Playa Jardín y Castillo de San Felipe
Puerto de la Cruz's most beautiful beach: black volcanic sand, tropical gardens designed by César Manrique and a 17th-century anti-pirate fortress. Three connected coves (Castillo, Charcón, Punta Brava), breakwaters for calm swimming, surf zone and Teide views. Blue Flag. Free.
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Playa Jardín is the last work of César Manrique: the Canarian genius who died in a car accident in 1992, one year before the beach opened. He had black sand dredged from the sea floor to cover the original rocks, and designed 17,000 m² of gardens with endemic vegetation, volcanic stone paths, natural grottoes and cascades. The result: a beach that looks natural but is a work of art.
Three sections make up the whole. Playa del Castillo (main, 240 m) with a breakwater protecting the swimming area. Playa del Charcón (intimate, surf). Punta Brava (quietest, beside the colourful fishing village). At the eastern end stands the sculpture 'El Róbalo' from the 'Wind Toys' series: 11 metres, 40 metal fish, each weighing 7-13 kg. The original mysteriously disappeared and an authorised replica is being installed in its place. Blue Flag since 2019.
Castillo de San Felipe was completed in 1604, but construction began in 1599, immediately after a successful defence against an attack by five pirate ships. The pentagonal fort with a moat, built on two floors, could house around 35 soldiers and three iron cannons (two 24-pounders and one 16-pounder), protecting Puerto de la Cruz on the Canarian wine route for nearly 300 years. In 1878 it was disarmed and handed to the municipality, which used it successively as a lazaretto, leper hospital, depot and shooting range. Today it is a cultural space with exhibitions and concerts. Declared a BIC Monument on 22 April 1949.
From center: follow signs to Loro Parque. Free parking near Castillo (100+ spaces, fills fast in summer).
TITSA line 381 stops right in front of the beach. Also buses heading to Loro Parque.
Get here by busIn summer arrive before 11am or use Explanada del Muelle (free, 15 min walk). Alternative: park at Loro Parque and walk down.
Navigate to parkingMost tourists stay at Playa del Castillo. Walk further to Punta Brava: quiet and the most photogenic fishing village with colourful façades. Before the beach, pop into Castillo de San Felipe for free: usually an interesting exhibition, and in November an Agatha Christie display.
The black sand gets incredibly hot: bring water shoes. Look for 'El Penitente': a volcanic rock formation jutting from the sea beside the castle. The beach kiosk has live music on summer evenings.
In summer arrive before 11:00 or use Explanada del Muelle (free, 15 min walk). Alternative: park at Loro Parque and walk down.
Castillo de San Felipe (20 min, free) → Manrique gardens (stroll) → Playa del Castillo (swim) → breakwater walk → Charcón → Punta Brava (fishing village photos) → up to Loro Parque (10 min) or back along promenade.
San Felipe Castle with the sea in the background
Castillo de San Felipe with the Atlantic crashing behind and waves against volcanic rock. Especially dramatic in heavy swell or at sunset. Look for 'El Penitente' - a volcanic rock formation rising from the sea next to the castle.
Walk through Manrique gardens with Teide in the background
Walk through Manrique's gardens looking toward the beach with snow-capped Teide behind. The perfect Puerto postcard: black sand + palms + volcano.
Quiosco Playa Jardin
Restaurant - Chill out - Cocktails - Brunch
4.3 - 792 reviews
10:00-20:00 (closed Tuesdays)
Right on Playa Jardin with ocean views - the perfect spot for lunch after a swim or a sunset drink. International cuisine with Canarian touches, tapas, fresh fish of the day and signature cocktails. Live music and DJ in the evenings. One of the few places in Puerto with your feet in the sand.