Located in Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is the smallest municipality in the Canary Islands, covering just 8.9 square kilometres. Despite its size, it is a major economic hub in the north of the island, largely due to its thriving tourism sector. Attracting both local residents and international visitors, this municipality is famed for its excellent gastronomy, scenic beauty, and historical significance. Remarkably, one in three national tourists to Tenerife chooses to stay here, highlighting its enduring appeal.
A Rich History of Tourism
Puerto de la Cruz holds the distinction of being the birthplace of tourism in the Canary Islands and Spain. The area’s first hotel, the Orotava Grand Hotel or Sanatorium, opened its doors on 1 September 1886, laying the foundation for the city’s development into a key tourist destination. The hotel’s inauguration, just eleven days after opening, marked a pivotal moment in transforming the city into a tourism hub.
This transformation is chronicled in the guidebook Puerto de la Cruz: historia, turismo y patrimonio by Nicolás González Lemus, published by Le Canarien. The guide allows readers to explore the city’s rich past and the properties that flourished during the golden age of tourism.
Lago Martiánez: The Largest Swimming Pool in the Canary Islands
Among Puerto de la Cruz’s attractions, the Lago Martiánez complex stands out as the largest swimming pool in the archipelago. This leisure facility, designed in the mid-1970s by César Manrique, a renowned artist from Lanzarote, spans roughly 100,000 square metres. It features an artificial lake surrounded by pools, lush gardens, terraces, and restaurants—all crafted with elements of traditional Canarian architecture and volcanic stone.
Manrique’s design brilliantly merges his signature artistic style with local elements, including sentry boxes, palisades, and breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Teide. In addition to its stunning architecture, the complex houses several sculptures created by Manrique himself, adding an artistic touch to this unique space.
Known locally as “El Lago,” the site is situated in what was once the Llanos de Martiánez, a natural area of beaches and tidal pools, including the iconic La Coronela and La Soga. These spots served as early recreational zones for tourists at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, establishing Puerto de la Cruz as a destination for leisure and relaxation long before its transformation into a modern tourist city.
Puerto de la Cruz combines its historical charm with contemporary appeal, offering visitors a mix of traditional Canarian culture, stunning landscapes, and high-quality dining options, making it a must-visit destination in the Canary Islands.
