Welcome to Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is the perfect base for exploring Tenerife's stunning beaches and nature parks. Located on the northern coast of the island, this charming town offers easy access to both volcanic black sand beaches and lush hiking trails.
This guide is designed for visitors staying in Puerto de la Cruz from May 15-20, 2025, who want to explore the island using public bus transportation. You'll find detailed information about accessible beaches, nature parks for easy trekking, and complete itinerary options.
Whether you're looking to relax on volcanic beaches, hike through ancient forests, or enjoy breathtaking coastal views, this guide has you covered!
Featured Destinations
Playa Jardín
Beautiful black sand beach with gardens designed by César Manrique
Learn MoreTeide National Park
Spain's highest peak with spectacular volcanic landscapes
Learn MoreRambla de Castro
Scenic coastal trail with breathtaking ocean views
Learn MorePublic Transportation
TITSA Bus Network
Tenerife's public bus network (TITSA) provides reliable and efficient service throughout the island. Buses are locally known as "guaguas" and are a cost-effective way to explore Tenerife's attractions.
The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and some even offer free WiFi. Google Maps provides accurate bus times for TITSA services.
Key Bus Routes from Puerto de la Cruz:
- Route 103: Connects to Playa Jardín, Playa Chica, and Playa el Bollullo
- Route 104: Serves the Playa Jardín area
- Route 348: Direct service to Teide National Park
- Routes 102/103: Service to Santa Cruz (for connections to Anaga Rural Park)
Note: Bus service is reduced on weekends, with many routes not operating on Saturdays.
Fare Options
Single Journey Tickets
Most tickets cost between €2.50 and €5.50 depending on distance. Longer rides (e.g., Puerto de la Cruz to Costa Adeje) can cost over €15.
Payment options include contactless card or cash (driver accepts notes up to €10).
Recommended: Travel Cards
- Day Travelcard (€10): Valid for 24 hours, unlimited trips
- 7 Days Travelcard (€50): Valid for 7 days, unlimited trips - perfect for your 5-day stay!
Available at TITSA stations, airport, or authorized outlets.
Tenmas Card
Reloadable card that provides discounts on all fares (up to 30%). Initial cost: €2.
Available at airport, bus stations, and outlets displaying the TITSA sticker.
Beaches Near Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz offers access to several beautiful black sand beaches, each with its own unique character. All are accessible by public bus or within walking distance from the town center.
Playa Jardín
Urban black sand beach designed by César Manrique, surrounded by exotic gardens. One of the main beaches in Puerto de la Cruz, Playa Jardín offers a beautiful setting with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Teide in the distance.
The beach is well-maintained with full facilities and is perfect for families. The magnificent garden area provides shade and a pleasant environment for relaxing between swims.
Playa Chica
A small cove of black volcanic sand located between the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz and Loro Parque. This intimate beach is set between natural rock formations, with views of Punta Brava and the mountains.
The beach has a gentle slope into the water, though waves can still be strong at times. It's accessible to people with reduced mobility via an access ramp from the gardens above.
Playa el Bollullo
A natural black sand beach known for its unspoiled beauty and big waves. This more secluded beach is popular with surfers and those looking to escape the more developed beaches.
After getting off at the Jardín Botánico bus stop, there's a walk to reach the beach, but the natural beauty makes it worth the effort. The El Bollullo restaurant is located near the beach entrance.
Playa San Telmo
More of a rocky bay area than a traditional beach, Playa San Telmo features natural pools formed by volcanic rocks. It's located in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, making it very accessible.
This area is perfect for those who prefer swimming in calmer waters, though strong currents are possible. The central location means there are plenty of restaurants and services nearby.
Nature Parks & Trekking
Tenerife offers spectacular natural landscapes for hiking and trekking, from volcanic mountains to ancient forests and coastal trails. Here are the best options accessible by public bus from Puerto de la Cruz.
Teide National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak (3,718m). The park offers a unique volcanic landscape with spectacular panoramic views of Tenerife and neighboring islands.
Multiple hiking trails are available, including free access trails from La Rambleta (after taking the cable car) to Pico Viejo viewpoint or La Fortaleza. The cable car costs approximately €38 for a return journey.
Note: You already have a Teide visit ticket for May 17th!
Rambla de Castro Coastal Trail
One of the most scenic coastal walks on Tenerife, located in Los Realejos (part of Puerto de la Cruz). This trail offers breathtaking coastal views, cliffs, banana plantations, and an abandoned water tower.
The 8.8 km return trail (3.54 miles) has an elevation gain of 536 m (1758 ft). A restaurant at the end of the trail provides excellent views and a perfect spot for lunch before returning.
Anaga Rural Park
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring ancient laurel forests and dramatic mountain landscapes. This stunning natural area offers a complete contrast to the volcanic landscapes of Teide.
Multiple hiking trails are available, including the popular route from Cruz del Carmen to Chinamada. The lush vegetation and misty forests create an almost magical atmosphere for hiking.
Mirador de Las Breñas Hike
A scenic coastal hike near Puerto de la Cruz that offers beautiful views of the northern coastline. This trail complements the Rambla de Castro coastal walk and can be combined for a more extensive hiking experience.
The trail provides excellent photo opportunities of the rugged coastline and is accessible for most fitness levels.
Itinerary Options
Based on your 6-day stay in Puerto de la Cruz (May 15-20, 2025) with a pre-booked Teide visit on May 17, here are three itinerary options to make the most of your trip.
Beach Focus Itinerary
Perfect for beach lovers who want to experience Tenerife's unique volcanic beaches with some light hiking.
Day 1 (May 15, Thursday): Arrival & Local Exploration
Explore the beach and César Manrique designed gardens
Relax and adjust to the island pace
Day 2 (May 16, Friday): Playa el Bollullo & Coastal Exploration
Visit Playa el Bollullo (natural black sand beach)
Enjoy the unspoiled beauty and dramatic coastline
Visit Playa San Telmo and its natural pools
Walk along the promenade
Day 3 (May 17, Saturday): TEIDE VISIT (Already Booked)
Day 4 (May 18, Sunday): Rambla de Castro Coastal Trail
Hike the Rambla de Castro Coastal Trail (2-2.5 hours)
Enjoy spectacular coastal views
Return via the same route or local bus
Day 5 (May 19, Monday): Anaga Rural Park Day Trip
Transfer to Bus 076 to Cruz del Carmen (Anaga Rural Park)
Hike through ancient laurel forests
Return to Puerto de la Cruz
Day 6 (May 20, Tuesday): Final Beach Day & Departure
Trekking Focus Itinerary
Ideal for hiking enthusiasts who want to experience Tenerife's diverse landscapes and trails.
Day 1 (May 15, Thursday): Arrival & Local Exploration
Visit Playa San Telmo for a quick introduction to the local beaches
Balanced Mix Itinerary
A perfect blend of beach relaxation and nature exploration for a well-rounded Tenerife experience.
Day 1 (May 15, Thursday): Arrival & Local Beaches
Both beaches are within walking distance of the center
Practical Information
Weather in May
May is generally pleasant in Tenerife with average temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Evenings can be cooler, especially in mountain areas.
The north of Tenerife (including Puerto de la Cruz) tends to be slightly cooler and more humid than the south.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Light layers for cooler evenings
- Day backpack for hikes
- Water bottle
- Camera for the spectacular views
Transportation Tips
- Purchase a 7 Days Travelcard (€50) for unlimited travel during your stay
- Check TITSA bus schedules in advance, especially for weekend travel
- Google Maps provides accurate bus times
- Allow extra time for bus connections
- For Teide National Park, check the specific schedule for Bus 348
Useful Spanish Phrases
- Hello: Hola
- Thank you: Gracias
- Please: Por favor
- Yes/No: Sí/No
- Excuse me: Perdón
- Where is...?: ¿Dónde está...?
- Bus: Guagua (local term in Canary Islands)
- Beach: Playa