Practical Tips & Hacks: Puerto De La Cruz

Money-Saving Strategies

Maximize your budget with these clever choices.

Discount Cards & Passes

Ten+ Card: Purchase a rechargeable contactless card for discounted bus fares.
Loro Parque + Siam Park Twin Ticket: This combined ticket is good value.
Look for local city passes or cultural cards for savings.
Inquire about senior or student discounts at attractions.

Free Activities

Walk the beautiful coastal promenade (Paseo Marítimo).
Relax at Playa Jardín, which offers free beach access.
Stroll through Parque Taoro, enjoying its gardens and views.
Enjoy window shopping in Plaza del Charco.

Dining & Social Savings

Look for happy hours and dining deals.
Seek "2 for 1" cocktail offers in tourist areas.
Consider early bird specials for dinner.
Explore local cafes for more affordable options.

Transportation Savings

Rely on TITSA buses for inter-town travel; they are economical.
Consider walking for short distances within Puerto de la Cruz.
A rental car can be cost-effective for groups or island exploration.
Hostels, guesthouses, or apartments are often cheaper than full-service hotels.

Time-Saving Tips

Optimize your schedule to make the most of your time.

Pre-booking & Online Tickets

Purchase tickets for major attractions online to skip lines.
Book Loro Parque tickets in advance.
Secure Teide Cable Car tickets online for specific time slots.
Pre-booking for popular sites guarantees availability.

Best Times for Attractions

Loro Parque: Arrive right at opening or after 2 PM to avoid crowds.
Lago Martiánez: Go early morning or late afternoon for a relaxed experience.
Mount Teide Cable Car: Book time slots well in advance for shorter waits.
Midday generally sees the most visitors at popular sites.

Efficient Travel

TITSA Line 343 bus provides express service to Tenerife South Airport.
Group nearby attractions for day trips.
Combine La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, and Garachico into one trip.
This approach minimizes travel time between sights.

Reservations

Teide summit permits are weeks or months in advance.
Teide Cable Car tickets require pre-booking.
Loro Parque tickets (especially combo tickets) are best bought ahead.
Make reservations for popular restaurants in high season.

Local Insights: Learn from Experience

These tips will help you blend in and avoid common tourist mistakes.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Underestimating Tenerife's size and diversity.
Only staying in the south; the north offers a different experience.
Not booking Teide summit permit in advance.
Underestimating sun intensity, even on cloudy days.

Local Customs

Siesta: Smaller shops may close in the afternoon.
Locals typically eat dinner late, often after 8:30 PM.
Greetings: A simple "Hola" or "Gracias" is appreciated.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory for basic service.

Unofficial Rules & Social Norms

Dress codes are generally relaxed.
Show respect for local culture, especially in religious sites.
Be patient and polite in all interactions.
Attempting basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated.

Phrases that Impress Locals

"Buenos días" (good morning).
"Buenas tardes" (good afternoon/evening).
"Buenas noches" (good night).
The effort to speak Spanish is appreciated.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your approach based on your travel companions.

Solo Traveler Tips

Puerto de la Cruz is a safe destination for solo travelers.
Stay in hostels or guesthouses with common areas to meet others.
Join organized tours or group activities to socialize.
Use common sense for night safety; be aware of your surroundings.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Loro Parque & Siam Park are major highlights for families.
Playa Jardín & Lago Martiánez offer facilities for swimming and play.
Apartments provide extra space and kitchen facilities.
Sun protection: apply sunscreen frequently, use hats, stay hydrated.

Managing Group Logistics

Book accommodation and activities well in advance.
Consider a rental car or private transfers for flexible group transport.
Delegate responsibilities among group members.
Advance booking secures availability and good rates.

Accessibility Notes

Research specific hotel accessibility features before booking.
Contact tour operators in advance about their provisions.
Be aware of the hilly terrain in parts of Puerto de la Cruz.
Plan routes that avoid steep inclines if mobility is a concern.

Public Transport Tip

Learn to use the TITSA bus system. It is an economical and efficient way to explore the island beyond Puerto de la Cruz.

Practical Tips & Hacks