Lago Martiánez
An open-air museum where you can swim. Seven saltwater pools, an artificial lake surrounded by sculptures, tropical gardens and restaurants overlooking the Atlantic. Every corner is a César Manrique masterpiece - including a geyser that shoots water 50 meters high.
Lago Martiánez is far more than swimming pools: it is an open-air museum where you can swim. Designed by César Manrique with architect Jesús Soto and engineer Enrique Sánchez between 1971 and 1977, this 100,000 m² complex transforms the coastline of Puerto de la Cruz into a work of art. Manrique spent over an hour placing the waterfall stones until he achieved the perfect sound of water. The whole design draws on traditional Canarian architecture: garitas (watchtowers), empalizadas (palisade fences) and the ever-present black volcanic lava.
The complex comprises 7 seawater pools and a central artificial lake of 33,000 m². Atlantic water is exchanged completely every few days. One pool is heated year-round. A 50-metre geyser rises above the pools. Manrique scattered 13 sculptures across the complex, including 'Los Alisios' (Wind Toy) and the dripping 'La Jibia'. A design curiosity: in several spots, palm trees stand upside down with their roots pointing skyward.
Beneath the lake floor lies the casino: the only one in the world below sea level. Opened in 2006 in the former Sala Andrómeda, it has two rooms with slot machines and tables. Lago has hosted many famous visitors over the years: Winston Churchill, Richard Burton and the Beatles. On 29 April 1963, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr landed in Tenerife. Those 10 days in Puerto were probably the last they spent as anonymous tourists. They offered to give a free concert, but were refused because they were 'long-haired'. Weeks later Beatlemania erupted.
In 2005 the complex was listed as a heritage site in the Jardín Histórico category. In 2023-2024 the main lake was closed for 10 months (engine room renovation), reopening on 28 March 2024.
Av. de Cristóbal Colón, s/n. Free parking nearby is VERY hard to find. Best option: Centro Comercial Martiánez shopping center parking, right next door.
TITSA lines 381, 382 to Plaza Reyes Católicos (next to the complex). Loro Parque little train also stops nearby.
Get here by busFree parking nearby is practically impossible. Leave your car at Centro Comercial Martiánez (shopping center parking) and walk 2 minutes.
Navigate to parkingIn summer arrive early: by midday the sun loungers run out. The ticket includes a lounger with mattress. A parasol is €2.50 extra but worth it. The ticket allows re-entry, so you can eat outside and come back.
Do not miss the 13 Manrique works scattered across the complex: most people skip them. Look for the upside-down palm trees with roots pointing upward: a deliberate artistic statement. And find the heated pool for cooler days.
The casino beneath the lake floor (the only one below sea level) opens in the evening. If you are interested in Manrique's art, the Discovery Tour of the complex is worth considering.
Morning: Lago Martiánez (arrive at 10:00) → swim and sun → lunch inside → afternoon: walk up to Mirador de La Paz for sunset → down Agatha Christie steps → tapas at Olea Pintxos Bar or seafront promenade.
Central lake with island
The central lake view with islands, palm trees, and the Atlantic in the background. Best from the upper terrace.
Manrique sculptures
Manrique's sculptures, especially 'Los Alisios' (Wind Toy) and 'La Jibia'. Also find the waterfalls - the artist placed each stone by hand.