Puerto de la Cruz (which in English translates as and was formerly known as “Crossport”, although nowadays it is usually known in all languages by its Spanish name) is a city and municipality located in Spain, on the north coast of Tenerife island, in the Orotava Valley. It is located 4 km (2 mi) west of La Orotava, and 37 km (23 mi) W of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and 25 km (16 mi) from Tenerife North Airport both on the TF5 Motorway. In Spanish the inhabitants are known as portuenses. The municipality is the smallest in area in Tenerife.
Puerto de la Cruz are presented in the history of tourism to a specific reality. The export economy by the European colonizers established after the conquest in the fifteenth century generated for decades large commercial and passenger movements. The first foreign visitors quickly felt drawn to the beneficial qualities of the weather Taoro Valley.
So, before mass tourism model currently existed in Puerto de la Cruz minority tourism privileged elites who are interested in climatology, botany and quiet of this site. Canary does not fall too far from Europe and travel for health reasons is one of the first engines that launched the factory tour appointment.
<
►
>
Lago Martianez - Monument to the waves - flickr.com - freakyman
The environmental factor in the choice of Puerto de la Cruz as a tourist destination is at the beginning of nineteenth century the center of attraction for many researchers and exclusive high-class groups in Europe. At this stage Puerto de la Cruz became a leading cultural center, which housed many travelers and writers, including William Wilde or Alexander von Humboldt. The main sights are:
Martiánez Pools (Lago Martiánez) completed and designed by the famous canary architect César Manrique.
Jardín Beach in Puerto de la Cruz is a famous beach filled with palm trees, and hotels.
Plaza del Charco in the town centre is worth a visit.
Loro Parque, a famous park and zoo located on the outskirts of the city.
Ermita de San Amaro, dedicated to the semi-legendary Saint Amaro.
Archaeological Museum of Puerto de la Cruz: with important pieces of prehistory of the island, which also houses the idol Guanche, called “El Guatimac”.
Anglican Church of Puerto de la Cruz is located within the Taoro Park, was built by British residents in the city. In Puerto de la Cruz is the oldest Anglican cemetery in the Canary Islands.
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia located in the town centre.
Botanical Garden in the El Botánico district is very recommended visit.
Castillo San Felipe: as small stone castle next to Playa Jardín.
La Ranilla: fisherman’s neighborhood recently renovated.
