Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is located on the north coast of Tenerife, within the Orotava Valley and is very popular and the most visited on the Island all year round, due to its favoured climate. It has not been totally modernised; there is still the old Colonial feel in the old part of Town, where a network of tree lined avenues, narrow winding streets and shady plazas can be found.  Many of the fine old houses with their characteristic Canarian balconies can still be seen.

Loro Parque is located in Punta Brava, Puerto de la Cruz and was initially just a parrot park. Today not only does the park house over 300 species of parrots, but other species of animal life too. The park has magnificent tropical gardens and many attractions like: a Sea-Lion show, Dolphin Show, Parrot Show and there is an aquarium with an 18m Shark tunnel. The park also features Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Tigers, Jaguars, Alligators, Tortoises, Flamingos, an Orchid House, Gambian Market, a 'NaturaVision' Cinema and the world’s biggest Penguin enclosure that has an Antarctic climate reproduced in which 12 tons of snow falls a day.

The Casa De Los Balcones and the Casa De Molina are located in Hacia el Puerto de la Cruz. These Historic buildings date back from the 17th and late 16th centuries respectively. There is a large display of lace, embroidery and Canary Island handicrafts. In the Casa de los Balcones, there are some superb examples of Canary Island style balconies and courtyards, and you can also visit the folk museum. In the Casa de Molina, or Casa Del Turista, you can see the model of the well-known carpets made of volcanic soil, from La Orotava.

The Botanical Gardens are located in Puerto de la Cruz and were established over 200 years ago, the gardens feature a quantity of important plant collections, including rare and endangered native species. Comprising of many landscaped areas that are linked by pathways and trails, the gardens also houses a herb garden, ponds, large trees, and there is a library that has numerous horticultural books and plant-related information.

The Parque Marítimo César Manrique is located in the well-known Playa de Martiánez, Puerto de la Cruz and was designed by César Manrique –a famous architect. It was constructed to revere the natural environment and complement the Canarian landscape. The complex comprises of swimming pools, recreation areas, restaurants and sports facilities that making it an ideal venue for all sorts of events.

Martiánez Beach is located between the Martiánez cliffs and the public complex in Playa de Martiánez, Puerto de la Cruz. This black sand beach is perfect for surfing and body boarding.

Playa Jardin Beach is located in Puerto de la Cruz, around a kilometre of Loro Park. This black sand beach is partitioned into three sections (by the rocks) and the last section of beach is considered the best for swimming. The beach is protected by a half submerged breakwater.

Monte de la Esperanza Nature Park is located around 20km from the Town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is in the south-west of the borough of El Rosario. From this spot, there is a fantastic panoramic view out over the Island. It is a large forest area of immense ecological significance. La Esperanza pine forest is an area that partly occupies a distinctive laurel forest environment, where there is no lack of wax myrtle and tree heath. There is a recreation area and camp site at Las Raices. To get there, you take the TF-824 road, at Km 9, towards the main road to the south (to stay overnight, you need a permit from the Department of the Environment of the Island Cabildo). The rugged coast line presents a great opportunity for recreational activities.

Icod de los Vinos

Icod de los Vinos is located on an incessant flat slope that extends from the widespread Pine forests, down to the sea, and has nearly 10km of shoreline. The Town is enclosed by an exceedingly fertile valley and has remarkable views of the Teide Mountain. Banana plantations, orchards and vineyards provide a lively trade for the Town. Icod de los Vinos is located around 80 km west of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The Parque del Drago (Drago Park) is located in Icod de los Vinos. The world famous Millennium Dragon Tree (Drago Milenario) is found here and is one of most significant natural symbols of the Canary Island’s culture and history. The tree is believed to be the oldest example in the Canaries, it is 17m tall and its base measures around 20m. The garden that encompasses the tree has indigenous plants including little dragon trees and thistles. Close by is the Church square, where other plants can be found.

El Drago Butterfly House is also located in Icod de los Vinos; it is an indoor tropical garden for almost a hundred different species of butterflies from every continent. A visit to the breeding station will show the various stages of the life cycle of a butterfly from the beginning.

Playa San Marcos is located on the coast of Icod de los Vinos and is one of the most attractive beaches on Tenerife. This black sand beach which is edged by rocks is usually quiet during the week but can get very busy at weekends.