North of Tenerife: Top Sights, itineraries, and Instagram-Worthy Spots

In this next blog post, we'll be delving into the contrasting beauty of the northern and southern parts of the island. From dramatic mountain landscapes to golden beaches, I'll be sharing with you the most Instagramable places and the must-see attractions. But that's not all - I'll also be giving you my top tips on how to plan one-day itineraries so that you can make the most of your time on this amazing island. So, grab your camera, and let's get started! Don’t forget to check out my Instagram page for more pictures.

Our first stop is in the northern part of the island.

1. Puerto de la Cruz – Day 1:

Puerto de la Cruz is a charming coastal town located on the north coast of Tenerife, boasting a rich history and culture, as well as stunning natural beauty that draws visitors from all over the world.

The town is known for its black sand beaches, which are formed from volcanic rock and give the area a unique and exotic feel. The most popular of these beaches is Playa Jardín, a beautiful crescent-shaped bay surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees. The water near Playa Jardin is clear and refreshing but might be a bit chilly. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a dip in the ocean. I only managed to go in up to my knees, though!  Be careful, the waves can get quite strong at times, so it's important to pay attention to the flags and lifeguards' instructions before going for a swim.

In addition to the beaches, Puerto de la Cruz offers a wealth of other attractions, including the Loro Parque Zoo, which features a vast array of exotic animals and birds, as well as botanical gardens and aquariums. We usually saw a bit of the Loro Parque from our balcony as the hotel is located nearby. However, we decided not to visit the park because I'm not particularly fond of zoos. I usually avoid them because I feel sorry for the animals and don't want to contribute to their captivity. Nevertheless, I have heard from others that the botanical garden in the park is particularly impressive and makes for a great photo opportunity. So, check it out and don’t forget to send me some pics. 😁

Puerto de la Cruz is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, featuring a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine and drinks. Moreover, the town boasts stunning street art, which can be seen on the historical buildings throughout the city center. If you take a leisurely stroll through Mequinez street and head towards Playa del Mulle, you will eventually reach Plaza del Charco, from where you can continue on Quintana street straight to the historic center of town. Here you can find the magnificent 17th-century church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia. From there, take a walk through the narrow streets located near the ocean to admire the beautiful cliffs and discover the many bars and restaurants along the promenade, all the way to the end of the walk at Playa de Martianez.

Here is a link to this 30 minutes’ afternoon walk through the city:

For our dinner, we chose the La Marea & Copacabana Cocktail Bar. The seafood paella was good and so was the sangria. This was a perfect ending for our first day in Puerto de la Cruz.

2. Puerto de la Cruz & Playa Bollullo – Day 2 itinerary:

For the morning of our second day in Puerto de la Cruz, we planned to do some more sightseeing around the city. If you're looking for breathtaking views of the city, I suggest making your way to Mirador de la Paz. The viewpoint offers stunning vistas of Playa de la Martianez and the vast ocean beyond.

While you're in the area, don't forget to visit the Agatha Christie Stairway located nearby at Paseo San Amaro. It's a great spot to take some memorable photos and soak up the unique atmosphere of the city.

For a nice afternoon at the beach or maybe a little bit of adventure, I recommend Playa Bollullo beach. When driving to this beach you will go through a banana plantation where you can stop and take a peek at how bananas grow. Just keep in mind that the final stretch of the road to the beach is a narrow one-lane road, so drive carefully and be prepared to back up if you come across another car. Once you arrive, park your car at the nearby restaurant for about 8 euros a day, and take the stairs down to the beach. The sand at Playa Bollullo is a stunning mix of black and gold, making for a unique and beautiful sight.

To end the second day with a great meal we chose to visit the restaurant “Meson Los Gemelos”. You should definitely try the garlic shrimps and the padrone peppers. And don’t forget to ask for the house sangria. Take the big one, you won’t regret it. 😁

3. Icod de los Vinos and some natural swimming pools – half a day itinerary

Exploring the natural pools or "piscinas naturales" is a must-do activity when in the northern part of Tenerife. These pools are formed by the volcanic rocks along the coastline, creating secluded areas of crystal-clear water that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. One of the most popular spots is Charco del Viento, which can be reached by a 20-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz. After parking at the nearby lot and descending some stairs, you'll find yourself in one of these stunning bathing spots.

The water here isn't particularly chilly, as it's sheltered from the ocean's large waves, allowing the sun to warm it up somewhat. It's advisable to carry towels and snacks with you, as nearby amenities are scarce in these regions.

After a refreshing dip in the natural pool, don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic symbol of the Canary Islands, the Drago Tree. This tree species, native to the Canary Islands and Morocco, is known for its red sap, which was once believed to have medicinal properties. The Drago Milenario, estimated to be over 800 years old, is one of the most famous and impressive natural monuments in Tenerife. Located in the town of Icod de los Vinos, in the northwest of the island, it boasts a massive trunk that measures over 20 meters in circumference and a height of 16 meters, with branches that provide shade and shelter to visitors. The tree is surrounded by a beautiful garden that is well worth a visit and offers a glimpse into the unique flora of Tenerife.

Take some time to explore this delightful town and savor the local cuisine at one of the numerous restaurants available.

If you do not have time to allocate a full day for this area, you can easily combine it with Bollullo beach and the sightseeing in Puerto de la Cruz.

4. La Orotava – half a day itinerary:

If you're interested in a one-day road trip itinerary near Puerto de la Cruz, I suggest combining a visit to the town of La Orotava with a road trip to Mount Teide.

La Orotava is a charming town located in the northern part of Tenerife, known for its well-preserved historical buildings and cultural heritage. The town is nestled amidst lush greenery, with a stunning backdrop of Mount Teide. The old town of La Orotava is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, dotted with colorful houses and colonial-era mansions. The town is also home to several notable landmarks, including the 18th-century Iglesia de la Concepción church and the Casa de Los Balcones, a traditional Canarian mansion that is now a museum showcasing local handicrafts. Visitors can also explore the picturesque Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a beautiful square adorned with palm trees and fountains, or take a leisurely stroll through the town's charming botanical gardens, Jardin Victoria.

Here are some pictures from this charming little town:

On my next post I will let you know how the road trip to Mount Teide was. Stay tuned. 😁