Discovering the Spirit of North Tenerife: A Review of the 5-Star Gran Hotel Taoro
When most people think of Tenerife, they picture the sun-baked, volcanic golden beaches of the south. But there is another side to the island. One defined by dramatic green cliffs, historic colonial architecture, vibrant local cuisine, and rich maritime heritage.
Following a meticulous restoration that honors its history as Spain's very first luxury hotel from the 19th century, the 5-star Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz has officially reopened its doors. Following a three-night stay at the end of June 2026, it is clear that this historic landmark isn't just a place to unpack your bags. It is the ultimate gateway to an authentic northern Canary Island experience.
First Impressions: History Restored to Five-Star Luxury
Gran Hotel Taoro perches majestically on a hilltop position, commanding spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide. What makes this hotel exceptional is how seamlessly old-world architecture breathes alongside modern luxury. The restoration team preserved the historic character of the building while introducing sleek, contemporary comforts.
Who is it Best For?
The resort targets an adult-focused audience. While it features a beautiful children's pool, there are no dedicated kids' clubs or child-focused amenities. It provides a peaceful, sophisticated sanctuary perfectly tailored to:
- Couples seeking a romantic, quiet getaway.
- Solo travellers looking for a safe, welcoming, and high-end base to explore the island.
- Guests with reduced mobility, as the property is exceptionally mobility-friendly with ramps seamlessly integrated throughout the public spaces alongside fully accessible room options.
Room with a View
The rooms are spacious, outfitted with luxury accents like Nespresso machines and premium Anne Semonin amenities. Depending on what you look for in a morning vista, you can choose between lush garden views, dramatic mountain lookouts, or sweeping Atlantic oceanfront views. If you are lucky, you can secure a Panoramic View Room, which showcases the clouds drifting across Mount Teide on one side and the sun setting over the ocean on the other.
Sunsets and World-Class Gastronomy
The culinary experience at Gran Hotel Taoro is elevated by collaborations with world-class chefs. The property offers flexible meal plans including Room Only, Bed & Breakfast, and an immersive Half Board option that allows you to tour the specialty à la carte restaurants.
- OKA: The hotel’s fine-dining Japanese restaurant masterminded by Michelin-starred chef Ricardo Sanz. Here, you can enjoy beautifully presented plates followed by an espresso martini as the daylight gives way to a vibrant Canarian night.
- La Carola: The casual poolside terrace restaurant, showcasing a clever fusion of Canarian and Peruvian flavours. A delicious culinary nod to Tenerife’s deep historic ties to Latin America.
- Amalur & LAVA: Elevated dining concepts designed by Michelin-starred chef Erlantz Gorostiza, celebrating seasonal ingredients and local gastronomy.
The Highlight: Sunset from the hotel grounds is an event in itself. Watch the sky shift through intense shades of orange and pink as the evening light catches the historic facades, all while sipping a glass of spectacular local Canarian wine grown in the volcanic soil of the surrounding hills.
Exploring the Authentic Charm of Northern Tenerife
One of the greatest advantages of choosing the Gran Hotel Taoro is its connection to the surrounding towns and historic landmarks. The climate here is slightly cooler and greener than the south, making it highly comfortable to explore on foot.
Puerto de la Cruz
Located just a 15-to-20-minute downhill walk through beautiful subtropical gardens, the resort center of Puerto de la Cruz is a town of fascinating contrasts. Historic squares and traditional Canarian wooden balconies sit comfortably next to modern waterfront promenades, vibrant street art, and the famous black-sand beaches like Playa Jardín. While the walk down is a scenic stroll, the journey back up the hill is best managed via a cheap €5 to €8 short taxi ride.
La Orotava
A personal favorite, this nearby historic town features steep cobbled streets where centuries of history spill down every corner. It is a destination that rewards travellers who slow down to inspect the intricate details: the iconic carved wooden balconies, flower-filled inner courtyards, and quiet, colourful town squares.
Garachico and Icod de los Vinos
A short drive further out reveals the resilient town of Garachico, which beautifully rebuilt itself after a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 1706 changed its landscape forever. While touring the coast, stop in Icod de los Vinos to view the famous ancient Dragon Tree, a sculptural botanical wonder that feels entirely otherworldly.
How to Try a Traditional Canarian Barraquito
You cannot visit northern Tenerife without stopping at a local cafe or a dramatic cliffside mirador (viewpoint) to order a traditional barraquito. It is a beautifully layered specialty coffee drink that looks like a work of art and tastes like a holiday.
- Sweeten the Base: Layer 1 - Pour a generous layer of thick condensed milk directly into the bottom of a small, clear glass.
- Add the Kick: Layer 2 - Gently layer Cuarenta y Tres (Licor 43), a sweet Spanish citrus-vanilla liqueur, over the back of a spoon so it sits cleanly on top of the milk.
- Pour the Espresso: Layer 3 - Carefully add a hot shot of strong espresso coffee, creating a dark, defining middle band.
- Top with Milk Foam: Layer 4 - Top the glass with a thick layer of frothed milk, then garnish with a dusting of cinnamon and a small piece of lemon peel.
Let's Design Your Perfect Canary Island Escape
Gran Hotel Taoro is a rare find. A property that offers five-star luxury without feeling disconnected from its home. It doesn't try to be the whole experience; instead, it gently encourages you to step outside, discover the authentic character of North Tenerife, and return each evening to watch the sun dip below the Atlantic horizon.
As a dedicated travel planner, I hand-craft tailored packages and secure the best contract rates across top booking platforms to ensure your holiday is seamlessly arranged from flights to five-star suites.
Head over to my Top Selling Holidays Page to look at our latest curated getaways, or send over a message today to start putting together your bespoke northern Tenerife itinerary!
