The Plaza del Charco is undoubtedly one of the most important points of Puerto de la Cruz, witness to countless stories, encounters of friends, politicians and relatives, hosting the best parties in the city and the symbol of the cultural life of the town since more than a century
The Plaza del Charco has been throughout history one of the main points of concentration of the portuenses and tourists for a long time, although its function as a square was not given until the eighteenth century. It later went through several reforms, one of the most important took place in 1835. In 1880 the paths were paved. In the early twentieth century the pile at its center was constructed and later a historic bandstand that housed numerous performances that enlivened the environment.
The Plaza del Charco was a place of confluence in general of all the inhabitants of Puerto de la Cruz, but also between the 50s and 70s it was common to see here what at that time was considered the highest social class of the city.
What to find at Plaza del Charco?
The Plaza del Charco is full of cafes and restaurants with acceptable prices, in which you’ll take a beer, eat a snack, cool off with an ice cream on a hot day, eat a pizza or any pasta dish in some of Italian cuisine restaurants which are located in the area, or generally any dish that is within the menu of the restaurants around.
The square is dominated by Indian laurels imported from Cuba in 1852 and palm trees inside, some of which provide shade on banks that are also found in the square. Here you can relax while watching the comings and goings of residents and tourists from Puerto de la Cruz, making it a perfect place to rest for a few minutes, if you’ve been walking and visiting the most important places to see in the Port de la Cruz and want to pause before proceeding. Also, you can find one of the most characteristic features of the square, to the center pile with the yam tree.
In addition, at night the Plaza del Charco is transformed, taking a different turn. The lighting of the square and some live music you can find in the area, provide at the Plaza del Charco a special atmosphere, perfect for a cocktail or dinner with friends or family. Younger or more party spirited people will find in the area some bars, where you can enjoy good music or comic monologues for having fun long hours of the night. That is why the Plaza del Charco is possibly one of the points where you find most entertainment during an evening stroll around town.
Near it are other attractions of Puerto de la Cruz, such as the Archaeological Museum or the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia.
The Plaza del Charco in the celebrations of Puerto de la Cruz
The characteristics of the Plaza del Charco are perfect for hosting a multitude of people, this is why it is usually one of the busiest points in festivals, celebrations and events of all kinds, such as the Embarcación de la Virgen del Carmen, the Festival Mueca or the Carnaval of Puerto de la Cruz.
Whence comes the name of the Plaza del Charco?
The name of the Plaza del Charco was given by the inhabitants of Puerto de la Cruz, as was the popular way in which it was known, although sometimes it was known as the Plaza del Charco de los Camarones. This is because once, depending on the tides, waves came through the pier to it, leaving many pools (“charcos”) in the area, which at times were surrounded with stones to raise shrimp (“camarones”) or fish in them.
But apart from this name, depending on the historical period, it received various names, such as Constitution Square, the Royal Plaza, or at time of the Franco dictatorship that took place in Spain, it was called Plaza del Generalísismo Franco, until finally it returned our days to the original name. It must be said that despite the name changes it has suffered, the inhabitants of Puerto de la Cruz have always referred to it as the Plaza del Charco.
Come to Puerto de la Cruz and get to know this emblematic square
In short, as you could see, at your visit to Puerto de la Cruz you have a mandatory stop at the Plaza del Charco, either at any time of the day to rest from your stroll through the most important places of the city, or at night to enjoy a delicious dinner, the night atmosphere and a cocktail at one of the bars that are around. In Apartments Ambassador, we hope that reading this article has inspired you to know a little more of our city. We are happy to welcome you in our facilities and make your stay in Puerto de la Cruz as pleasant as possible.
