Ideas
Things to do nearby
What we recommend to our guests, ordered by how far it is.
No car needed
On foot from the door
Puerto de la Cruz is small and flat in the centre. All of this is walkable or a short bus ride away.
The quay and Plaza del Charco
The fishing harbour with its boats, the old Customs House and the square with its Indian laurel trees. It's the heart of the town and it's right below the balcony.
1 minute on foot
Lago Martiánez
The saltwater pool complex designed by César Manrique, with the Atlantic breaking alongside. A classic that still earns its reputation.
10 minutes on foot
Playa Jardín
Black volcanic sand and gardens also designed by Manrique. Usually less crowded than the southern beaches and it has lifeguards.
20 minutes on foot
Botanical Garden
Founded in 1788 to acclimatise tropical plants before taking them to the mainland. Shade, a centuries-old dragon tree and a quiet hour.
25 minutes on foot
Loro Parque
The island's most visited park. There's a free bus from the centre; it's worth buying tickets online in advance.
10 minutes by bus
Day trips
Around the island
These are worth hiring a car for a day or two. Distances in Tenerife are short, but the mountain roads are slow.
Mount Teide
The national park and the highest peak in Spain. Reaching the crater by cable car needs a permit booked in advance; the drive up alone justifies the trip.
1 hour by car
La Orotava
The best-preserved Canarian town on the island, with the Casa de los Balcones and steep streets looking over the valley.
20 minutes by car or bus
Masca and Teno
A winding road up to a hamlet suspended between ravines. One of the most spectacular spots in the Canaries; go early.
1 hour 15 by car
Whale watching
Pilot whales and dolphins live between Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje all year round. Choose a boat with the blue sustainable-tourism flag.
1 hour by car
Anaga
A laurel forest and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with misty trails and near-empty beaches at the far end of the island.
1 hour by car
When you arrive we'll tell you where to eat well without falling into the tourist terraces, and what's worth doing given the weather that week.