It may be surprising to many that the smallest municipality in the Canary Islands is situated in Tenerife, a fact that is often overlooked by both visitors and locals. This municipality boasts the largest swimming pool within the Archipelago and offers exceptional culinary delights. In addition, one in three national tourists who visit the island opts to remain here.
The Puerto de la Cruz, encompassing merely 8.9 square kilometres, holds the title of the smallest municipality in the Canary Islands. Nevertheless, it stands as a vital economic contributor to the northern region of the island due to its thriving tourism sector. For many years, it also rated as the smallest municipality in all of Spain, although it has since been eclipsed by other towns on the mainland.
Tourism in the Canary Islands and Spain commenced at the Puerto de la Cruz, where the inaugural hotel in the city was established on September 1, 1886, known as the Orotava Grand Hotel or Sanatorium, which opened its doors eleven days later.
The hospitality sector thus played a pivotal role in reshaping the city’s tourism landscape. The Puerto de la Cruz guide: history, tourism and heritage, published by Le Canarien and penned by Nicolás González Lemus, provides an opportunity to uncover and appreciate the allure of various establishments during the heyday of tourism.
The smallest municipality in the Canary Islands with the largest swimming pool in the Archipelago
The Lake Martianez is a leisure facility offering breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Teide. It features a vast artificial lake surrounded by pools with brilliant emerald waters, as well as gardens, terraces, and dining options. The park was conceived in the mid-1970s by the famed Lanzarote artist César Manrique, who incorporated elements from traditional Canarian architecture and indigenous flora.
This expansive establishment spans approximately 100,000 square metres. The site includes a central artificial lake complemented by a variety of swimming pools, lush gardens, charming terraces, and eateries, all highlighted by the significant use of volcanic stone in their design. The creative visionary behind this project is the illustrious artist César Manrique, originally from Lanzarote. His design merges distinctive elements of his singular artistic vision with local touches such as watchtowers, palisades, and a sweeping view of the ocean. In addition to its striking architecture, the venue also features a collection of sculptures crafted by the artist himself.
Locally referred to as “El Lago,” this location was once part of the Llanos de Martiánez, which previously featured beaches and freshwater pools, including the well-known La Coronela and La Soga. These areas served as leisure spots frequented by the first tourists at the close of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
