Adventure Hunt Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz FAQ

About Puerto de la Cruz

The city’s origins date back to the early 16th century. It existed in 1502 as a coastal port, and as the dependent population center of La Orotava. In 1603 a church and its corresponding square were built.

It was originally a fishing village that grew as local trade was increasing. The port became the most important on the island when a volcano eruption destroyed Garachico in 1706. The sugar trade gave way to wine, resulting in large-scale social and economic development.

In the mid-17th century, the inhabitants began to express their desire to form their own community, receiving the Royal Provision of Felipe IV on 3 May 1651, which empowered them to appoint a village head.

It belonged to the municipality of La Orotava, and in 1772, a municipal corporation was elected by the residents. It was known as Puerto de La Orotava, and it was not until 1808 that it obtained full municipal autonomy, changing its name to the current Puerto de la Cruz.

Tourism began to have an important role in the local economy in the late 19th century. It was in those years that the Grand Hotel Taoro was built and that old family houses began to be remodelled, for example as Marquesa or Monopol, transforming them into the first hotels in the city center. Finally, the real tourism boom came in the 1950s, when the city began its transformation into the tourist reference point of the island and of the archipelago.

Historical Buildings

Two of the most well known historical buildings in Puerto de la Cruz are the Batería de Santa Bárbara fort in Puerto de la Cruz and the customs house, both located near the town harbour. The Bateria was constructed in the 18th century in order to protect the town from pirate attacks. The structure consisted of a gunpowder warehouse, several cannons, and a guardhouse. The foundation of the battery was built of stones which made it impregnable. Even pirate rifles couldn’t destroy the fort, leaving only potholes in the wall.

The barracks on the north side of the building were designed for six soldiers who were permanently stationed there to be on guard. In the late 18th century, the fortress was fortified again. The fortification was rebuilt and restored in the following years and has survived to this day in excellent condition.

The customs house dates from 1620 and is the oldest of this type of building in the centre of Puerto de la Cruz. It has a also at one time housed the British consulate.

Lago Martinez

Lago Martinez dominates the seafront in the modern part of Puerto de la Cruz. It was started in 1971 and completed in 1977. All of the pools are seawater, and are regularly emptied and refilled from the sea, so its temperature is seldom considered warm. Architect César Manrique designed the swimming pool complex with many volcanic rocks. Lago Martiánez is a mix of Manrique’s vision and local elements, such as bartizans, palisades and ocean views. In addition to the architectural structure, it also comprises a range of Manrique’s sculptures.

Street Art

In 2014, the Puerto de la Cruz town council supported the “Puerto Street Art” Pilot Project for the Improvement of the Urban Environment through Artistic Interventions, thus taking the first steps towards the creation of an urban art museum. The art is mostly located in the old town which is a great area to wander around. You will never be far from a bar or restaurant, so you can take a break when ever you like!

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