Ladera de Martiánez

Ladera de Martiánez is a steep, volcanic hillside in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, one of the few surviving patches of natural landscape within the town's boundaries. The cliffs rise to roughly 45 metres, topped today by the residential neighbourhood of La Paz. It isn't a conventional sightseeing spot with an entrance or visitor infrastructure — its real significance lies in archaeology and local history, and it's best appreciated from several viewpoints around town.

Why does this hillside matter archaeologically?

Ladera de Martiánez is considered one of the richest archaeological sites in the whole municipality of Puerto de la Cruz. Excavations have uncovered the remains of a Guanche settlement and necropolis — traces of the island's indigenous population before the Spanish conquest — along with several caves that once served as dwellings. Because of this heritage, the area has been formally declared a Cultural Heritage Site (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the Archaeological Zone category, giving it legal protection as part of the region's historical patrimony.

Where does the name Martiánez come from?

The hillside's name is tied to a historic water spring that once flowed beside one of its caves. The Martiánez spring was for a long time one of the main sources of water for the population of Puerto de la Cruz, before modern water infrastructure was developed. The whole surrounding area, including the well-known Lago Martiánez pool complex nearby, takes its name from this same spring.

What grows on the hillside?

The slope is also valued for its natural vegetation. Native island plant species survive on its steep faces, including Canary Island palms (Phoenix canariensis) and tabaibas, succulents typical of the Canary Islands' dry, volcanic terrain. This mix of vegetation gives the hillside a raw, distinctive character that contrasts sharply with the dense urban development surrounding it.

Can you visit the hillside?

Since 2014, Ladera de Martiánez has been fenced off and closed to the public. The closure followed repeated rockfalls that posed a safety risk to residents and visitors. In the years since, local authorities and the island's Cabildo have studied possible measures to stabilise the slope and discussed its future, including ideas for restoring public access while preserving its archaeological and natural value. For now, the hillside is best seen from outside — from the surrounding streets and viewpoints in the La Paz neighbourhood and near the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ladera de Martiánez open to visitors? No, the area has been fenced off since 2014 due to the risk of rockfalls. It can only be viewed from outside, from the surrounding streets.

What has been found on the hillside? Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a Guanche settlement and necropolis, along with inhabited caves, which led to the site being protected as an archaeological zone.

Where does the name Martiánez come from? It comes from a historic water spring located beside one of the caves on the hillside, which once supplied water to the residents of Puerto de la Cruz.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes, at the foot of the hillside lies the famous Lago Martiánez pool complex, one of Puerto de la Cruz's most popular attractions, named after the same historic spring.