Puerto de la Cruz is a charming city located in the north of Tenerife, known for its beautiful landmarks such as Lago Martiánez, Plaza del Charco, and the fishing pier. However, there is more to discover in this city. In some of the buildings in the old seafaring neighborhood, you can find one of the most evocative routes on the island: Puerto Street Art.
Puerto Street Art is an urban improvement project linked to the famous Mueca Festival, which fills the streets of Puerto de la Cruz with color and fun each spring through artistic interventions of great value and creativity. These stories are told through magnificent murals created by prestigious, internationally recognized artists. Puerto Street Art is a delightful way to explore this part of the city, discovering an open-air museum and enjoying art in a different way.
A Walk Through the Murals of Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is a tourist city that has almost twenty eye-catching murals signed by internationally recognized artists among its many charms. In the fishing neighborhood of Puerto de la Cruz, known locally as La Ranilla, most of these murals can be found along a route in one of the liveliest areas of the municipality.
Enjoying the Puerto Street Art murals is simple, comfortable, and highly recommended. The walking route can start from the Tourist Information Center (CIT), on Puerto Viejo street, an area with charming corners and delicious restaurants that incorporates the relaxed port atmosphere from the start with this colorful route.
Next to the CIT, we can recognize the mural known as “The Eternal Youth,” created by Andalusian artist Belin (Miguel Ángel Belichón), one of the best hyperrealistic artists. His work is one of the most striking and shows the face of a sailor, representing the important relationship this municipality has had with the sea since its inception as an old port of Valle de La Orotava. The sailor’s face, with its great realism, is weathered by the sun and salt. In his hands, he holds a small paper boat loaded with references to travel and the world. It is a work worth admiring for several minutes to not miss any detail.
Walking down Teobaldo Power street, we find the next mural by artist Kob, titled “Untitled.” It is an elongated, abstract mural that represents surreal scenes as well as invented vegetation and strange animals intertwined with each other. It is a work that will make your imagination fly as you try to distinguish figures in the conglomerate of species that form the work.
On the same street, we find the mural by one of the most valued Canary Island artists, Sabotaje el Montaje, with his work “Ritual.” In it, he pays tribute to the Guanche culture, the indigenous people of the islands, and to the natural environment of Tenerife. A work with a strong environmental message that invites us to reflect on the conservation of our surroundings.
Continuing on this route, we find the mural “La Sirena,” created by the artist known as Smithe. A work that represents a mermaid emerging from the sea and holding a fish in her hand, symbolizing the link between the sea and the people of Puerto de la Cruz.
As we continue on this route, we encounter more murals by artists such as Titi Freak, Guache, Isaac Cordal, and Eime. Each one has its own style and tells its own story, making this route a true outdoor museum where we can enjoy the art and discover the history and culture of Puerto de la Cruz.
But Puerto Street Art is not only limited to these murals. Throughout the city, you can find other artistic interventions such as graffiti, sculptures, and installations that are also part of this project.
In addition to being a cultural and artistic experience, visiting Puerto Street Art is also a way to get to know the city and its neighborhoods. The route takes us through the old seafaring neighborhood, where we can appreciate the traditional architecture and the charm of its streets. We can also take the opportunity to stop at some of the local shops and restaurants and try some of the delicious Canarian cuisine.
Puerto Street Art is a must-see for any visitor to Puerto de la Cruz. It is a unique and enriching way to discover the city and enjoy art in a different way. So make sure to add it to your itinerary and don’t miss the opportunity to discover this open-air museum in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz.