The magnificent central square of Plaza Charco (the names translates as 'Puddle Plaza' – it used to flood from the sea every time it was stormy) is shaded by Indian laurel trees and Canary palms. It's the town's meeting-and-greeting place, with kiosks, benches and a children's playground, and is flanked by relaxing bars and restaurants.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.4 MILES
The cable car provides the easiest way to get up to the peak of El Teide. The views are great – unless a big cloud is covering the peak, in which case you…
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Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA)
18.54 MILES
The highlights of this dramatic contemporary building are the architecture, its three galleries and the stunning library downstairs. The galleries display…
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18.43 MILES
This magnificent, soaring white wave of an auditorium was designed by the internationally renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and delivers…
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1.01 MILES
Established in 1788, this magnificent botanical garden has thousands of plant varieties from all over the world and is a delightful place to while away an…
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Biblioteca Municipal Central de Santa Cruz de Tenerife
18.54 MILES
This library downstairs at TEA is a design classic, a vast open-plan room with overhanging globular lights, copious natural light, angular lines and a…
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20.91 MILES
These astonishing, dark rock cliffs soar sublimely 600m from the ocean, forging a magnificent natural geological spectacle right on the edge of Los…
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Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
18.46 MILES
Dating from 1944, this tantalising market is housed in an eye-catching building that combines a Latin American feel with Moorish-style arches and patios…
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Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre
18.62 MILES
This brain-bending amalgam of natural science and archaeology is an excellent museum, despite a rather confusing layout. Set inside the former civil…
Nearby Puerto de la Cruz attractions
0.06 MILES
Built between 1599 and 1608, Ermita de San Juan is the oldest structure in town and is attached to the Iglesia de San Francisco.
0.06 MILES
Located just off the central (and famed) Plaza Charco is the Iglesia de San Francisco, tacked on to tiny Ermita de San Juan, the oldest structure in town …
0.1 MILES
This small but well laid-out museum provides an insight into the Guanche way of life with its replicas of a typical cave dwelling, as well as a burial…
0.11 MILES
Built in 1620, Puerto de la Cruz' imposing old customs house is home to the tourist office as well as a fine contemporary-art museum. There are also…
5. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
0.12 MILES
The first contemporary art museum to open in Spain, dating from 1953, this well-displayed collection includes outstanding foreign, Spanish and Canarian…
6. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
0.14 MILES
This pretty 17th-century church boasts three naves, a wooden Mudéjar ceiling and a carved wood effigy of Gran Poder de Dios, one of the town’s most…
0.14 MILES
One of the better-kept historic buildings in Puerto de la Cruz, this tower with windows and balconies was once part of the town’s Augustine convent and…
0.17 MILES
A banana-packaging factory until 1973, this grand and historic building is now Puerto de la Cruz' town hall.