In 1977, César Manrique, the architect-artist of Lanzarote, transformed the Puerto de la Cruz waterfront into a complex of saltwater pools that resembles a giant sculpture. Seven heated seawater basins, an artificial lagoon of 27,000 m² with a central island, fountains, palm trees and white sculptures set against the Atlantic. Lago Martiánez is at once a public swimming pool, a work of art and a testament to 1970s architecture integrated into volcanic nature.
The tip: Come on weekdays outside July-August, locals go on weekends, tourists often skip it in favor of beaches. Much more relaxed atmosphere, fewer crowds, same water.
Born in Lanzarote in 1919, César Manrique is the most important artistic figure in the Canary Islands. His principle: integrate architecture into the natural landscape rather than impose it upon it. In Lanzarote, he transformed volcanic caves into restaurants, cliffs into viewpoints. In Tenerife, he took a strip of black lava on the Puerto de la Cruz waterfront and made it into Lago Martiánez.
The result respects Manrique's codes: organic forms, immaculate white, local materials, no element that clashes with the environment. The pools follow the natural contours of the shore. The sculptures blend in as if they had always been there.
The complex is organized around a large central lagoon with an island. Around it, seven pools of different sizes, some for swimming, others for relaxation, one for children. The water is seawater, filtered and heated to 24-26°C year-round. Hot tubs (jacuzzis) are included in the ticket.
Terraces with loungers line the pools. A restaurant with a sea view terrace is open during opening hours. The Casino Taoro, also designed with Manrique's influence, is adjacent; the interior is worth a look even without gambling.
Ticket (general rates 2025): €7 adult · €4 child ≤10 years. Parasol and jacuzzi extra. Check lagomartianez.es. Loungers extra.
Hours: 10am-6pm (winter 10am-5pm). Closed for maintenance a few days per year, check the website.
Transport: TITSA bus 101 or 103 (Puerto de la Cruz, Lago stop) · On foot from town center (10 min) · Paid parking nearby.
To bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen (strong UV even in winter in Puerto de la Cruz), towel. Changing rooms and showers are included.
Lago is at the end of the Puerto de la Cruz seafront promenade. Plaza del Charco, 10 minutes on foot, is the lively central square, cafes, restaurants, local atmosphere in the evening. The Botanical Garden (Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava), one of Spain's finest, is 5 minutes by car, entry €3.
Puerto de la Cruz is the most touristy northern town but the least artificial. It has preserved its historic center, its narrow streets, its colonial houses with balconies. In contrast to southern tourism, you encounter as many locals as tourists.