Taoro Park in Tenerife

Taoro Park is one of the main green spaces in Puerto de la Cruz, in northern Tenerife. It extends across Taoro Mountain and covers approximately 100,000 square metres of gardens, paths, viewpoints, fountains and waterfalls. The park is divided into three main areas: La Atalaya, Camino de La Sortija and the Taoro Gardens. La Atalaya is home to the viewpoint dedicated to the writer Dulce María Loynaz, from which you can see Puerto de la Cruz, the ocean and part of the La Orotava Valley. During your walk, you can explore subtropical gardens, stop beside the waterfalls, enjoy the views and discover buildings connected with the city’s tourism history, such as the Gran Hotel Taoro and the Anglican Church of All Saints. The grounds also have a children’s playground and an area with a restaurant, bar and terrace. Thanks to its variety of settings, it is suitable both for a brief visit and for spending a morning or afternoon walking at a relaxed pace.

The history of Taoro Park is closely connected with the development of tourism in Puerto de la Cruz. The area became established as a residential and hotel district frequented by foreign visitors, particularly the British community that settled in the town during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Gran Hotel Taoro originally opened in 1890 and became one of the most important establishments of its time. Its guests included members of royalty, figures from European high society and notable personalities such as the writer Agatha Christie. The building later housed Casino Taoro, which is why some people still remember it as the park’s former casino. Following extensive restoration, the building has returned to its original hotel function under the name Gran Hotel Taoro. The surrounding area is also home to the Anglican Church of All Saints, a Neo-Gothic church connected with Puerto de la Cruz’s historic British community. The building continues to hold religious services, so visitors should respect its opening times and celebrations.

Taoro Park is located in Altos del Taoro, in Puerto de la Cruz. Its main entrances are accessed from Carretera del Botánico and Carretera de Las Arenas. It stands in an elevated area above the town centre, which accounts for its sweeping views of the town and the ocean. Using Plaza del Charco as a reference point in the town centre, the park is approximately one kilometre away, although the exact route depends on which entrance you choose. On foot, the journey may take between 15 and 25 minutes because of the slopes, steps and changes in elevation. It is therefore advisable to wear comfortable footwear and adjust your pace, particularly when travelling with children, older people or visitors with reduced mobility. This distance is approximate and may vary depending on your starting point and the entrance used. By guagua, or bus, the most direct option is route 385, which departs from Puerto de la Cruz bus station and travels through El Durazno, El Botánico, Hospiten Bellevue and Taoro Park. This route currently operates on weekdays, so it is advisable to check the timetable before setting out. At the Taoro stop, you may also find connections with routes 102, 383 and 390, depending on the direction of travel, timetable and starting point. If you are arriving from Santa Cruz, you can first travel to Puerto de la Cruz on interurban routes 100 or 102 and then continue on a local bus or by taxi.

Yes. There are parking areas around Taoro Park, making it possible to arrive by car and begin your walk from the upper sections. This may be a more convenient option for those who wish to avoid walking uphill from the centre of Puerto de la Cruz. Parking spaces are not guaranteed, particularly at weekends, during celebrations or when events are being held in La Sortija Park. Before parking, check the signs for restrictions, reserved spaces or temporary regulations. It is not advisable to describe all parking in the area as permanently free of charge. Conditions may vary depending on the space used, so you should follow the signs in place on the day of your visit.

Taoro Park remains permanently open throughout the year and general admission is free. You do not need to buy a ticket or make a reservation to walk through its gardens, viewpoints and paths. The tourist information page states that the waterfalls and water gardens begin operating daily from 6.00 pm. However, they may not be activated because of maintenance work, faults, water-saving measures or operational circumstances. The food and drink establishments, the church and events held in the park have their own opening hours and conditions. It is advisable to consult the programme or contact the relevant service when your visit depends on a particular activity.

Taoro Park is suitable for a variety of activities, including:

• Walking
• Resting
• Admiring the town from its viewpoints
• Taking photographs
• Exploring gardens with subtropical vegetation
• Visiting the waterfalls
• Exploring the area around the Anglican church
• Seeing the exterior of the historic Gran Hotel Taoro

A complete route can begin in the Taoro Gardens, continue towards La Atalaya and the Dulce María Loynaz Viewpoint, and finish at Camino de La Sortija. This combines landscaped areas, panoramic viewpoints and the section commonly used for exercise. As a guide, a basic route may take between 45 minutes and one hour. To explore all three areas at a relaxed pace, stop at the viewpoints and rest beside the gardens, it is more appropriate to allow between one and a half and two hours. The visit may take longer if you want to eat in the park, attend an activity, visit the church or combine the walk with other places in Puerto de la Cruz.

Yes. Camino de La Sortija is one of the most popular areas for people who go running, walking or training outdoors. Its paths allow you to create routes of different lengths and combine flatter sections with slopes. The park is also suitable for gentle exercise, stretching and walking. It sometimes hosts organised yoga sessions, sporting activities and nature-related workshops, although these depend on the municipal programme. Wear supportive footwear and bring water and clothing suitable for the weather. Some paths may be damp after rain, and extra care is required on sloping sections.

Yes. Taoro Park can be a good option for a family walk, enjoying the green spaces and admiring the waterfalls and viewpoints. The grounds also have a children’s playground. To make the visit more comfortable, it is advisable to choose a short route and avoid too many uphill sections in succession. The paths, steps and changes in elevation can tire young children, particularly when walking up from the town centre. Children should remain accompanied near fountains, waterfalls, roads and areas with steep drops. Bring water, sun protection and a light outer layer, as the weather can change in northern Tenerife.

The Taoro Gardens combine palm trees, trees, shrubs and other subtropical plants arranged across terraces and paths on the hillside. The vegetation creates shaded areas and frames views of Puerto de la Cruz and the Atlantic. La Atalaya is one of the most densely planted areas. Its paths and stairways run through gardens with fountains, ponds and waterfalls built among volcanic rock, creating one of the park’s most photographed corners. The operation of the water features may vary because of maintenance or operational reasons. The park is still worth visiting when the waterfalls are not running, as the viewpoints, vegetation and paths remain accessible.

Taoro Park can be visited throughout the year thanks to Puerto de la Cruz’s mild climate. The municipality’s average annual temperature is around 20°C (68ºF) and generally ranges between approximately 15°C and 28°C. Spring is often particularly pleasant because of the mild temperatures, vegetation and good walking conditions. Autumn is also comfortable for walking and usually offers a cooler atmosphere than summer. In summer, early morning and late afternoon are good times to avoid the most intense heat. In winter, you may experience mild days, although northern Tenerife is more likely to have clouds and rain than the south. Check the weather forecast before visiting. After rain, some paths and steps may be slippery.

The park has a food and drink area with a bar, restaurant and terrace. It is a practical option for having a drink or completing your walk with a meal while enjoying the surroundings. Terraza Taoro is listed among the tourist establishments recognised under local quality programmes, although its opening hours and days may change. It is advisable to check that it is open before planning your visit around a particular meal. The official sources consulted do not provide details of a clearly signposted public picnic area within the park. If you bring food, follow the park’s instructions, use the bins and avoid occupying gardens or areas not intended for this purpose. You will also find cafés, restaurants and bars in the centre of Puerto de la Cruz and in the hotel districts near the park.

Taoro Park, particularly the La Sortija area, hosts cultural, sporting and family activities. One of the best-known events is Los Veranos del Taoro, an outdoor performing arts festival featuring theatre, music and dance. Nature workshops, botanical walks, sports sessions and activities connected with local festivities may also be organised. The programme changes every year, and some events require a ticket or advance booking. The park should not be regarded as a permanent street market. Any stalls or markets set up there form part of occasional celebrations, Christmas programmes or specific events. Before travelling specifically for a concert, market or activity, check the official Puerto de la Cruz events programme to confirm the location, time, access arrangements and any possible changes.

Yes. The Taoro area is one of the quietest places to stay in Puerto de la Cruz, with hotels surrounded by gardens and located within a short distance of the town centre. One of the most notable establishments in the area is the Gran Hotel Taoro, originally opened in 1890 and restored as a hotel following extensive renovation. Its elevated location offers views of the Atlantic, Mount Teide and the surrounding gardens. You will also find accommodation such as Hotel Tigaiga and other establishments in the Taoro, La Paz and El Botánico areas. Before booking, check the walking distance to the town centre, as the change in elevation may affect how comfortable the journey is.