Considered the beating heart of the town, Plaza del Charco (as it is known by the locals) is a large, tree covered square located close to the harbour in the seaside town of Puerto de la Cruz in the North of Tenerife.
Whilst there is no definite date for the construction of the square it has long been a meeting place for the locals and visiting tourists.
It began its function proper as a square in the 18th Century because of the increase in the number of buildings springing up around the port area and the commercial activities the port generated.
In 1835, important reformation work was carried out, with the paving of the walkways happening in 1880 and the installation of the fountain in 1911.
Located in the centre of the fountain is the imposing and much loved “ñamera” (a lush green beautiful plant) which symbolises the heart of the square.
A bandstand was built in the 20th Century, a platform for local entertainment (although now it is no longer there).
The shade in the plaza is provided by a combination of Canarian palm trees and magnificent Indian laurels brought from Cuba in 1852. The provision of benches located throughout the plaza make it an ideal spot to sit out of the sun and watch the world go by.
In the past, the square has had a variety of names such as Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza Real and during the time of the Franco dictatorship it was known as Plaza del Generalísimo Franco. At the end the Franco regime, the square returned to its original name. Despite the various names changes throughout its history, the locals however always referred to it as Plaza del Charco or Plaza del Charco de los Camarones.
When the sea was rough, waves would roll in to and out of the plaza leaving behind large puddles in which the locals fished for shrimp (camarones), hence the name!
The character of the square is further added to by the various picón pathways linking from the central fountain area towards the edges of the square and towards the children’s play area.
The well-known and iconic Bar Dinático is no longer there having been replaced by the more modern Club Café. Located around the edges of the square are many restaurants and bars, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Various kiosks are dotted around the square and serve ice creams, hot dogs and burgers as well as newspapers, magazines, toys and drinks.
Other local points of interest are located close to the square including The Old Customs House, the Archaeological Museum and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia.
As with any town square, many local fiestas and festivities are carried out here – including the Virgen del Carmen, the Mueca Festival and of course, the annual Carnaval.
The square has a distinct cosmopolitan air about it, but at the same time it is maintains a friendly and vibrant atmosphere making it popular for locals and tourists of all ages.
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