A colonial escape in the Canary Islands
You don’t need to catch a plane and cross the Atlantic to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Simply get in the car or take a local bus to feel as if you’re strolling down Bourbon Street in New Orleans or along the Malecón in Havana. Without leaving Tenerife, this place transports you directly to the colonial cities of the 19th century, with a unique atmosphere that seems frozen in time. Located in the north of the island, this city attracts those seeking unique landscapes and a historic centre with buildings dating back to the 16th century. Many visitors claim it has a distinct British air, visible in its Victorian architecture and its English cemetery, created for the Protestant community. Others describe it as the “Havana of the Canaries” due to its striking resemblance to the Cuban capital. Whatever the comparison, it is a perfect destination to switch off and enjoy a few days of rest over Christmas.
Gardens, conservation and coastal pools
Whether you’re looking for nature in the heart of the city or are drawn to history, Puerto de la Cruz is an ideal destination. Nature lovers can enjoy the Botanical Garden, a historic space that since the 18th century has housed an impressive collection of tropical plants capable of transporting you to distant jungles. Inside, more than 2,500 catalogued species of plants and trees from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe are preserved, making it one of the most special green corners of the Canaries. Of course, we must not forget Loro Parque, one of the world’s most important zoos and bird conservation centres, and Lago Martiánez, a 10,000-square-metre complex where you can swim in a pool just metres from the island’s coast. This oasis on the shores of the Atlantic boasts “the best swimming pools in Spain”, so everyone can take a dip if the temperatures allow. Next to them is the beach that shares its name with the pools. Swimmers who visit it will find the characteristic black sand of the area, which makes this spot a beautiful place to spend the day.
The vibrant heart of La Ranilla
What was once a humble fishing neighbourhood has now been transformed into one of the most charming areas for a stroll in Puerto de la Cruz. The La Ranilla district, previously one of the poorest areas of the city, underwent a major renovation thanks to an initiative by the town council, which decided to give it a new lease of life and turn its low houses into a space dedicated to art. Its colourful houses evoke the essence of Havana, while the murals decorating its streets have turned the neighbourhood into a genuine open-air museum. The Puerto Street Art project has been key to revitalising this zone, which now boasts numerous shops and restaurants, offering a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Architecture frozen in history
Its historic centre preserves numerous buildings, many of them manor houses, built mainly between the 18th and 20th centuries. The two and three-storey houses, with stone facades and wooden balconies, perfectly evoke the old colonial cities that took much of their architectural style from the Canaries. Looking up at these houses, one can feel transported to the vibrant and energetic city of New Orleans, where the iconic Bourbon Street and other corners proudly reflect their Hispanic heritage. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1985, this urban network of steep streets holds centuries-old stories and has witnessed the passage of millions of Canary Islanders and visitors, who wander its corners with the sensation of inhabiting another world, if only for a few hours.
While it may not be just any corner of the Caribbean, in Puerto de la Cruz you will find a unique atmosphere and a very beautiful city to enjoy at Christmas.
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