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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Outdoor Adventures Around Puerto de la Cruz

Tenerife's diverse landscapes provide a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking to water sports.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Local Trails

Coastal walks along the promenade or explore trails within Parque Taoro. Offers good views and pleasant environment.

Orotava Valley

Numerous trails through pine forests and vineyards, with varying difficulty levels. Stunning valley and coast views.

Mount Teide National Park

Many trails, from easy strolls to challenging ascents. Acclimatization to altitude and appropriate gear are necessary. Summit access needs a permit.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Swimming: Enjoy Playa Jardín, Lago Martiánez, or natural volcanic pools.
  • Surfing: Specific spots on the northern coast (Playa Martiánez). Surf schools offer lessons.
  • Paddleboarding/Kayaking: A calmer way to enjoy coastal waters.
  • Scuba Diving/Snorkeling: Several dive centers offer courses and guided dives to local reefs or shipwrecks. A basic Snorkel set can be useful to bring.

Adventure Sports

  • Paragliding: Tandem flights from areas above La Orotava, incredible aerial views.
  • Canyoning: Explore gorges, rappelling and sliding through watercourses.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails in forested areas available. Bike rentals.
  • Wildlife Watching: Boat excursions from southern ports to see marine life.

Cycling Routes

  • Road Cycling: Popular for trained cyclists tackling Teide ascent.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails in forested areas are present.
  • Bike Rentals: Available in Puerto de la Cruz.
  • Varied Terrain: From challenging climbs to gentle paths.

Marine Life Encounters

  • Whale & Dolphin Watching: Tours from Los Cristianos to see wild marine life.
  • Resident Populations: Waters off Tenerife host pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
  • Loro Parque: A major center for animal viewing and conservation.
  • Memorable Experience: A chance for marine encounters.

Safety Advisory

Hiking Mount Teide requires acclimatization to altitude and appropriate gear. Check current status for Masca Gorge trail before planning a visit.

Cultural Immersion Experiences

Deepen your understanding of Canarian culture through interactive and engaging activities.

Workshops & Classes

  • Canarian Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare local dishes like papas arrugadas and mojo sauces.
  • Spanish Language Classes: Schools in Puerto de la Cruz offer short-term or intensive courses.
  • Local Crafts: Workshops on traditional crafts like lacemaking or pottery may be available.
  • Mojo Sauce Making: Specific workshops focusing on mastering this iconic Canarian sauce.

Cultural Performances & Traditions

Folklore Shows

Some larger hotels or local restaurants feature evenings with traditional music and dance, e.g., El Patio restaurant.

Religious Processions

Experience traditional religious processions, especially during Holy Week or local patron saint festivals. A glimpse into local customs.

Carnival Festivities

The Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz is a major event, known for its spectacular drag queen gala and colorful main parade.

July Fiestas

These celebrations include maritime processions dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo, honoring the city's fishing heritage.

Island Day & Pilgrimages

Día de Canarias (May 30) is celebrated with cultural events and traditional food. Romería de San Benito Abad (La Laguna) is a significant pilgrimage.

Relaxation & Wellness in Puerto de la Cruz

Find peace and rejuvenation amidst your travels, with options for spa treatments, natural pools, and mindful practices.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • The Oriental Spa Garden: (Hotel Botánico) Highly acclaimed luxury spa, wide range of treatments, thermal circuits, oriental therapies.
  • Hotel Spas: Many 4 and 5-star hotels have spa facilities, often open to non-guests for a fee.
  • Natural Volcanic Pools: Found along the coast (e.g., Charco del Viento), offering an unique, natural swimming experience.
  • Yoga Studios: Several studios offer drop-in classes. Longer retreats are found in quieter, rural parts of Tenerife.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Bars

Some larger hotels feature live music. Bars in Martiánez and around Plaza del Charco host performances.

Nightclubs & Gaming

Limbo Disco is an established nightclub. Casino Puerto de la Cruz offers gaming into late hours.

Bar Districts

Plaza del Charco boasts numerous bars and pubs. Avenida de Colón/Martiánez has many tourist-oriented bars.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Mercado Municipal de Puerto de la Cruz offers fresh produce, local products, and crafts. The Sunday Market sells various goods.

Artisan Workshops

Look for shops in the Old Town selling traditional Canarian crafts like lace, pottery, and unique artworks by local artisans.

Souvenir Recommendations

Mojo Sauce, Ron Miel (Honey Rum), Canarian Cheese, Aloe Vera Products, Volcanic Jewelry, and Handicrafts make excellent gifts.

Shopping Guidance

Discover local crafts, souvenirs, and everyday items through the city's shopping options.

Traditional Crafts & Souvenirs

  • Mojo Sauce: Jars of red and green mojo make excellent culinary souvenirs.
  • Ron Miel: This local honey liqueur is a popular gift.
  • Canarian Cheese: Especially goats' cheese, a local delicacy.
  • Handicrafts: Pottery, embroidery, and traditional lace reflect local artistry.

Luxury & Ethical Shopping

Luxury Brands

Puerto de la Cruz has limited high-end luxury brands; resort wear and local fashion boutiques are more common. Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers more extensive options.

Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans and businesses directly. Look for certified local products. Avoid buying products made from endangered species.

Customs Information

Canary Islands have a special tax regime (IGIC, lower than mainland Spain's VAT). VAT refunds are available for non-EU residents at participating stores.

Market Highlights

  • Mercado Municipal: Fresh produce, meat, fish, deli items.
  • Sunday Market: Sells souvenirs, clothing, local crafts.
  • Local Commerce: Experience daily local life.
  • Picnic Supplies: Acquire ingredients for self-catering.

Cultural & Local Products

  • Artisan Workshops: Shops in the Old Town selling traditional Canarian crafts.
  • Unique Artworks: Often made by local artisans.
  • Aloe Vera Products: Widely available, from locally grown plants.
  • Volcanic Jewelry: Made from obsidian or local stones.

Retail Environment

  • General Shopping: Range of shops for everyday items.
  • Tourist Areas: More international brands available in Martiánez.
  • Diverse Offerings: From local delicacies to clothing.
  • Gift Options: Many small items suitable for presents.

Shopping Guidance

Ethical Consumption
  • Support local artisans directly to benefit the community.
  • Look for certified local products indicating origin and quality.
  • Avoid buying products made from endangered species or illegally harvested materials.
Shipping & Customs
  • Post offices (Correos) can arrange international shipping for larger purchases.
  • The Canary Islands have a special tax regime (IGIC), lower than mainland Spain's VAT.
  • VAT refunds (Tax-Free shopping) are generally available for non-EU residents at participating stores.

Cultural Shopping Insight

Consider a cooking class to learn how to prepare Canarian dishes. This offers a taste of the culture you can take home.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventures

  • Hiking Trails: Routes for all levels, from coastal walks to Mount Teide ascents.
  • Water Sports: Swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving.
  • Adrenaline Activities: Paragliding, canyoning, mountain biking are options.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Whale and dolphin watching tours are popular.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

  • Cultural Immersion: Cooking classes, language lessons, folklore shows.
  • Relaxation & Wellness: Spas, natural pools, yoga classes for rejuvenation.
  • Entertainment & Nightlife: Live music, nightclubs, bars around Plaza del Charco.
  • Shopping & Markets: Local crafts, souvenirs, fresh produce from municipal markets.