Puerto de la Cruz, located on the north coast of Tenerife, offers a more traditionally Spanish experience compared to the custom-built resorts in the south. Set against the backdrop of lush landscapes and high mountain ridges, living in Puerto de la Cruz appeals to both locals and expats seeking colourful culture and unspoiled nature on their doorstep. The protected natural surroundings make this old harbour town a distinctive part of the Canary Islands, offering an appealing outdoorsy lifestyle.
Is Puerto de la Cruz a good place to live?
With a population of around 30,000, this small city in the Canary Islands features winding cobblestone streets lined with bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The geography of the island means Puerto de la Cruz benefits from verdant, lush surroundings and unique black-sand beaches like Playa Jardín.
Community life flourishes in places such as Plaza del Charco, a central square buzzing with activity. Residents enjoy the coastal pleasures of the pier, the scenic viewpoint Punto de Viento, and the botanical gardens.
The leisure complex Lago Martiánez is a highlight, comprising open-air seawater swimming pools, bars and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts stroll through La Sortija Park, or go on regular coastal hikes less than an hour away in the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park – home to Spain’s highest mountain. Puerto de la Cruz has plenty to see and things to do, as well as great local cuisine and good transport connections.
Pros and cons of living in Puerto de la Cruz
Living in Tenerife, especially in a less sought-after town like Puerto de la Cruz, is a big decision to make, and it is important to consider the good and the bad before relocating.
Living in Puerto de la Cruz offers up plenty of benefits:
- Natural beauty: surrounded by lush landscapes and featuring unique black-sand beaches, there are lots of opportunities for day trips from Puerto de la Cruz.
- Cultural richness: Offers a variety of cultural activities and local attractions.
- Safety: Known as a safe environment for both residents and visitors.
Although living in this town in the Canary Islands also has its drawbacks:
- Weather variability: the northern location means more frequent rain and wind, which may not suit everyone.
- Job market: opportunities may be limited compared to other cities like Santa Cruz.
Cost of Living in Puerto de la Cruz
The cost of living in Puerto de la Cruz is generally slightly more expensive than in other parts of the Canary Islands, although it can vary. To eat out in Puerto de la Cruz is not too expensive, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant ranging from €35 to €70, while a glass of beer or caña costs around €2.50. Coffee prices vary between €1.50 and €3, and a one-way bus ticket shouldn’t cost more than €1.50.
Nightlife in Puerto de la Cruz
While its nightlife isn't as active as in the bigger cities, Puerto de la Cruz offers a diverse and LGBTQ+-friendly party scene. Late-night spots include gay clubs with drag shows, rooftop cocktail bars, and various clubs throughout the city. You'll also find sports pubs like Hive Bee, showing live matches, cosy bars with live music, and trendy venues like The Gramophone Bar, serving craft beer.
Is Puerto de la Cruz safe?
Puerto de la Cruz is considered a safe place to live and is often regarded as safer than the southern part of the island. While there are cases of petty crime, the crime rate is generally low.
Property for sale in Puerto de la Cruz
The real estate market in Puerto de la Cruz provides numerous opportunities for buyers, with property prices at €3,132 per m2 as of March 2025. Playa Jardín Is one of the most affordable areas for purchasing property, whereas the Distrito Botanico is noted for its luxury villas with sea views and private pools.
Rent was, on average, €16.3 per m2, meaning an 80 m2 apartment costs roughly €1,304 per month. While rent in Distrito Martiánez, right on the seafront, tends to be more expensive, Distrito San Antonio - Las Arenas is a neighbourhood that offers cheaper rental options.
- Property for sale in Puerto de la Cruz
- Long-term rentals in Puerto de la Cruz
- Holiday rentals in Puerto de la Cruz
Places to live in Tenerife
Tenerife's northern part, where Puerto de la Cruz is located, offers a different lifestyle compared to the south, providing a more traditional Spanish experience and closer community connections.
Icod de los Vinos is the cheapest area to buy property, not only in Tenerife but also compared to La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma, with an average property price of 1,411 €/m2 in March 2025. Adeje, on the other hand, specifically the stretch of southern coastline known as Adeje Costa, is known for its luxury resorts and is home to the most expensive properties in the province.
Los Cristianos, also in the southern part of the island, is another popular destination in Tenerife known for its active water sports community. It is also a useful base as it has ferry connections to the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.
Where do locals live in Tenerife?
Southern Tenerife, with its abundance of resorts and tourist-oriented facilities, generally attracts more transient visitors. In contrast, the north is home to more permanent residents, offering a slightly more authentic Spanish feel and fewer places specifically catered to foreigners. However, traditional villages can also be found in the south, and the cosmopolitan city of Santa Cruz has a mix of locals and internationals living there.
The rising cost of housing in Tenerife has become a significant issue, leading some longtime residents to relocate or seek more economical living arrangements. This shift in the property market, spurred by rising demand, is reshaping what is considered 'local' and has prompted the Canary Islands government to call for restrictions on property sales to foreigners.
Puerto de la Cruz vs Santa Cruz
As the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz is unsurprisingly bigger than Puerto de la Cruz, with a population of over 200,000. Property prices in Santa Cruz are slightly lower, at €2,175 per m2, with rent at €12.4 per m2, which comes out at around €992 per month. While the cost of living is similar between the two cities, Puerto de la Cruz can be more expensive for shopping and dining.
Puerto de la Cruz benefits from having a beach right in the city centre and convenient access to the surrounding countryside. In contrast, living in Santa Cruz implies a more touristy and busier day-to-day experience, but with a wider array of entertainment and cultural events.
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