Tenerife Travel Guide
Tenerife Fast Facts
| Population | Approx. 31,000 in the city of Puerto de la Cruz, 778,000 on the whole island. |
| Autonomous Community | The Canary Islands/ Las Islas Canarias |
| People | Canarios |
| Geography | Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and Puerto de la Cruz lies on its northern coast. |
| Climate | Subtropical, with mild spring-like temperatures year-round. |
| Average Yearly Temperature | 18ºC-24ºC (64ºF-75ºF) |
| Local fare | Bananas, tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, seafood, queso de flor (local cheese), sama frita con mojo verde (fried fish with spicy sauce), puchero canario (saffron stew with beans, sausage and potatoes), bienmesabe (almond and cinnamon custard), rum, fruit and coffee liqueurs. |
| Tourist Office | Plaza Europa, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife Tel (+34) 922 386 000 |
| Did you know? | Scholars still debate the origins of indigenous Canarians. One theory is that Greek and Roman sailors brought North African prisoners to the island and abonded them here, and that those prisoners, in turn, became what we consider "prehispanic" Canarians. |
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife City Highlights
Lago Martiánez
Puerto de la Cruz may be best known for Lago Martiánez, conceived by native Canarian artist César Manrique as a coastal renovation project. It's a pristine complex of man-made seawater lakes, beautifully landscaped horticulture and buildings in the regional style, all designed in harmony with the island's natural environment. You can eat, drink, shop, party, sunbathe or relax all in its confines. When you study Spanish in Tenerife, you'll be just a 5 minute walk from this tourist and local favorite!
Loro Parque
Loro Parque ("Parrot Park") is the Canaries' second most popular tourist attraction, and it's easy to see why. This complex of natural habitats houses over 300 species of parrots, 8 dolphins in a spectacular dolphinarium, 174 penguins in a special Antarctic habitat ("the largest refrigerator in the world"), 23 sealions who put on a dazzling show, gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers, jaguars, "reptiland," an orquidarium, a "Thai village" and 5 restaurants. Phew! You can also face sharks eye-to-eye in the aquarium's special tunnel designed specifically for human thrills.
Beaches & Natural Wonders
Puerto de la Cruz's beaches are of a unique, dark volcanic sand. You can find a variety of water sports offered all around, or sign up to learn Spanish + scuba diving in Tenerife with Enforex! The island of Tenerife also holds myriad natural wonders, such as El Teide, Spain's highest peak. El Teide National Park encompasses enormous volcanic craters, fantastically abundant wildflowers, free guided hikes and more.
Visit Tenerife During...
FEB/ MARCH: Carnaval
This is far and away the best time of year to study Spanish in Tenerife if you want to get a glimpse of the island's most extravagant holiday. An Afro-Cuban spirit pervades the air, with colorful parades, sexy, outrageous costumes, live indigenous music and dance and pulsing Carribean rhythms. Tenerife's Carnival celebrations our among Spain's top three craziest and most elaborate... not to be missed!
JULY: Canary Islands Jazz Festival
Every year, the Canary Islands Jazz Festival draws international and local acts for concerts dispersed throughout the archipelago. Music fans will revel in this awesome combination of beaches and world-class jazz.
Getting to Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
By Air
The island of Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife Norte ("Los Rodeos") and Tenerife Sur ("Reina Sofia"). More international carriers run through the southern option. Each airport offers an affordable bus service direct to Puerto de la Cruz, as well as taxis.
By Train
There is no train station in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.
By Bus
The bus station is located on Calle del Pozo, 1
