The trip to Tenerife started under the worst possible omens; arriving at TFS (Tenerife Sur) airport, I realized I had forgotten my driver’s license and therefore couldn’t pick up the car I had rented… Without wasting any time, I hopped on the first bus heading north, where the island’s cultural heart is located. As luck would have it, I ended up in the most ideal place I could have stayed: Puerto de la Cruz. It turned out to be far more than just a convenient stop—it felt like the island itself had gently guided me to the perfect base.
Puerto de la Cruz is nested along the northern coast in the lush Orotava Valley, this charming town blends the relaxed atmosphere of a historic fishing port with elegant promenades, colorful colonial architecture, and a mild, refreshing climate. I quickly fell in love with its black-sand beaches, the striking seawater lagoons of Lago Martiánez designed by César Manrique, the vibrant old town squares buzzing with cafés, and the lush Botanical Garden filled with tropical wonders.
Puerto de la Cruz proved to be my headquarters. Its strategic location made everything easy: frequent buses to nearby treasures, yet peaceful enough to wander on foot. From there, the climb toward Orotava was the first “gift” of my stay. The view from above is breathtaking: a sea of banana trees ending at the Atlantic. The town itself, with its traditional mansions and carved wooden balconies, feels like a living museum.
I continued toward La Laguna, the old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its architecture is captivating, with colorful walls and inner courtyards that transport you to another era. I thought for a moment that I was in a town in Latin America somewhere between Colombia and Peru.
The city itself has given the nickname (La Laguna) to the basketball club of Tenerife, the pride of the island. While the ciy itself, is essentially a suburb of the new capital, main port and economic centre of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A bit further away, Playa de las Teresitas, with its golden sand from the Sahara and its palm trees, provided the necessary exotic touch before I changed scenery. The beach is situated pretty close (20 min bus ride) to capital Santa Cruz famous for its carnival during wintertime.
The Wild West and the Sunny South
The next day, the scenery changed dramatically as I headed to the other side of the island. Starting from Los Gigantes, I was left speechless by the imposing cliffs rising vertically from the sea. From there, the route led me to the cosmopolitan beaches of the south, such as Las Américas, where the sun is almost a permanent resident and the night energy never stops.
Walking the Northern Coasts
If there’s one thing I would unreservedly recommend to anyone staying in Puerto de la Cruz, it’s to leave the car behind (if you have one!) and walk. The route to Bollullo beach is magical, passing through lush green paths that end at wild, volcanic black sand. Hiking along the western shores of the city offers a sense of isolation and connection with nature that is hard to find in tourist resorts.
The Uniqueness of the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are not just “Spain.” It is an autonomous and distinct world:
- The Language: The local accent will surprise you. Instead of classic Castellano, Canarians speak with a sweet melody that strongly resembles Latin America (especially Cuba and Venezuela). The final “s” is often “swallowed,” making the language softer and friendlier.
- A Tax Haven: Due to their geographical location, the islands enjoy a special status of autonomy with low taxes. The VAT (called IGIC here) is significantly lower than in mainland Europe, which you will notice immediately in the prices of fuel, perfumes, and dining.
- Nature: From the laurel forests (laurisilva) in the north to the lunar landscape of the Teide volcano, the diversity is unique. It’s like visiting five different continents on the same island.
Advice: Don’t be afraid of the buses (TITSA). They are exceptionally organized and will take you everywhere, even if you leave your license at home!
