Puerto de la Cruz (Spain)

Nestled in the picturesque Orotavo Valley to the north of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is a characterful colonial town ideal for families and those looking for a taste of real Canarian charm. As one of the most established tourist resorts in the Canaries it has convenient modern facilities and some excellent beaches.

There are three small beaches in Puerto de la Cruz each with dark volcanic sand. A palm–lined promenade, linking the beaches, is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll. Nearby Playa de las Teresitas has 1.5km of wonderful golden sands imported from the Sahara desert.

The main square of Plaza de Charco offers a charming café culture with live music playing throughout the evening. The square is lined with good quality restaurants and traditional tapas bars where you can enjoy the local specialities including cheese, fresh fish and spicy but nice mojo sauce.

Puerto de la Cruz boasts a good selection of cosmopolitan boutiques and more traditional souvenir shops. As a tax free haven you'll also find plenty of electrical goods at discounted prices.

Nightlife in Puerto de la Cruz is generally quieter and more relaxed than Tenerife's more spirited resort of Playa de las Americas. Evening entertainment centres around the stylish hotel bars and restaurants of the old town; whilst those looking for a livelier scene head to the New Town with its casino, clubs and karaoke bars.

Like much of the Canaries you'll find an abundance of high adrenaline activities such as snorkelling, water skiing and diving. Families will love Tenerife's premier waterpark (Aqua Park) and Loro Parque with its parrots, penguins and aquarium. Perhaps most surprising of all is how much is on offer in the resort itself. Enjoyable afternoons can be spent wandering the maze of narrow cobbled streets packed with colonial architecture and hidden historical gems such as the Castle of San Felipe.