It’s funny, but according to Wifey, when a family hits a vacation spot, they start to think themselves “Something of a ….” Something of a Tour Guide, Culture Buff, Local Foodie, or Beach Bum around the city. Apparently, I’ve become a mix of the last two.
Take our trip to Puerto de la Cruz, for example. There we were, exploring Tenerife, when little Teo tugged at my shorts—his way of demanding my full attention.
“Dad?!”
“Yes, Teo?”
“I think we should check out Loro Parque and the botanical garden!”
The Tour Guide and Local Foodie in me jumped into action.
“How to explore Puerto de la Cruz with kids?” I mused, leading Teo to the car.
We parked in the free lot next to the city center and started our adventure with the checklist below…
Parking: maps.app.goo.gl/KF5V8NB56Aa2ggPS9
Web: puertodelacruz.es
Beach: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Kids Friendly / Stroller Friendly: Yes
Parking Woes and Plaza Playtime
First things first, parking. We’ve all been there, circling like sharks to find that elusive spot. But fear not, Puerto’s got a big, fat parking lot right smack next to the action.
Park your ride, and you’re golden. And if you’ve got munchkins in tow, Plaza del Charco de los Camarones is your playground stop.
Trust me, watching your kids go bonkers here beats any reality TV show.
Specialty Coffee Heaven
If you really want to drink a cup of specialty coffee, it’s a bit difficult here on Tenerife. There are about five places you can go. Slow Coffee is one of them, perhaps even the first place you should go.
Slow Coffee on Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DPjmRxvoLGgLixQi6
It’s right next to the Plaza del Charco, so I snuck away from the kids and my wife to enjoy a few minutes alone with a coffee. Great coffee. I am going to write a standalone article about Slow Coffee, so trust me now and just go there.
Explore the Cultural and Historical Gems mixed with Street Art
Puerto de la Cruz is rich in culture and history. We took a leisurely stroll through the old town to admire the well-preserved colonial architecture. Our kids and we were delighted by the large street art paintings that gradually appeared as we walked.
The city also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including festivals, music concerts, and art exhibitions. Check the local event calendar to see if there’s something happening during your visit. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting memories.
Two Different Parks: Taoro and Sortija
From the city center, we headed to Taoro Park. Be prepared for a bit of a climb to reach the top. There are stairs, but if you have a stroller, you can take the road for cars.
This cascade park with a waterfall rewards you with a nice view of Puerto. There’s a small bar with good food and it has a little playground right next to it.
Next, we continued to Parque de la Sortija, which is more like a regular park. The greenery, complete with cactuses, was loved by the children and our dog. At the end, there’s another small playground with a bar.
I really like this concept here. If there’s a playground, there’s a buffet as well.
Beach or Pool? Playa Jardín or Lago Martiánez
Half the family wanted pools, and the other wanted the Beach. We agreed on the beach, promising to go to the pools the next day.
Over the years, we’ve found that nothing beats a good splash when you need a break. Playa Jardín beach is perfect for this.
Designed by the famous Canarian artist César Manrique, Playa Jardín is a masterpiece of landscape design. The lush gardens, volcanic sand, and stunning views of Mount Teide make it a unique spot.
Next day we went to Lago Martiánez. Artificial seawater pools are perfect for children. The water is not heated, for those of you who like it hot.
This complex, also designed by Manrique, features several swimming pools surrounded by gardens, terraces, and sculptures. It’s like swimming in a giant, artistically crafted lagoon. It took us a while to swim around. We spent almost the whole day here.
Unwind at the Botanical Gardens
On that day, we also managed to see the Botanical Garden – Jardín Botánico. It was a great hideout after a sunny day at the pools. One hour is enough for the visit. Our kids loved the perfectly designed playground El Laurel with wide slides. Just behind the street, you can let children disappear.
After all the excitement, we had dinner in front of the Botanical Garden. There are several restaurants to eat well.
What about the Zoo?
Of course, we went to Loro Park. We spent the whole day—better to say two days—there. We came back because our kids loved it so much. You can read more about our Loro Park visit.
Is there a more?
What do you think? Yes, it is. We loved Puerto so much that we moved here, and we enjoy everything at its best every day. I think this says it all. If you are in Tenerife, come to visit. NO REGRETS.