Parque de la Sortija

Parque de la Sortija is a small urban park in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, tucked on a hillside right next to the better-known Parque Taoro.

Where does the name come from?

The park takes its name from "sortija," a horseback game once played near the old Gran Hotel Taoro. Riders would gallop past a hanging metal ring and try to spear it with a stick or lance — a pastime that entertained hotel guests around the turn of the 20th century, when the Taoro was one of the island's first major tourist establishments. In memory of those races, the park's main pathway is still called Camino de los Anillos, the "Path of the Rings." The park itself grew up as an extension of the hotel's recreational grounds, giving guests and locals alike a green space to walk through.

What will you see there?

The park covers roughly 4 hectares (about 9.8 acres) of land sitting on an old malpaís — the rugged, volcanic rock formations typical of this stretch of Tenerife's north coast. That raised, rocky terrain is exactly what gives the park its main draw: from the promontory it sits on, you get open views over both the town below and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Walking the shaded paths, you'll come across a pond with fountains, which forms a quiet focal point for a break — a favorite spot for both residents and visitors who want a moment of calm without leaving the town center.

Who is this park for?

Parque de la Sortija is built with families in mind — the grounds are family-friendly, and the paths are smooth enough for strollers. The park is also wheelchair accessible, and dog owners are welcome to bring their pets along on a leash. Given its modest size, you don't need to set aside a whole afternoon; 20 to 30 minutes is enough to wander the paths at a relaxed pace and stop at the lookout points.

How do you get there?

The park sits on a hill in the northern part of Puerto de la Cruz, directly adjoining Parque Taoro, with which it forms a connected stretch of greenery. From the town center, it's a walk of around 15-20 minutes uphill — comfortable shoes are a good idea, since the volcanic terrain is somewhat uneven. It makes a natural stop when combining a visit to Parque Taoro with a look out over the ocean.

When should you visit?

Thanks to Tenerife's mild climate, the park is worth visiting year-round. Morning hours are pleasant for a walk in cooler air and tend to be quieter, while late afternoon is a good time to catch the sunset over the Atlantic from the viewpoint on the promontory.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, Parque de la Sortija is a public municipal park, and entry is free at all times.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, the park is dog-friendly, though as with most public spaces it's best to keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.

Is the park accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the paths are laid out to be wheelchair accessible, making the park usable for visitors with limited mobility as well.

Where does the name "Sortija" come from? It comes from an old horseback game involving a hanging ring (sortija), once played near the Gran Hotel Taoro — the park's main pathway, Camino de los Anillos, still commemorates it today.