A charming seaside city on the coast of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz has been luring in sunseekers since the 19th century. Spend your time soaking up the sun on volcanic beaches, visiting the contemporary art galleries and sipping on sangria in the central plaza.

Things to do

Located at the northern tip of the island, Playa Martianez is known for its powdery black sand. It's a great place to swim in the Atlantic Ocean, top up your tan or get lost in a good book. A large jetty helps to slow down the waves, which makes it a favourite with surf schools.

When you've had your fill of sun and sand, head to Jardin Botanico. The sprawling botanic garden was founded in 1788 and is filled with exotic plants from across the globe. You can admire English roses, check out tropical palms, explore the aromatic herb garden and gaze up at a towering 200-year-old Australian gum tree.

Risco Belle Aquatic Gardens is another fantastic place to escape the sunshine for a few hours. It's anchored by a vast lawn strewn with tropical palms, citrus trees and birds of paradise flowers. You can also visit the lush aquatic gardens dotted with butterflies and herons.

As Spain's first modern art gallery, the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo is a must-see attraction for culture buffs. It was opened in 1953 and houses a treasure trove of works from the likes of Cesar Manrique and Oscar Dominguez.

Getting around

Thanks to breezy promenades and pedestrian-friendly streets, the best way to get around Puerto de la Cruz is on foot. Renting a car is a popular option if you want to explore Tenerife at your own pace. Tenerife Norte is the closest airport, located around 30 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz.