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Itinerary Suggestions

Itinerary Suggestions

Tenerife, Canary Islands

-Hour Layover Highlights

For a single day, focus on Puerto de la Cruz's immediate charms.

Morning: Stroll through the charming Old Town (Casco Antiguo) and the bustling Plaza del Charco. Have coffee and a Tostada at a local cafe.

Lunch: Enjoy traditional tapas at an eatery in the Old Town.

Afternoon: Visit Lago Martiánez for relaxation, a quick dip in the saltwater pools, and to admire César Manrique's art.

Evening Delights

  • Have dinner by the fishing harbor, savoring fresh seafood as the sun sets.
  • Consider a traditional Barraquito coffee after your meal.
  • Soak in the evening atmosphere of the town.

Weekend Escape 2-3 Days

A short trip for the city's main attractions.

Day 1: City & Relaxation

Arrive, settle into your accommodation. Explore Puerto de la Cruz's Old Town, Plaza del Charco, and the scenic Ermita de San Telmo on the promenade. Relax at Lago Martiánez in the afternoon.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner in the Old Town.
  • Rest for the next day's adventures.
  • Explore the charming streets.
  • Enjoy the coastal promenade.
A gentle start to your visit.

Day 2: Animal Wonders

Dedicate a full day to Loro Parque, the world-renowned animal park.

Park Exploration

  • Allow plenty of time to see the shows.
  • Discover diverse animal exhibits.
  • Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended for ease.

Day 3 Optional: Northern Charm

Spend your morning at Jardín Botánico, admiring the plant collections. Then, take a short bus trip to La Orotava's historic center.

Morning & Afternoon

  • Jardín Botánico: Admire the diverse plant collections.
  • Take a short bus trip to La Orotava's historic center.
  • Explore its traditional Canarian architecture and charming streets.
  • Discover the town's rich past.

Flexible Add-Ons

Tailor your extra day to personal preferences, whether more relaxation or activity.

More Ideas

  • Beach day at Playa Jardín.
  • Local souvenir shopping.
  • Short hike in a nearby natural area.
  • A relaxing spa treatment.

Weekend Takeaways

City Life

Experience Puerto de la Cruz's atmosphere and culture.

Nature & Wildlife

Encounter exotic animals and lush gardens.

Historic Beauty

Step back in time in La Orotava.

Arrival Tip

Arrive at Tenerife North (TFN) or South (TFS) airport. Transfers to Puerto de la Cruz are readily available.

One-Week Comprehensive

A week for full exploration of Puerto de la Cruz and Tenerife's diverse landscapes.

Days 1-2: Arrival & Loro Parque

Day 1: Arrive at Tenerife North (TFN) or South (TFS) airport. Transfer to Puerto de la Cruz, settle in. Take a leisurely walk around your accommodation area and have dinner in the Old Town.

Activities

  • Settle into your accommodation comfortably.
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk around your area.
  • Day 2: Full day at Loro Parque, seeing all shows and exhibits.
  • Loro Parque requires significant time for appreciation.
Smooth start to your island adventure.

Days 3-4: Teide & Northern Coast

Day 3: Dedicate a full day to Mount Teide National Park. Drive or take an organized tour. Ride the cable car (book in advance) and enjoy short walks among the volcanic landscapes.

Highlights

  • Explore volcanic landscapes and take short walks in Teide.
  • Day 4: Embark on a day trip to explore charming northern towns.
  • Visit La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos (Drago Milenario, Cueva del Viento), and Garachico.
  • Swim in Garachico's natural pools.

Days 5-6: Relaxation & Anaga

Day 5: Relax at Lago Martiánez or Playa Jardín, soaking up the sun. Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local products. Visit the Mercado Municipal.

Activities

  • Enjoy water activities and sunbathing.
  • Shop for unique local finds.
  • Day 6: Explore the lush, ancient forests of Anaga Rural Park.
  • Hike a trail like Sendero de los Sentidos or enjoy a scenic drive.
Blend leisure with adventure.

Day 7: Departure

Enjoy a final Canarian breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute exploration or relaxation before transferring to the airport.

Departure Day

  • Savor a final local meal.
  • Pick up any forgotten souvenirs.
  • Enjoy a smooth transfer to the airport (TFN or TFS).
  • Utilize any remaining time wisely.

Maximize Your Week

A week provides ample time to experience both city attractions and diverse natural landscapes. Flexibility allows for spontaneous discoveries.

Two-Week Immersion & Interests

Combine the one-week plan with exploration and tailored routes based on your interests.

Extended Exploration

With two weeks, you gain more time for hiking, island hopping, and cultural immersion.

Ideas for Longer Stays

  • Extensive hiking in Teno or Anaga Rural Parks.
  • Include a day trip to Santa Cruz for urban attractions and shopping.
  • Join a Canarian cooking class or embark on a wine tour in the Orotava Valley.
  • Spend more time relaxing at various beaches or natural pools.

Island Hopping

Consider multi-day extensions to other nearby islands like La Gomera or La Palma, easily accessible by ferry or short flights.

Neighboring Islands

  • La Gomera or La Palma are accessible by ferry or short flights.
  • Each Canary Island offers a distinct character.
  • Easy connections from Tenerife airports.
  • Diverse landscapes and cultures await.

Tailored Experiences

History & Heritage Focus

Explore Puerto de la Cruz Old Town, La Orotava, Garachico, and Candelaria.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Tapas crawls, Guachinches, cooking classes, and local wine tours.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Hiking in Teide, Anaga, Teno; surfing, paragliding, and whale watching.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring and autumn weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer focuses on beaches. Winter is ideal for hiking and festivities.

Budget-Based Plans

Puerto de la Cruz caters to various budgets, from frugal to luxurious.

Backpacker's Guide

Maximize savings while exploring Puerto de la Cruz on a tight budget.

Frugal Travel

  • Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses.
  • Rely on TITSA buses for all transportation needs.
  • Cook your own meals from supermarkets.
  • Focus on free attractions like beaches, parks, and old town walks.
Enjoy cheap local eats like the "Menu del Día" for lunch.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Balance comfort and exploration with a moderate budget.

Balanced Travel

  • Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels or well-equipped apartments.
  • Mix public transport with occasional taxis for convenience.
  • Dine at mid-range restaurants, balancing traditional and international cuisine.
  • Experience popular paid attractions like Loro Parque and Lago Martiánez.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart choices for a quality experience without overspending.

Cost-Saving Tips

  • Travel during the shoulder season for better prices.
  • Book accommodation with kitchen facilities to save on meals.
  • Purchase a Ten+ bus card for discounted fares.

Local & Free Experiences

  • Eat "Menu del Día" for lunch, providing excellent value.
  • Seek out free cultural events and local fiestas.
  • Explore parks and old town areas without cost.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and exclusive activities for an opulent trip.

Premium Travel

  • Stay in 5-star resorts with comprehensive amenities.
  • Utilize private transfers or rental cars for seamless travel.
  • Enjoy fine dining experiences at top restaurants.
  • Indulge in spa treatments, private tours, and exclusive activities.

Off-Season Exploration

Advantages include lower prices and fewer crowds. Be prepared for potentially more cloud cover in the north, but temperatures stay comfortable.

Seasonal Strategy

  • Summer (June-August): Focus on beaches, pools, and water activities. Enjoy warmer evenings.
  • Winter (December-February): Ideal for hiking at lower altitudes. Experience Christmas markets and New Year.
  • Spring/Autumn: Best for hiking and outdoor activities. Pleasant weather, fewer crowds. Autumn harvest festivals.
  • Plan your trip around specific events like Carnival (Feb/Mar) or Fiestas de Julio (July).

Be Flexible

Adapt to Discoveries

While itineraries provide a framework, spontaneity and local recommendations enhance your experience.

Embrace the Unexpected

Allow for unexpected detours and local tips that often lead to memorable moments.

Plan Wisely

Your preferences, budget, and the season can influence the ideal itinerary for your trip to Puerto de la Cruz.