Puerto de la Cruz is one of the best places in the Canaries for a long winter if you value local life, greenery and lower rents over guaranteed sunshine. It is cooler and cloudier than southern Tenerife, so it is not for sun worshippers.
The pros
- Real town life: markets, plazas and Canarian bars, not just a resort strip.
- Lower rents than the busiest southern resorts for comparable apartments.
- Lush scenery: the Orotava valley, banana plantations and botanical gardens.
- Long winter tradition: services and community for long-stayers have existed for generations.
- Good buses to La Laguna, Santa Cruz and the north airport.
The cons
- More cloud and occasional rain than the south, especially from December to February.
- Cooler evenings: you will want a jacket and possibly a small heater.
- Rough Atlantic sea: the town relies on the Lago Martiánez pools and a few sheltered beaches.
- Hills: some neighbourhoods are steep.
- Damp in older flats: ask about ventilation and dehumidifiers.
Who it suits
Puerto de la Cruz suits active retirees, walkers, people who like Spanish culture and anyone on a tighter budget. It suits less well those who want to sunbathe every day.
Practical tips
- Choose a flat on the lower, flatter streets near the seafront.
- Ask whether the apartment gets sun in the afternoon.
- Bring layers and a light rain jacket.
- Take the bus south for a sunny day when the north is grey.
Our verdict
If you can live with 19-21°C and some cloud, Puerto de la Cruz offers one of the most authentic and affordable winters in the Canaries. Compare it with the south in Best Area in Tenerife for a 3-Month Winter Stay.