Puerto De La Cruz is the main Tourist centre on the north of the Island, it differs greatly from the tourist centres on the south of the island in that it has a more colonial feel to it, everything seems to move at a slower pace, far more relaxing.
Plaza de Charco is where you can sit and enjoy a drink and watch the world go by, there is usually some activity going on there which will take your interest.
To the one side of the plaza you will find the old streets of Puerto to explore with their interesting little shops and lovely restaurants offering 'Menu del Dia' which are always good value.
If you wander to the other side of the plaza you will Walk throught the pedestrian area past the 'Monopol Hotel' where they decorate their steps with fresh flowers every day, opposite the hotel is the 'Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia' which was constructed in 1697.
Continuing straight ahead you will come to 'Calle San Telmo, the Sea Front walk where you will find the normal tourist shops, restaurants and cafe's, eventually taking you to the 'Lido's' where you can enjoy sun bathing and swimming to your hearts content.
The lovely beach's of Purto are found by walking down to the old harbour when leaving 'plaza de Charco' and continuing to walk along the sea front keeping the sea on your right, you will go past the 'modern light house' and come to the 'Playa Jardin' a black sand beach with tiny cafe's along the edge and tropical gardens beyond, where you can sit and enjoy the sun without having to go on the beach.
By carrying on walking in this direction you will come to the world famous 'Loro Park', if you decide to pay the park a visit you really need to put aside a whole day as there is so munch to see in there.
Other places of interst are the 'Botantical Gardens' which were created in 1788 making them them the oldest gardens on the Island, it is a peaceful and at the same time interesting place to explore. 'The Parque Taoro' looks down on the town of Puerto, it's a good climb up from the bottom, but if you are able it's well worth the effort to follow the paths through the gardens which lead up to the hugh water fall at the top, once you get there, there is a café where you can sit with a drink and enjoy the wonderful views.
Once you have got your breath back take a wander throught the gardens at the other side of the old casino building, they are really well kept.
Puerto de la Cruz is a lovely place to visit for a holiday, the weather in the winter months is not as good as that on the south of the Island, but do not be put of by that, they still have plenty of dry warm weather there.
Top Photo by pmolucasx
