Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / Tenerife / Puerto de la Cruz
 |  | Destination Guide : Puerto de la Cruz |
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| | | A home from home in Tenerife |  | Why go on holiday to Puerto de la Cruz?
The resort, on Tenerife's north coast, is overrun with tourists, high-rise hotels, shopping malls, street vendors and restaurants serving English food. That being said, older parts of the town centre still retain their charm. The city's Lago Martianez, an attractively landscaped eight-acre lido with saltwater swimming pools and waterfalls, is a huge draw and perfect for families.
How much will it cost?
Accommodation: a week's self-catering package in two or three-star apartments starts at about £300 in low season, rising to about £550 in the high season months of July and August. Flights to Tenerife's two airports, in the north and south, start at about £200 return.
When should I go?
March to May (except Easter) and November are best for value, December to February is busiest and most expensive. There is an influx of Spanish tourists during the summer months. Daily temperatures in northern Tenerife can, on average, reach 30C/ 86F in August, and it's exceptionally dry in the summer.
The volcano Mount Teide can create a lot of cloud and rain around the north coast resorts, especially in winter, while it's sizzling in the south of the island. There's a carnival in February, a huge fiesta in Santa Cruz which lasts for three weeks.
Who's it for?
Couples, families with older children and senior citizens in search of sun, sand and familiar food away from home.
What are the must-sees?
Plaza del Charco is the city's main square and most historical buildings surround it. Check out 17th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Pena Francia and old mansion Casa Iriarte, once home to a family of writers and artists.
In the south of the city it's great to stroll in the majestic Parque Taoro, overlooked by grand old Hotel Taoro and its casino. Another green space worth visiting is the 200-year-old Jardin Botanico, located on the road to La Orotavo, one of Tenerife's prettiest towns. Back in Puerto de la Cruz, Mirador de la Paz has great views of town and bars for a relaxing drink.
Loro Parque has a dual role as a scientific research facility and tourist attraction. It houses a modern dolphinarium that stages sea-life shows and there's a zoo with gorillas, tigers, penguins and a host of other creatures.
For something completely different visit Bananera El Guanche, a working plantation bursting with exotic flora that aims to teach visitors all about the banana trade.
What will I spend?
Prices vary greatly, but as a rough guide: pint of beer 60p, roll of 24-exposure film £2.50, moderate restaurant meal £7, litre of petrol 40p, short taxi ride £4.
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| | Available rental properties in Puerto de la Cruz |
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