Puerto de la Cruz: One Day Itinerary & Walking Tour

Discover the best of Puerto de la Cruz in just one day! Go through our travel itinerary, which is perfect for travelers who love exploring at their own pace. Let's visit charming streets, enjoy stunning ocean views, visit botanical gardens, and find even more impressive sight of this city.

Start: Parking lot near Jardin Botánico;

Distance: approx 5-6 km (about 3 miles);

Time:  Walking time: 4–5 hours (with stops)

Puerto de la Cruz is a resort town in the north of Tenerife. This place combines charming nature, rich history, and a cozy atmosphere. You’ll see narrow streets, colonial architecture, and panoramic views of the Atlantic, which makes it an ideal place for strolls.

If you have more time on the island, check out our Tenerife 4-day road trip itinerary — the best way to see the whole island.

Morning: Botanic Garden and Scenic Views

Jardín Botánico

Jardín Botánico was founded in 1788 by the order of King Charles III of Spain. It was conceived as an acclimatization garden for exotic plants from America and Asia before transplanting them to Madrid. The site occupies only about 2 hectares. Yet, it contains more than 4,000 species of plants from all continents.

One of the most impressive inhabitants of the garden is the Ficus macrophylla, also known as the banyan. Its roots look like columns, and its crown is a green cathedral. The garden operates not only as a tourist destination but also as a scientific institution associated with the Institute of Canary Studies. Many rare species are preserved and studied here.

Mirador La Paz & Ermita de San Amaro

First, you'll pass through the Ermita de San Amaro. It is the oldest chapel in the city, built in 1591. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Amaro, the patron saint of pilgrims. Its white walls and traditional Canarian architecture create an atmosphere of coziness and peace.

Mirador La Paz is a picturesque viewpoint located on a cliff in the La Paz area.

It offers breathtaking views of:

• The coastal area of ​​the Orotava Valley (to the north);
• The Playa de Martianez beach, with its black volcanic sand;
• The Lago Martianez water and entertainment complex;
• The modern buildings of Puerto de la Cruz;
• And even the majestic Teide volcano.

Agatha Christie drew inspiration for her novel The Mysterious Mr. Keane from this place.

📌 For the full picture on visiting the volcano, read our complete guide to Mount Teide.

Agatha Christie Painted Stairs

Don't miss a unique attraction - the Agatha Christie Painted Stairs. It's not only a colorful place for photos but also an exceptional cultural object associated with the famous writer's name. The steps are located on Calle de Agatha Christie (formerly known as Paseo de los Cipreses) and are a staircase, each step of which is painted in bright colors and decorated with the name of one of Agatha Christie's works.

Daytime Walk by the Ocean

Playa Martiánez

Playa Martiánez is not just a beach but a whole cultural and natural complex. The beach is covered with black volcanic sand and surrounded by cliffs, creating a unique landscape. It is a great place to walk and watch the ocean, especially during sunset. Due to the constant waves and the presence of surf schools such as La Marea, the beach is popular among surfers.

Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez

The Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez is a unique open-air leisure complex. The central element is an artificial lake of 15,000 m², surrounded by terraces, gardens, and seawater pools. The complex has seven seawater pools, including children's areas and one heated pool. The area features original sculptures by Manrique, as well as restaurants, bars, terraces, and sunbathing areas.