Playa Jardin is not your ordinary beach — it is a work of art. Designed in the 1990s by legendary Canarian artist Cesar Manrique, it blends black volcanic sand with tropical gardens, stone walls, cascading water features, and views of Mount Teide in the background. It is the main beach of Puerto de la Cruz and one of the most beautiful on the north coast of Tenerife.
Where is Playa Jardin and how to get there?
The beach is located in Puerto de la Cruz, on the northern coast of Tenerife. It is an urban beach — you can walk there from the town centre in 10 minutes.
By car: There is a car park with over 100 spaces right next to the beach. In peak season it fills up quickly — arrive before 10:00 or use the car park near the shopping centre in Puerto de la Cruz.
By bus: Puerto de la Cruz is a major transport hub on the north coast of Tenerife. TITSA bus lines 101 (express from Santa Cruz), 102 (from La Orotava), 325 (from Icod de los Vinos). The bus stop is in the town centre, a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Beach overview
Playa Jardin is made up of three sections: Playa del Castillo (the main and largest), Playa del Charcon (the middle section), and Playa de Punta Brava (the western end, by the rocks). The total length is approximately 560 metres.
The sand is black and volcanic — typical of northern Tenerife. The water can be rough — while the beach is partially protected by a breakwater on the open ocean side, red flags appear here regularly. This is not a stress-free swimming beach for small children on wavy days. The Castillo section is the safest.
The beach holds a Blue Flag award — a mark of clean water and high service standards.
Facilities
Playa Jardin is very well equipped:
- Sun loungers and parasols — around 3 EUR per chair
- Showers, toilets, changing rooms — along the beach
- Bars and restaurants — on the promenade and in the gardens
- Children’s playground — in the garden area
- Sports court
- Surfing zone — designated area
- Accessibility — ramps and facilities for visitors with reduced mobility
- Concert stage — live music events take place on the promenade, especially in summer
Who is Playa Jardin for?
- Couples and culture lovers — Manrique’s architecture, gardens, sunsets with Teide in the background
- Families — yes, but stick to the Castillo section on calm days. Check the flags before entering the water.
- Surfers — designated surfing zone on the western end
- North Tenerife enthusiasts — Puerto de la Cruz is a perfect base for exploring Anaga, La Orotava, and the Orotava Valley
Nearby beaches
From Puerto de la Cruz, consider visiting nearby Playa de San Marcos in Icod de los Vinos (20 min by car) or the spectacular, wild Playa de Benijo in the Anaga massif (40 min). In the other direction — Playa del Socorro in Los Realejos, popular with surfers.
Weather at Playa Jardín
Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz lies on Tenerife’s lush northern coast, where the climate is slightly cooler and more humid than in the south. It’s worth checking the forecast – the north coast can surprise you with clouds even in summer. See the current weather in Puerto de la Cruz.