Tenerife North Reiseführer

Bus connections are available to several destinations around the island. Buses depart the airport approximately every 30 minutes for La Laguna (€0.90), Santa Cruz (€1.20) and Puerto de la Cruz (€2.70). Another bus operates on the following route: Santa Cruz, airport, La Orotava, Buenavista (€4.95). Bus No. 340 leaves four times per day for Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia); the one-way fare is €4.95. Taxis are plentiful outside the terminal, and charge the following rates: Santa Cruz, €10-€12; Puerto de la Cruz, €20-€23; Tenerife South Airport, €52.

Beaches

Tenerife's north coast is dotted with beaches and coves where you can take a healthy relaxing dip any time of year: volcanic beaches with all the facilities, within easy reach of your hotel or apartment like Playa Jardín and Punta Brava (Puerto de la Cruz) or more secluded beaches like El Bollullo and Los Patos in La Orotava and El Socorro (Los Realejos). The lido Costa Martiánez, a stunning swimming pool and sea bathing lake complex, is one of the hallmarks of Puerto de la Cruz. The town's brand new Casino is situated on an island in the middle, surrounded by water and exotic plants. In the evening, after a really relaxing day, you can stroll around the centre of Puerto de la Cruz, take a shopping trip or enjoy the lively atmosphere. Shops are open late and sell top brand names in fashion, electronic goods, perfumes and local handcrafts.

Puerto de la Cruz-Orotava Valley

In the historic town of La Orotava you will discover one of the most precious architectural gems on the island. The entire old quarter has been awarded National Monument of Historic & Artistic Interest status and its narrow streets are an important legacy of wonderful stately buildings. Here palaces, mansions and churches are the heritage of a splendid past. The traditional ambience in La Orotava with its cobbled streets, truly authentic spots and the typical wooden balconies adorning the facades of one of the most well groomed, picturesque towns in the Canary Islands, make this a magic place at night with each monument stunningly illuminated. There are also very beautiful monuments and buildings in Puerto de la Cruz and the town of Los Realejos. The three districts boast outstanding architectural wealth, with both civil and religious buildings dating from the XV century onwards. Not to be missed gems...

Active Leisure

There are hundreds of options to activate your body and enjoy the amazing natural surroundings. Experience unique beauty spots set in exotic palm groves, vineyards, banana plantations and visit charming villages. Outdoor activities include country walks for all levels, mountain biking, climbing and horse riding. Or take a star gazing tour and observe the night sky with a telescope. The Teide National Park, featuring Spain's highest peak (3,718m) and the world's largest caldera (2,000m), is an unbeatable choice. But if you are seeking a real outdoor challenge why not try scuba diving in the crystal clear Atlantic waters off Tenerife's north coast or surf the waves at El Socorro beach, the setting for international events. If you head for Los Realejos, you can enjoy the stunning scenery flying high over the valley in a hang glider. The International Paragliding Festival Flypa is staged in Los Realejos every year in April.

Fun for all

North Tenerife offers everything you need to have fun: beaches, top class shopping centres... and theme parks for all the family. Discover the world famous Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz. You'll experience a day bursting with surprises. Currently the park's stars are the four killer whales from Sea World (Florida, USA), who entertain kids and grown ups every day with their incredible show Orca Ocean. The world's largest penguin enclosure, dolphin, sea lion and parrot shows plus the huge shark tunnel and the world's largest collection of parrots are just a few of the many attractions in this tropical park, now the second most visited attraction on Tenerife after the Teide National Park. In La Orotava, PuebloChico is a theme park with a difference for all the family featuring scale models of the most important buildings and landmarks in the Canary Islands including a reproduction of Mt Teide.