Puerto de la Cruz is located on the north coast of Tenerife. If you’re looking to escape the city and take some time to recharge, there’s no better place.
As one of Tenerife’s top resorts, Puerto de la Cruz boasts an array of sandy beaches, perfect for topping up your tan. There are also several seafront bars and restaurants where you can spend the evening sipping aperitifs and savouring traditional tapas. It’s the ideal relaxation holiday (especially if you get a couple’s massage!). All you need is a perfectly-planned day out…
Visit Playa Jardin
There are signposts for this beautiful and stylish beach throughout Puerto de la Cruz.
Start your day by sunbathing on one of Tenerife’s most popular beaches, Playa Jardin. The garden here was designed by Canarian artist César Manrique. It forms a unique coastal landscape, featuring dark-coloured volcanic sand and tall palm trees. It boasts sun loungers from which you can admire the stunning view of Tenerife’s volcano Mount Teide.
You can also explore the beach’s colourful botanical gardens. There are some lovely sub-tropical plants and flowers to be discovered, as well as charming little pools filled with fish.
Insider Tip: Playa Jardin is a very popular beach so you might want to get there early to claim a sun bed.
Enjoy a Delicious Lunch at the Andana Beach Club & Restaurant
This restaurant is located behind the Punta Brava on Avenida Francisco Afonso Carrillo, 100m away from Playa Jardin.
When you start to feel peckish, stroll over to Andana Beach Club & Restaurant. Situated on the beachfront, it has an inviting setting with a great view of the Atlantic. They serve a wide range of quality finger food, including their famous deep-fried aubergine. If you fancy something more filling, I’d recommend their savoury fish carpaccio. It’s delicious and great value!
Relax at the Aroma Thai Massage Spa
You’ll find this Spa on Calle Santo Domingo. There’s an aroma shop in the front, with the massage parlour in the back.
Top off your day with a relaxing massage. Let your cares be washed away by the sweet combination of smooth oil and calming music. At Aroma Spa, you’ll first be welcomed into the garden area with Thai tea and fruit skewers. You’ll then be taken inside for your treatment. There are various couple’s massages on offer, most of which last an hour.
Openly daily from 10am to 10pm, two person massages cost between €38 and €70, depending on the treatment.
Relish a Traditional Canarian Dinner at Restaurante El Bacon
El Bacon is hidden in an old courtyard of Plaza del Charco, in the centre of Puerto de la Cruz. It is one of the three restaurants in Bar Luis. They all have the same entrance, so stick to the right to reach El Bacon.
Set in a picturesque Spanish court with polished, wooden balconies and towering palm trees, El Bacon is a great place for an evening meal. It serves traditional Canarian cuisine in the form of tapas dishes. The garlicky gambas and herby battered fried fish are a treat for the taste buds. Sit back with a chilled drink and watch the sunset dye the sky pink.
Insider Tip: In the evening, you may have to specifically ask for the tapas menu, otherwise they’ll offer you courses à la carte.
Top off your day with a Refreshing Drink in Plaza Charco
There are several bars in and around Plaza Charco. If you’re looking for an outside terrace bar, Limbo is always a good choice. It’s a lively place, popular with the locals. Bar Blanco is also a good choice, particularly if you’re in the mood for some music. They have a live band playing on the ground floor. If you fancy something more laid back, though, Color Café might be a better option. It’s set in a beautiful courtyard overlooking the Plaza. Either way, savour the moment and enjoy the crisp Atlantic air.
How to Get to Puerto de la Cruz
Tenerife North airport is closest to Puerto de la Cruz, as it’s just a 25-minute drive away. Iberia Express and Air Europa both offer flights from London to this airport.
Alternatively, you can travel to Tenerife South. It’s a little further away (approximately an hour by road), but more airlines offer this service. You can fly there from London with Monarch Airlines, Ryanair, British Airways or easyJet.
Wherever you land, you won’t want to waste time hanging around the airport. A shared, group or private Shuttle Direct transfer is the easiest way of getting to your hotel. Don’t forget to pre-book via the website.
Where to Stay
Hotel Marquesa – Centrally located, this hotel is two minutes away from Playa Jardin. It also neighbours a range of bars and restaurants. It was built in 1712 and has retained its charming old-world style. The rooms form a circle around a patio which is filled with greenery.
Be Live Adults Only Tenerife – Less than five minutes away from Playa Jardin, Be Live is ideally situated. The rooms have a modern décor with parquet floors and a private bathroom. There is also air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Best of all, it’s an adult exclusive hotel.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is Europe and North Africa’s leading airport service, offering fast and cost-effective transfers. Visit the user-friendly website to organise all your travel arrangements in advance. A friendly driver will then meet you outside the terminal to and take you straight to your accommodation.
