes with TV and a private bathroom.
The Tejuma is another great base: it’s located right in the city centre, and just a short walk from some great attractions including the Loro Parque animal park, the Lago Matiánez waterpark and the bustling main square Plaza del Charco.
How to Get There
As you’d expect for such a well-loved destination, flights from UK airports to Tenerife South are plentiful, with eleven direct airlines and around 70 scheduled flights each week. The journey takes just a little over four hours, and prices can be pretty cheap depending on when you travel.
After you land, catch a pre-booked transfer to take you into town. The journey will give you enough time to sit back and relax, but soon you’ll be heading to some buzzing bars!
Overview
- UK to TFS flight time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- TFS to Puerto de la Cruz distance: 91 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct transfer time: 1 hour 2 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we’re pleased to be one of the best regarded airport transfer operators. Our experienced and friendly drivers will get you where you need to go with ease and in comfort, and our intuitive booking system means you don’t have to worry about a thing once you land.
