PLAYA JARDIN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ TENERIFE

In 1992 the Canarian artist Cesar Manrique transformed the neglected rocky bay near the Castillo de San Felipe into a remarkable waterfront beach garden. Manrique had had earlier success with the Lago Martianez (opposite!. nearer the town centre. The site was chosen partly because the coast is more sheltered here and has less dangerous currents. Over 20,OOOcu. m of dark sand were imported to form a glorious stretch of beach, heightened by magnificent gardens of flowering bushes, palms and exotics cultivated on the surrounding sand and rock. Rocks rising inland add a backdrop to the scene.

Thousands of off-shore concrete wave breakers hidden beneath the water protect Manrique's beach and gardens from the power of the ocean. As a result, Playa Jardin has  become one of the resort's most popular beaches. It has been awarded a Blue Flag, a symbol of good environmental standards and safety.