The Canary Islands have long been renowned for their year-round balmy weather and stunning beach resorts. But did you know their history as a tourist destination goes back to the eighteenth century? When the international tourist trade was just beginning in the late 1700s, Puerto de la Cruz was one of the first places to attract holiday-makers looking for warmer weather, cultural sites, and beautiful surroundings.
Discover the History and Charm of Puerto de la Cruz
Today, this historic town is still popular amongst visitors. Located in the north of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz will enchant you with its luscious, tropical greenery and the rich history of the charming Old Town. This resort hub is much more laid back than some of the others found on the island, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and history as a spa town. This is perfect for travellers who like to take their time exploring and getting to know a place; be sure to relax in the beautiful gardens and take a dip in the refreshing swimming pools designed by the artist César Manrique.
If you’d enjoy having an itinerary for your stay in this gem of town, here are a few must-see places that I would highly recommend including – whether you’re here for a few days or longer.
San Felipe Castle
Before its life as a tranquil holiday destination, Puerto de la Cruz had a tumultuous life as a fortified town vulnerable to attacks from pirates. Exploring this fascinating fortress and seeing the display of impressive weapons adds to the rich tapestry of this town’s long and interesting history.
Charco Square
Plaza Charco (which means “puddle plaza”, due to the fact that it used to flood every time there was stormy weather) is truly the heart and soul of the town. Locals and visitors alike congregate under the shade of the Indian laurel trees and Canary palms to exchange gossip, have a cup of coffee, or just watch the world pass by. While away an hour or so in complete relaxation.
Mequinez Street
This famous street is the place you’ll get a fun holiday picture to make everyone at home jealous. Famous for the colourful murals that adorn the walls, this street is a feast for the eyes thanks to this vibrant art and its display of traditional architecture. Be sure to bring your camera!
San Telmo Pier
It might not have a beach, but Sam Telmo Pier is a great place to get a dose of ocean bliss, and a leisurely walk along this pretty pier is a must while you’re in town. You will stroll against the sound of waves crashing, the salty smell of the sea and endless ocean views. Bliss…
Where to Stay
First Line Beach Apartment – This airy beachfront apartment is the perfect base from which to explore Puerto de la Cruz. It’s close to the beach but as a comfortable holiday home-away-from-home, it offers a private pool and garden, both perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring.
Le Terrazze 4 – This air-conditioned apartment is decorated in a chic, modern style and boasts all the necessary amenities to keep you comfortable and happy. Its central location is a bonus, with everything at your fingertips, and if you’re keen to explore further afield, there is a car rental service onsite.
La Perla – This is a luxury apartment with sea views that’s just a short walk to the local seawater pools. La Perla is a very well-appointed apartment, which offers elegance, style and a relaxed ambience. It also has a private balcony that makes a great spot to read, relax, or watch the sunset with a glass of wine.
How to Get There
As a popular holiday destination, there are loads of convenient flights from the UK to Tenerife on offer. The busiest (and most expensive) month is August, so I would recommend flying between April and June for a summer holiday. If you’re happy with a little milder weather, Puerto de la Cruz makes a great Christmas holiday spot – and flights are only £54 in December! Direct flights to Tenerife are offered by British Airways, Easyjet, Jet2 and Ryanair.
As Puerto de la Cruz is located in the north of the island, pre booking a Tenerife airport transfer to your accommodation is highly recommended. Not only will this save you travel time, but it’s nice to start your holiday without the hassle of trying to figure out public transport. A pre-booked transfer from Tenerife airport to Puerto de la Cruz will take just over an hour so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the views.
Overview
UK to TFS Flight Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
TFS to Puerto de la Cruz: 96 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Types of Transfer
I like to use Shuttle Direct for travel as they always provide a reliable airport transfer. Tenerife airport to Puerto de la Cruz is a little bit of a longer journey, so in this case, I would say it’s a must when planning your itinerary. No matter what your needs and preferences are, Shuttle Direct has plenty of options for your Puerto de la Cruz transfer.
One of my most used options is a pre-booked airport taxi. Tenerife airport to Puerto de la Cruz takes longer than to some other destinations, so it’s definitely worth it. This fast and friendly option is like a normal local taxi service except that you don’t have to wait in a queue because you’ve pre-booked.
For a very cost-effective Puerto de la Cruz transfer option, a shared shuttle bus is fantastic. You’ll travel with other passengers and be taken to a central drop-off point near your accommodation. The larger vehicle is great if you have more luggage and the friendly, knowledgeable driver will ensure you get to the destination in no time.
If you prefer a little extra privacy and comfort, then I would suggest pre-booking a private transfer. The journey from Tenerife airport to Puerto de la Cruz will take over an hour, but in a luxury car, the time will slip away and you’ll be at your destination before you know it.
This option allows you to travel with a larger group of friends or family, with the larger capacity vehicle allowing for everyone to travel together with plenty of room for luggage. A Puerto de la Cruz transfer by minibus allows for a convenient door-to-door option.
Choosing the Right Transfer
With all these great options to choose from, it’s important to keep in mind your specific needs to ensure that you have the best experience from the moment you step off the plane. Here are two key things to consider before pre-booking your airport transfer.
Cost: I always recommend having a clear budget in mind before booking any holiday, and the same applies for your Puerto de la Cruz transfer. Shuttle Direct offers a great range of services to suit any budget, so making a choice should be simple.
Convenience: Secondly, when booking your airport transfer be sure to think about your specific needs. If you need a door-to-door service, or prefer a bit of privacy when travelling, these aspects will dictate that a private option may be best for you.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct offers a fast, friendly and convenient airport transfer service with a team of knowledgeable local drivers at your disposal. No matter what your budget, or where you need to go, as leading providers in the industry, we will ensure you get to where you want to be smoothly, safely, and completely hassle-free. Pre-book your journey with us as soon as you’ve finalised your holiday, then sit back and relax.
