The Traditional Heart of TenerifePuerto de la Cruz was Tenerife’s first real tourist resort, and it hasn’t lost any of its charm. Forget purpose-built concrete; here you’ll find colonial-style buildings, cobbled streets, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Teide. It’s where the locals go for their holidays, and honestly, that’s usually the best sign of a top destination.
You’ll notice a very different vibe here compared to the loud neon of the South:
Couples & Culture Vultures: It’s a magnet for couples who want to spend their mornings exploring botanical gardens and their afternoons sipping wine in a traditional plaza.
Silver Surfers: Puerto is incredibly popular with retirees. The pace is slower, the town is largely flat along the front, and the hospitality is famously warm.
Nature Lovers: Because the North is much wetter than the South, it’s incredibly green. If you prefer palm trees and tropical flowers over arid volcanic landscapes, you’ll love it here.
Stellar Value: Hotels in the North are often significantly cheaper than their 5-star counterparts in Costa Adeje. You can get a lot more “luxury” for your pound here.
A “Real” Spanish Base: Even if you eat every meal in your hotel, you’re only ever a short walk from a local tapas bar or a 300-year-old church. You don’t feel “trapped” in a tourist bubble.
The Pool Scene: Because the Atlantic can be a bit “lively” on the northern coast, the all-inclusive resorts here (like H10 Tenerife Playa) usually have fantastic, sheltered pool areas that are much more relaxing than the open beach.
Top Tip: Don’t miss Lago Martiánez. Even if your all-inclusive hotel has a great pool, this massive complex of seawater pools designed by César Manrique is iconic. It only costs a few Euros to get in, and the architectural “islands” and sculptures are a must-see for your holiday snaps.
Check the Airport: Many budget flights land at Tenerife North (TFN), which is only 20 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz. If you can fly into TFN instead of the South airport, you’ll save yourself a long (and expensive) transfer.
Early Summer Wins: June and July are gorgeous in the North—warm but not stifling. You can often find “Early Bird” all-inclusive deals for these months that beat the August rush.
Read the “Hill” Reviews: Some hotels are situated up on the cliffs. They have the best views of Teide, but it’s a steep walk back from the beach. Check if your hotel offers a free shuttle bus!
Loro Parque: Frequently voted the best zoo in the world. It’s located right on the edge of town and is an absolute must for families.
The Botanical Gardens: Established in 1788, these are a tropical oasis. Perfect for a quiet stroll when you want a break from the sun.
Playa Jardín: A stunning black-sand beach designed with beautiful gardens and waterfalls. It’s dramatic, volcanic, and very “Tenerife.”
La Orotava: Just a short bus ride away, this town is famous for its “House of Balconies” and stunning traditional architecture.
For the lushness: March to May. The island is in full bloom and the weather is a comfortable 21 degrees deal for exploring.
For the heat: September. The “Calima” (warm wind from the Sahara) often keeps the North toasty well into the autumn.Note on Winter: From November to February, the North can be a bit cloudy and damp compared to the South. It’s still warmer than the UK, but bring a cardigan for the evenings!
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