Puerto de la Cruz - Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz is in the north of Tenerife and its climate is much more European with seasons than the south of the Island. Mount Teide is the reason for the two climates.

The beach area has a small beach with black sand (volcanic lava) and a water park. It is lined with, hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes. Walking along the seafront once you have passed the water park, you will come to a fascinating area called San Telmo. Here you will notice that there are some steps going down to a cafe and swimming area. On very windy stormy days in the winter months this area actually floods. However, when it subsides, the cafe opens again and the people are back swimming again. It is most bizzare.

Going up slightly over bridge you will see the most wonderful cake shop, irresistible looking (and tasting - I know) with a restaurant behind which has the biggest paella pan in the world in the centre of the room, on this, they make paella every day.

Should you wish for a more cultural day out. about a mile up from the sea front are the Botanical Gardens. Since its inauguration, it has become one of the most important botanical gardens in the world, rting alongside Kew Gardens in London. This is a must see trip if you ever go to stay at Puerto. At the moment it is 22, 000 square metres but there are plans to double it’s size with many more modern features. It has many exotic tropical plants, but it’s main attraction is a tree from South America called the Coussapoa Dealbata. It has a mass of intertwining trunks and is one of the most spectacular trees you will see. It is quite like the tree that used to be in Orlando’s Cypress Gardens but now stands in Orlando’s Legoland. It is, however, much smaller.

Going on up further inland you will come to the town of La Oratavo. This historical town is very popular with tourists. The best attraction to visit is the Casa de los Balcones. You can wander through ancient elegant courtyards surrounded by balconies all stunningly decorated and carved. There is a museum and a wine tasting area. The town itself has so many churches and monasteries which have some of the worlds most beautiful masterpieces of design and architecture. There is a wonderful formal flower garden so you will need to make sure your camera has room for all the photographs you will want to take. If you should happen to be there in early June you may be lucky enough to see the tapestry of flowers, coloured soil and sand. A truly amazing sight.