Park Taoro

Taoro Park is a landscaped hillside park overlooking the centre of Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife, built on the very hill that gave it its name. Back in the 19th century that same hill was known as Monte Miseria — barren volcanic badlands, or malpaís — long before it was turned into the manicured gardens visitors walk through today.

How do you get to Taoro Park?

The park sits right above the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, on a hill visible from much of the town, so the simplest way in is on foot: a walk up from the centre takes around fifteen minutes along steep streets. Entry is free and the grounds stay open year-round with no fixed closing hours. If you'd rather skip the climb, driving or taking a taxi is an option too, since parking is available near the entrances.

What is there to see inside the park?

Covering roughly 10 hectares, the park splits into three distinct areas. The first, La Atalaya, is a series of terraced gardens with stepped paths, fountains, cascading water features and ceramic murals depicting Canarian motifs. This is also where you'll find the Dulce María Loynaz viewpoint, named after the Cuban poet, which opens onto a wide view over the town and the ocean.

The second area, Camino de la Sortija, is a broad promenade favoured by locals for walking and jogging. Its name recalls the ring-tilting horse races — a "sortija" — that the British colony once organised here, a reminder of the era when Puerto de la Cruz was a favourite retreat of British high society.

The third section is the Jardines de Taoro proper: dense subtropical planting that offers shade and quiet away from the bustle of the seafront promenade.

Within the park grounds also stands the former Gran Hotel Taoro, opened in 1890 to a design by French architect Adolph Coquet. It was one of the island's most prestigious hotels, hosting guests such as Agatha Christie. The building survived a fire in 1929, and from 1979 to 2006 it housed a luxury casino before the casino relocated to Lago Martiánez. Next to it stands an Anglican church, another mark left by the British community that shaped the town for decades.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is open all year and changes character through the day — mornings are pleasant for walking in the shade of the trees, while late afternoon light shows off the terraced gardens and the view from La Atalaya at their best. Tenerife's mild climate means there's no strict "season" for a visit; the park draws walkers just as readily in summer as in winter. Plan for at least an hour to take in all three areas without rushing.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Taoro Park free? Yes, access to the park is free of charge, and the grounds remain open at all times with no fixed opening hours.

How long does a visit take? A relaxed walk through all three areas — La Atalaya, Camino de la Sortija and Jardines de Taoro — typically takes 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how many stops you make for views and photos.

Can you visit the former Gran Hotel Taoro? The old hotel building stands within the park and can be admired from the outside as a historic landmark; for years it operated as a casino, and today it serves as a reminder of the resort's earlier glamour.

What else is worth seeing besides the gardens? The main highlight is the Dulce María Loynaz viewpoint in the La Atalaya area, which offers a panorama over Puerto de la Cruz and the ocean, along with the ceramic murals depicting Canarian themes along the terraced paths.