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General Description of Puerto de la Cruz
The port that played the most important role in the development of the island and the first resort in Tenerife to be developed. Embryonic tourism started in the latter part of the 19th century when it was frequented by wealthy British visitors. Since the 1950s, it has developed rapidly into a quality resort with a comforting air of maturity, as most of the buildings date from well before the 1960s and development has not totally obliterated Puerto's natural charm. A sizeable town stood here before the start of the tourist boom, and many of its oldest buildings and tree-shaded squares remain. The modern-day resort stretches along the coast for around 1½ mls; a large part of the old centre is pedestrianised along with the whole of the main promenade and steps are countered with slopes in many places to assist visitors with mobility problems. Much of Puerto's appeal lies in its natural setting, the surrounding landscapes, terraced farms and banana plantations.
Market/Suitability
Of broad appeal, although the winter months attract more mature guests, especially from central Europe. The weather can be less consistent than in the South and the beaches do not compare. The combination of sun, sea and sights is, however, more balanced and only beach addicts need avoid it.
Location/Contact
Location: In the centre of the NW coast, 24 mls W of the capital Santa Cruz. Airport 62 mls by motorway via Santa Cruz.
Position: In the cooler, greener part of the island, approached through a varied landscape of pleasant countryside and industrial development. On sloping land, falling steeply in places from the foot of Mt Teide to the rocky shore.
Website: www.islas.org.uk/puerto_de_la_cruz.htm
Accommodation
More hotels than apartments. Most of them are in the middle range of quality and some of the 4-stars are not worthy of their rank. A few economy choices. Parking at and around hotels can be very congested and may frustrate those with hire cars.
Beach
3 small, grim beaches of black volcanic sand are not enough; a better one has now been installed to the West, at Punta Brava. Another option does exist: an excellent 8-acre lido with several vast seawater pools, spectacular rock torrents and fountains.
Shopping
Generally good. Open-air market for hagglers; leather, ceramics, jewellery, crafts and local lace from local shops; the not-too-far capital of Santa Cruz for greater variety and bargain electrical and manufactured goods.
Entertainment
Daytime: dolphinarium at Loro Park.
Nightlife: liveliest spot on the North coast and, while it is more restrained than Playa de las Americas, there is a rich selection of entertainments, although in winter this may not be as evident; a casino dominates the heights.
Eating Out
Huge choice; many British "pubs".
Public Transport
Good town network (buses are called "guaguas"); regular half-hourly service to Santa Cruz; 4 per day to Playa de las Americas on the South coast.
Local Excursions
See Playa de las Americas.
Serving Airports
Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia (TFS)
Flight time from the UK: 4 hrs
Tenerife Norte (TFN)
Flight time from the UK: 4 hrs
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 ALBUFEIRA, ALGARVE | | BAVENO, ITALY | | BENALMADENA, COSTA DEL SOL | | BENIDORM, COSTA BLANCA | | CALPE, COSTA BLANCA | | COSTA TEGUISE, LANZAROTE | | DUBLIN, IRELAND | | FUENGIROLA, COSTA DEL SOL | | FUNCHAL, MADEIRA | | FURNAS, AZORES | | HAMMAMET, TUNISIA | | IXIA, RHODES | | KALATHOS, RHODES | | KILLARNEY, SOUTH WEST IRELAND | | LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS | | LAGOS, ALGARVE | | LIMASSOL, CYPRUS | | LLORET, COSTA BRAVA | | LOS GIGANTES, TENERIFE | | MACHICO, MADEIRA | | MAGALLUF, MAJORCA | | MARIA ALM, SALZBURGERLAND, AUSTRIA | | PAPHOS, CYPRUS | | PLATJA DE ARO, COSTA BRAVA | | PLAYA BLANCA, LANZAROTE | | PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS, TENERIFE | | PORT EL KANTAOUI, TUNISIA | | PORT ERIN, ISLE OF MAN | | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC | | PRAIA DA ROCHA. ALGARVE | | PUERTO DE LA CRUZ, TENERIFE | | PUERTO RICO, GRAN CANARIA | | QAWRA, MALTA | | RIVA DEL GARDA, ITALY | | SALINA BAY, MALTA | | SCHLADMING, AUSTRIA | | SEEFELD, AUSTRIA | | SELVA, ITALY | | SOLL, AUSTRIA | | SOUSSE, TUNISIA | | STRESA, ITALY | | TAVIRA, ALGARVE | | TORREMOLINOS, COSTA DEL SOL |
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