Plaza Benito Pérez Galdós

Plaza Benito Pérez Galdós is a small, quiet square in the old town of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, also known locally as "La Placeta". It sits on Calle Mequinez, just a short walk from the seafront promenade and the historic center, surrounded by traditional Canarian buildings with wooden balconies and narrow cobbled streets.

Why is the square named after Benito Pérez Galdós?

The square honors Benito Pérez Galdós, one of the most important figures of 19th-century Spanish realist literature. Born on Gran Canaria, he is best remembered for his monumental cycle of historical novels "Episodios Nacionales", a cornerstone of the Spanish literary canon. Naming a public square after him fits a wider tradition on the Canary Islands of commemorating prominent local writers and historical figures in urban spaces.

How do you get to Plaza Benito Pérez Galdós?

The square sits right in the heart of the old town, so walking is by far the easiest way to reach it. From major landmarks in Puerto de la Cruz such as Plaza del Charco or the harbor front, it takes only a few minutes on foot. Drivers should be aware that parking within the narrow streets of the old quarter is limited, so it's more practical to leave a car in one of the larger car parks at the edge of the center and continue on foot. The square's coordinates are 28.41719, -16.553787.

What can you see and do there?

Plaza Benito Pérez Galdós is a good example of the small, intimate public squares typical of old Canarian town centers — shaded, dotted with benches, and inviting a break after a walk through the historic streets. Local restaurants and bars operate right around the square, including El Patio, a spot popular with visitors for Canarian and Spanish cuisine. It's a place where everyday local life is more visible than along the busier seafront promenade nearby.

When is the best time to visit?

The square is open year-round, at any hour, since it's a public urban space rather than a paid attraction with set opening times. The most pleasant times to visit are morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less intense and nearby restaurants start filling their outdoor tables. In the evening the square takes on a calmer, more local atmosphere — a good moment to sit down with a coffee or a glass of wine and watch old-town life unfold.

What else is worth combining with a visit?

Given its location in the historic center, the square works well as a stop on a walk through the old town. It pairs naturally with a stroll along the nearby streets of traditional architecture, as well as a visit to the seafront promenade and the fishing harbor, both emblematic of Puerto de la Cruz. The whole area still carries the atmosphere of the old fishing port town it once was, before it grew into one of northern Tenerife's main resort destinations.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for the square? No, it's a public urban space, open year-round free of charge and without set visiting hours.

How much time should I plan for a visit? Seeing the square itself takes only a few minutes, but it's worth staying longer if you plan a meal or coffee break at one of the surrounding restaurants.

Is the square easy to reach from the rest of the city? Yes, it lies within the old town, close to Puerto de la Cruz's main attractions, so it's easily reached on foot from the center.

Is it a good spot to visit with children? Yes, it's a calm, car-free space right in the old town, making it a good place for a short rest while exploring the city with family.