Things to Do in Puerto de la Cruz: The North Coast Classic by Car

Arriving in Tenerife offers an immediate visual contrast. The southern coastline is famous for its dry, sun-baked resorts and golden beaches. Head north, however, and the landscape transforms into a lush, subtropical environment. Puerto de la Cruz sits right at the base of the Orotava Valley. It is a traditional Canarian city that embraced tourism decades ago without losing its local character.

Most visitors land in the south. Picking up a vehicle directly at Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is the most efficient way to start your trip. The drive north takes just over an hour. You will take the TF-1 motorway up the eastern coast before merging onto the TF-2 and then the TF-5 towards the north. Having your own transport completely changes how you experience the island. When you start researching puerto de la cruz things to do, you quickly realise that many of the best viewpoints, secluded beaches, and local restaurants sit just outside the main walking zones.

The Drive from the South

Let us look at the journey itself. Driving from the airport to Puerto de la Cruz covers approximately 90 kilometres. The TF-1 is a wide, well-maintained motorway. You pass coastal towns like El Médano and Candelaria. Traffic flows freely for most of the day. You should anticipate a slight slowdown as you approach the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, particularly during the morning rush hour between 7:30 and 9:00, or the afternoon commute from 15:30 to 17:00.

Arranging your car hire Tenerife in advance is highly recommended. The roads in the north can be steep. Many visitors prefer automatic transmissions for navigating the hilly streets of the Orotava Valley, and these models book up fast. A compact SUV or a strong hatchback provides the perfect balance of comfort on the motorway and agility in older town centres.

Top Attractions in Puerto de la Cruz

Once you arrive and park, the city centre is highly walkable. The terrain near the coast is mostly flat, making it easy to explore on foot.

Lago Martiánez

This massive open-air swimming complex is the crown jewel of the city seafront. Designed by the famous Canarian artist César Manrique, it features seven saltwater pools built seamlessly into the volcanic rock. The complex uses filtered seawater pumped directly from the Atlantic Ocean.

In 2026, the standard adult entry fee is 6.00 euros. Hiring a sunbed costs an additional 2.50 euros. You can easily spend a full day here reading, swimming, and eating at the onsite cafes. Parking nearby can be tricky on the street. Your best option is the El Tejar underground car park, which costs around 15.00 euros for a full day.

Plaza del Charco

The geographical and social heart of Puerto de la Cruz is Plaza del Charco. Huge Indian laurel trees provide deep shade over the central fountain. Locals and tourists mix here from early morning until late at night. Surrounding the square, you will find dozens of cafes and restaurants.

Stop at a local kiosk and order a barraquito. This traditional Canarian coffee includes layers of condensed milk, Licor 43, espresso, frothed milk, lemon peel, and cinnamon. It usually costs between 1.50 and 2.00 euros. For parking, the massive free esplanade by the harbour is just a two-minute walk away.

Jardín Botánico

Located high up on the cliff in the La Paz district, the Botanical Gardens offer a quiet retreat from the busy town centre. King Carlos III founded the garden in 1788 to acclimatise tropical plants brought back from the Americas before sending them to mainland Spain.

The entry fee remains incredibly reasonable at 3.00 euros. Inside, the temperature drops noticeably under the thick canopy of exotic trees. The highlight is an enormous Moreton Bay Fig tree with sprawling, tangled roots that look like something out of a fantasy film. Street parking on Calle Retama right outside the entrance is usually easy to find in the morning.

Playa Jardín

If you prefer the ocean to swimming pools, drive over to the western side of the town to visit Playa Jardín. César Manrique also designed the landscaping here. A botanical walkway filled with native flora leads you down to the black volcanic sand. A small waterfall cascades near the entrance.

The Atlantic waves are notoriously strong on this stretch of coast. Always pay attention to the lifeguard flags. Green means safe, yellow urges caution, and red strictly prohibits swimming. Sunbed and umbrella rentals cost about 8.00 euros for a pair. There is a convenient car park right next to the nearby San Felipe castle.

Loro Parque

No list of local attractions is complete without mentioning Loro Parque. Originally a parrot park, it has grown into one of the most famous zoos in Europe. It is located in the Punta Brava neighbourhood on the western edge of the city.

Adult tickets for 2026 are priced at 42.00 euros. The park is vast, and you should allocate at least six hours to see the enclosures and educational presentations. Driving there is simple, and the park operates a massive, well-organised car park that charges 5.00 euros for the entire day.

Exploring the North Coast by Car

Puerto de la Cruz is the ultimate base camp for northern Tenerife. The surrounding road network connects you to dramatic coastlines and towering mountains within minutes.

The Orotava Valley and Mount Teide

Directly above Puerto de la Cruz sits the historic town of La Orotava. Take the TF-21 road up the mountain. The drive takes less than 15 minutes. La Orotava features incredibly steep streets lined with 17th-century mansions. Casa de los Balcones is the most famous, showcasing intricately carved wooden balconies. Do not try to park on the steep hills. Follow the signs to the municipal underground parking near the town hall.

If you continue on the TF-21, you begin the spectacular ascent into Teide National Park. The road winds through dense forests of Canarian pine trees. Eventually, you break through the cloud layer into a rocky, lunar landscape at 2000 metres above sea level. The driving experience here is world-class. The tarmac is smooth, the curves are sweeping, and the views of the volcano are breathtaking. For a truly memorable mountain drive, consider treating yourself to one of our luxury, convertible and sports cars. Dropping the roof as you drive through the pine forest is an unforgettable experience.

Mirador de Humboldt

Before you leave the immediate area of the town, take a short drive up the TF-217 to the Mirador de Humboldt. This viewpoint is named after the famous Prussian explorer Alexander von Humboldt, who visited the island in 1799. He reportedly fell to his knees in awe of the valley’s beauty.

Today, the viewpoint offers a sweeping panoramic look over the entire Orotava Valley, covered in banana plantations, stretching all the way down to the ocean. You can clearly see Puerto de la Cruz far below. There is a small cafe at the viewpoint where you can grab a coffee for about 1.80 euros. It is a fantastic spot for photography, especially in the late afternoon when the sun begins to set over the Atlantic.

Garachico and the Northwest

Drive west from Puerto de la Cruz on the TF-5, which eventually becomes the TF-42. This coastal route takes you past banana plantations and rocky cliffs. After about 40 minutes, you reach Garachico.

A massive volcanic eruption in 1706 completely buried the original harbour of this wealthy trading port. The lava flow created a series of natural rock pools known as El Caletón. Today, these pools are fitted with ladders and walkways, making them a popular swimming spot. Garachico has a large municipal car park right on the waterfront, making it a stress-free destination for drivers.

Eating Like a Local: The Guachinches

Having a rental car allows you to visit the region’s famous guachinches. These are rustic, family-run eateries located in the hills of the Orotava Valley and nearby Santa Úrsula. They originally opened to sell the family’s homemade wine, accompanied by simple plates of traditional food.

You will need your GPS to find them, as they are often hidden down steep, narrow residential roads. Look for hand-painted signs on the TF-217 or TF-31. Expect to eat hearty dishes like carne fiesta (marinated pork), ropa vieja (chickpea and meat stew), and escaldón (gofio mixed with broth). A massive meal with local wine rarely exceeds 15.00 euros per person.

Driving and Parking Tips for the North

Driving in Tenerife is generally a pleasure, but the northern towns require a bit of local knowledge. Puerto de la Cruz has a dense grid of one-way streets in its historic centre. Trust your navigation system, but keep a sharp eye out for physical road signs.

Parking requires some strategy. Street parking marked with white lines is free. Blue lines indicate a pay-and-display zone, where you must buy a ticket from a nearby machine during working hours (usually 9:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday). Yellow lines mean absolutely no parking, and your vehicle will be towed quickly.

The best parking secret in Puerto de la Cruz is the Explanada del Muelle. This is a massive, unpaved parking area right next to the old customs house and the harbour. It is completely free and holds hundreds of vehicles. Arrive before 10:00 in the morning to guarantee a space. If the esplanade is full, the Plaza de Europa underground car park is your next best option, charging roughly 1.80 euros per hour.

When driving in Tenerife, remember that Spain operates strictly on the right side of the road. Speed limits are heavily enforced by both fixed cameras and police patrols. The limit on the TF-1 and TF-5 motorways is generally 120 km/h, dropping to 100 km/h or 80 km/h near major junctions and tunnels. In urban areas like Puerto de la Cruz, the limit is often 30 km/h to protect pedestrians. Always carry your driving licence, passport, and rental agreement in the glovebox.

Driving Distances and Times

To help you plan your daily itineraries, here is a quick reference guide for journeys starting from Puerto de la Cruz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to drive in Puerto de la Cruz?

Driving is not difficult, but it does demand your attention. The historic centre relies on a strict one-way system. Pedestrians frequently cross the narrow streets. The easiest approach is to drive straight to a designated car park, leave the vehicle, and explore the immediate centre on foot.

Do I need a rental car if I am staying in the town centre?

You can easily walk to local shops, beaches, and restaurants. However, to truly experience the island, a car is essential. Relying on buses to reach Teide National Park, hidden guachinches, or remote northern beaches consumes a lot of holiday time. A car gives you total schedule flexibility.

What is the weather like in the north compared to the south?

The north coast is noticeably greener because it receives more cloud cover and occasional rain, especially in the winter months. Summer days are still hot and sunny, but the humidity is higher than in the southern resorts. Always pack a light jacket if you plan to drive up into the Orotava Valley in the evening.

Are the mountain roads up to Mount Teide safe?

Yes. The main roads (TF-21, TF-24, and TF-38) are wide, fully paved, and feature sturdy crash barriers on the steep drops. They are regularly maintained. You just need to drive at a sensible speed and use lower gears on the descent to prevent your brakes from overheating.

Where is the best place to refuel before returning my car?

There are several large petrol stations on the TF-5 just outside Puerto de la Cruz. If you are driving back to Tenerife South Airport, you will find multiple 24-hour service stations right on the TF-1 motorway just a few kilometres before the airport exit.

Puerto de la Cruz provides a brilliant mix of Canarian culture, excellent food, and stunning coastal scenery. Having a vehicle ensures you can escape the tourist trail whenever you choose. You can spend your morning swimming in volcanic rock pools, your afternoon eating in a traditional mountain guachinche, and your evening strolling along a black sand beach. Ready to start planning your island road trip? Secure your vehicle today and arrange your pickup directly at the airport by visiting our main Tenerife car rental page.