Most people head to the south of Tenerife.
It’s easy, dependable, and for many, exactly what they’re looking for.
But it’s not the only part of the island worth considering.
And for those who look beyond, the north offers something quite different.
It’s here, above Puerto de la Cruz, that Gran Hotel Taoro has quietly returned
A Different Side of Tenerife – And Why It Matters
Where you stay in Tenerife shapes the entire experience.
In the south, everything is designed for ease. In the north, it feels more organic- greener landscapes, historic towns, and a rhythm that belongs to the island rather than the visitor.
Puerto de la Cruz sits at the centre of it. A town with botanical gardens, shaded squares and coastal paths that feel lived-in, not constructed.
Gran Hotel Taoro is set just above it.
You can walk into town in around 10–15 minutes, though the return is uphill – which is where the hotel’s complimentary shuttle becomes genuinely useful. Running at set times throughout the day, it removes the small but noticeable friction of getting back, and makes the whole stay feel easier as a result.
It’s a simple detail. But it changes how the hotel works.
For those exploring beyond the obvious, this part of the island offers something far more characterful.
An Icon – Restored with Purpose
With a history rooted in the 19th century, Gran Hotel Taoro once drew European royalty, writers and notable figures to Tenerife’s northern coast.
What matters is how it has been brought back.
The restoration hasn’t tried to reinvent it. The neo-classical architecture remains intact, while the interiors introduce a lighter, more contemporary feel – natural materials, soft tones, and a sense of restraint.
This isn’t a hotel designed to impress at first glance.
It’s one that becomes more convincing the longer you spend there.
How It Actually Works – In Practice
Many hotels promise a lot. Fewer are as considered in how they function.
Here, the details are practical.
Three heated pools mean the hotel works just as well in winter as it does in summer – not as a feature, but as something you actually use. The gardens create space, and the setting brings a sense of calm that’s consistent throughout the day.
Dining is handled in the same way. Bed and breakfast is the standard, which suits the location – Puerto de la Cruz has enough to explore. But half board is available for those who prefer to have more arranged before arrival, giving structure where it’s wanted without limiting choice.
It’s not about offering everything. It’s about offering the right things.
Beyond the Hotel – A Reason to Be Here
Staying in the north only makes sense if you experience it.
Gran Hotel Taoro encourages that.
Through its X-Plora programme, guests are introduced to the island properly – botanical gardens, historic towns, volcanic landscapes. Not as a checklist, but as context.
Because this part of Tenerife is not about staying in one place.
It’s about understanding where you are.
Who It’s Right For
Gran Hotel Taoro has a more grown-up feel.
There’s no kids’ club or organised entertainment. Children are welcome – there’s a dedicated pool – but the hotel suits families who prefer independence over structure.
It works equally well for couples or solo travellers looking for something quieter, more considered, and less dictated.
In short, it’s for people who don’t need a hotel to plan their time for them.
Who It’s Right For
Gran Hotel Taoro has a more grown-up feel.
There’s no kids’ club or organised entertainment. Children are welcome – there’s a dedicated pool – but the hotel suits families who prefer independence over structure.
It works equally well for couples or solo travellers looking for something quieter, more considered, and less dictated.
In short, it’s for people who don’t need a hotel to plan their time for them.
Why We Chose It
We don’t add hotels lightly.
Gran Hotel Taoro stood out not just because of its history or its setting, but because of how well it works.
The location offers access without compromise. The details remove friction rather than add complexity. It works across seasons, and across different styles of travel.
It’s not simply a good hotel.
It’s a better way to experience Tenerife.
A Different Way to Do Tenerife
Gran Hotel Taoro won’t be for everyone.
But for those looking for a luxury hotel in north Tenerife – one that offers substance, setting, and a more considered way to experience the island – it feels entirely right.
Discover Gran Hotel Taoro – our team can guide you further: 01784 817720 or email info@discerningcollection.com
