Puerto de la Cruz Beaches
Puerto de la Cruz Beaches
Playa Jardín (Garden beach)
Location: Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of the island
Brief description: Dark coloured sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Lovely sub-tropical gardens back onto the beach, hence the name.
Services nearby: Loads of places to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, absolutely loads!
Good for: Easy on the eye, partly due to its creator Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique.
What we like: The lovely palms that line the beach, the ‘sophisticated’ feel to the place and the amazing view of the sea; immerse yourself in the Atlantic and look up at a volcano....pretty amazing! Breakwater protects the swimming area.
What we don’t like: A beach like this is bound to be popular, go early to grab a sun bed.
Driving directions: Take the TF-1 northbound towards Santa Cruz, exit the TF-1 for the TF-5 towards Puerto de la Cruz (a good tip here is to follow signs for Loro Parque) Once you're in this area, Playa Jardín is signposted.
Playa Bollullo
Location: In the north of the island, in the Orotava Valley region.
Brief description: Gorgeous dark-coloured sand at the bottom of steep cliffs. Frothy waves hit the shore and spill on to the shore.
Services nearby: Just the one cool restaurant right on the beach, which gives this place a good edge in our opinion!
Good for: Getting away from it all, especially the tourists, lounging around with nothing much to do.
What we like: Large expanse of sand, plenty of space to spread out. Blissful isolation.
What we don’t like: The trek just to get to isolated Playa Bollullo is pretty long and a little shaky in places; make sure you travel light.
Driving directions: Head towards Icod de los Vinos. (If you're coming from the south take the TF-I north, then get onto the TF-5. The beach is signposted.
Playa San Marcos (Beach of Saint Mark)
Location: North coast, close to Icod de los Vinos.
Brief description: More than 500 metres of dark coloured sand fringed by rocks, beach runs just below a lovely promenade, clean calm water.
Services nearby: Good restaurants, typical Canarian dishes and fresh fish and seafood, bars and shops, on-street parking and car park.
Good for: People who don’t like their beaches too crowded and un-manicured.
What we like: No facilities or sun beds, we think this is actually a good thing, makes it feel ‘real’. Authentic Canarian ambience.
What we don’t like: Can a little cloudy in this part of the island.
Driving directions:
Lago Martiánez/Playa Martiánez
Location: Calle de las Lonjas, Puerto de la Cruz
Brief description: Incredible outdoor water park alongside the beach with huge saltwater pool, lakes, waterfalls, islands, bars, restaurants...the works!
Good for: A cheap day out for all the family. Fun guaranteed.
Services nearby: Everything you need is on this complex, even more stuff nearby.
What we like: The beach experience is next to the outdoor water park.
What we don’t like: The sea here is a little unpredictable.
Driving directions: From the TF-312, Lago Martiánez and the beach next door are both signposted.
Puerto de la Cruz Beaches – Martiánez
Location: At the eastern edge of town, beyond the Lago Martiánez swimming pools.
Brief description: Sweeping, volcanic sand bay with stunning views over La Orotava Valley - favoured by surfers.
Services nearby: Alongside promenade with its shops and restaurants and in front of Netto supermarket.
Good for: Losing the crowds, chilling out and watching the surfers falling off more often than standing up.
What we like: In easier walking distance from town than the main Playa Jardín, and the lack of sunbed hire deters most visitors.
What we don't like: Swimming is only for the brave and the foolhardy.
Driving directions: Take exit 32 off the TF5 motorway and stay on the TF31 which ends at the start of the beach. Parking in CC Martiánez or alongside the beach if you're lucky.
Puerto de la Cruz Beaches – Harbour
Location: On the harbour, alongside Plaza del Charco in the centre of town.
Brief description: Small, sheltered, volcanic, pebble beach with fishing boats pulled up to the wall at one side. The harbour walls are favoured by locals for sunbathing and jumping into the harbour.
Services nearby: Alongside harbour side guachinches, shops, bars, restaurants, children's play area, public toilets and taxi rank.
Good for: People-watching, swimming in the sheltered waters of the harbour and enjoying the comings and goings of this bustling heart of the town.
What we like: Small, unpretentious beach frequented by locals and, every midsummer morning, by goats.
What we don't like: Pebbles make for uncomfortable sunbathing, and wearing swimwear in the middle of town feels distinctly odd.
Driving directions: Take exit 36 off the TF5 motorway and follow signs for Town Centre. Park in large, free car park behind harbour or use pay car park alongside Plaza Europa and walk down hill to harbour.
