Puerto de la Cruz City Tour with Transfers

Exploring Puerto de la Cruz on a Budget: An Honest Review of the City Tour with Transfers

If you’re planning a visit to Tenerife’s northern gem, Puerto de la Cruz, this city tour offers a convenient way to see its highlights without the hassle of planning transport or navigating public buses. For around $27.75 per person, you get a full day of exploring the town’s most notable spots, with the comfort of air-conditioned coach pickups from your hotel. While the itinerary is packed with iconic sights, the nature of the experience is more about free exploration than guided narration, making it ideal for independent-minded travelers.

What I particularly like about this tour is the seamless hotel pickup and drop-off, removing the stress of figuring out how to get into town. Plus, the ample free time at key locations like Plaza del Charco and Lago Martianez means you can tailor your visit—whether it’s soaking up the sun, snapping photos, or enjoying a meal. The coach ride itself is comfortable, and the fact that it’s booked an average of 19 days in advance suggests good planning and availability.

However, one point worth considering is that this isn’t a guided tour—you won’t have a tour guide explaining the history or pointing out hidden gems. Some reviews mention the coach being late and uncomfortable seats, which can be a minor inconvenience if you’re expecting a more polished experience. Also, the long duration of free time in the city might feel a bit excessive without a guide or map, as some travelers have noted. Still, if you’re happy to explore independently and want a cost-effective way into Puerto de la Cruz, this tour can fit the bill.

Key points / Takeaways

• Hassle-free transfers save you from public bus complexities.
• Ample free time allows personalized exploration of Puerto de la Cruz’s main attractions.
• Comfortable coach with air conditioning makes the journey pleasant.
• No guided commentary means you explore at your own pace—bring a map or plan ahead.
• Popular stops include Plaza del Charco, Lago Martianez, Playa Jardín, and the hermitage of San Telmo.
• Value for money is decent, especially considering the included transportation and flexible sightseeing.

Navigating the Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup and Transport

Your day begins with a pickup from select hotels, which I find incredibly convenient. The tour operates from the south area of Tenerife, with exceptions for Los Gigantes, Puerto Santiago, where pickups are only on certain days. The air-conditioned coach ensures a comfortable ride, and most travelers book this around 19 days in advance, indicating its popularity.

While some reviews mention the coach arriving late and seats being uncomfortable, many appreciate the stress-free transfer, especially if you want to avoid the complexity of public transit. If you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a smooth ride, it’s worth arriving promptly.

First Stop: Plaza del Charco

Your time in Puerto de la Cruz begins at the lively Plaza del Charco. This square, affectionately called the “Puddle Square” due to its historical seawater puddle, remains one of the town’s most loved spots. The recent revamp has freshened up its look, with a charming fountain surrounded by lush palm trees and Indian laurels.

Most travelers, including those who love exploring on their own, recommend a quick visit here to soak up the local vibe. Expect about 30 minutes of free time, which is enough for a coffee or a quick stroll. Some reviews note that the plaza offers a good introduction to the town, with a lively atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in a true Canarian town.

Second Stop: Lago Martianez

Next, you’ll head to the Lago Martianez, a highlight for many visitors. Designed by César Manrique, this complex of pools and lagoons beautifully blends modern design with traditional Canarian architecture. The artificial seawater lake holds 27,000 cubic meters of water, complemented by several other pools—some for adults, some for children—each with a unique and colorful design.

Most travelers spend around two hours here, and many rave about the opportunity to relax in the warm waters or enjoy the lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants. It’s worth noting that the admission isn’t included, but many find the entrance fee reasonable considering the value of the complex. If relaxing by the water, people-watching, or snapping photos of the sculptures appeals to you, Lago Martianez is worth a good chunk of your free time.

Beaches and Gardens: Playa Jardín and César Manrique’s Garden

One of the most popular spots in Puerto de la Cruz is the Playa Jardín, a beach designed by César Manrique that beautifully integrates lush gardens, waterfalls, and rocky caves into the coastline. The beach’s landscaping creates a peaceful environment, perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.

Most visitors get about two hours here, which is sufficient to stroll along the promenade, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy the scenic gardens. Since the beaches are free to access, you can relax without extra costs. Several reviews praise the gardens’ lush greenery and the way they seamlessly blend nature with the coast.

Historic and Cultural Attractions

The tour also includes free time to explore other parts of Puerto de la Cruz, such as the hermitage of San Telmo or stroll through the town’s shopping streets. The reviews highlight that the longer free periods can feel a bit disorganized without a guide, so I suggest bringing a map or planning ahead.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits independent travelers who want an easy way into Puerto de la Cruz without renting a car or navigating public buses. It’s great for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, soaking up sights like Lago Martianez and Playa Jardín, and enjoying local cafes and shops.

However, if you prefer a guided experience with detailed commentary and structured activities, this might not be the best fit. The lack of a guide means you need to be comfortable exploring without someone pointing out historical facts or hidden gems.

Price and Logistics: Good Value for a Relaxed Day

At about $27.75, this tour offers a budget-friendly way to see Puerto de la Cruz with included transfers. Since transportation can be a hassle if you’re relying on public buses, this package saves you time and effort. The long duration (about 8 hours) allows plenty of free time, though some travelers have noted it can feel a bit long, especially if the coach experiences delays or discomfort.

The pickup times are during the late morning, and the tour operates daily from 11:30 am to 5 pm, giving you flexibility for planning your day around it. The limited group size of up to 55 travelers ensures you won’t be overwhelmed, but the experience is still more about independent exploration than guided storytelling.

Some Tips for Making the Most of It

• Bring a map or download a plan for your free time, especially in the city center.
• Arrive early for pickup to avoid missing the bus.
• Wear comfortable shoes since there’s plenty of walking.
• Pack sunscreen and water for the beach or Lago Martianez.
• Consider bringing some cash for snacks or souvenirs at Lago Martianez or Playa Jardín.

What Previous Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the value for money and the convenience of the transfers. One reviewer, Louise, called it a “lovely way to see the north side,” highlighting how it made seeing the town much easier than public transport. Rosemary enjoyed her visit despite the weather, and others appreciated the friendly driver and the beauty of the locations.

On the flip side, some travelers mentioned coach delays and uncomfortable seats, and a few felt the experience was more of a transfer than a tour, lacking guided commentary. Several reviews advise planning ahead for the free time and not expecting a guided experience, which seems aligned with the overall setup.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Puerto de la Cruz City Tour is best suited for independent explorers who want a cost-effective, hassle-free way to access the northern sights. If you’re comfortable wandering around without a guide and enjoy the freedom of setting your own pace, this tour offers a great balance of convenience and flexibility.

The stops at Lago Martianez, Playa Jardín, and the historic town center provide authentic experiences that capture the essence of Puerto de la Cruz. Plus, the included hotel transfers mean you won’t have to worry about navigating the bus system or finding your way into town.

While it’s not perfect—some may find the long free periods unstructured and the coach accommodations a bit basic—the value for money and the chance to enjoy some of Tenerife’s most beloved spots make it worthwhile for many travelers. Just come prepared with your own maps and a sense of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as it involves walking and free exploration, it’s suitable for most travelers, including families, especially since some stops like Lago Martianez and Playa Jardín are very family-friendly.

Are meals included?
No, this tour does not include food or drinks, but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants at Lago Martianez and around Playa Jardín to grab a bite.

How long is the free time at each location?
You can expect about 30 minutes at Plaza del Charco, two hours at Lago Martianez, and two hours at Playa Jardín. The remaining time is spent traveling or optional exploration.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a map or guidebook for independent sightseeing. Cash may be useful for snacks or souvenirs.

Does the tour include a guide?
No, it’s a self-guided experience; you explore the stops on your own. The driver is there for transportation, not commentary.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour is stroller and pram accessible, but remember that some walking is involved, and the free time is unstructured.

What is the pickup location?
Pickup is from select hotels in Tenerife’s south area, with specific arrangements for Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago. Details are provided 48 hours before the tour.

How many people usually join this tour?
It operates with a maximum of 55 travelers, making it a relatively intimate group, though most of the experience is independent.

What is the overall value of this experience?
For the price, it’s a solid option if you want to minimize logistics and maximize free exploration—ideal for budget travelers or those new to the area.

If you value easy access to Puerto de la Cruz’s highlights, enjoy wandering at your own pace, and want to avoid the hassles of public transport, this tour offers a practical and affordable way to enjoy Tenerife’s northern charm. Just be prepared for a relaxed, unguided day, and you’ll come away with some lovely memories and plenty of photos.