Puerto de la Cruz, Port municipality in northern Tenerife, Spain
Puerto de la Cruz extends along the northern coast of Tenerife, featuring black sand beaches and natural swimming pools carved into volcanic rock formations. The municipality combines coastal bathing areas with botanical gardens that have housed plant specimens from different continents for centuries.
The settlement began as a fishing port in 1502 and grew in importance after a volcanic eruption destroyed the main harbor at Garachico in 1706. This shift led to the location becoming a trading hub for the region.
The Plaza del Charco serves as the main gathering place where locals spend time beneath Indian laurel trees framed by traditional Canarian buildings. This central square reflects how people experience and use their public spaces throughout the day.
The municipality is best explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance along the coast. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and take care around slippery rock edges near the natural pools.
The Lago Martiánez complex features seven saltwater pools built directly into black volcanic rock, creating a seamless blend between water and stone. This site demonstrates how local architects reinterpreted the natural landscape in the mid-20th century.
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