Art is part of a walk around Puerto de la Cruz. In La Ranilla, large wall murals share the streets with paintings on family homes and small figures you might otherwise miss. Julio Nieto’s five faces take you further across town, while Casa de la Aduana and Castillo San Felipe offer places to enjoy art indoors. Explore the guides below, then see our Events page for exhibitions during your visit.
Start with street art in La Ranilla
Walk west from Plaza del Charco into La Ranilla and outdoor art soon becomes part of the neighbourhood. Some works fill the sides of buildings; others sit beside doorways or hide in smaller street details. Our Street Art in Puerto de la Cruz guide brings these different works together and helps you decide where to wander.
Follow the wall murals guided walk
Across La Ranilla, large murals turn building walls into an open-air gallery. Puerto Street Art began in 2014 and grew through later phases, bringing different artists and styles to the old town. Follow our Wall Murals of Puerto de la Cruz Guided Tour for the filmed walk and stories behind the artworks. Take your time in the streets and enjoy the murals from public space; outdoor work can change.
Notice the Apodos painted houses
Look around the doors and windows of La Ranilla's houses as well as up at the larger walls. Local artist Juliana Serrano's Apodos paintings give visual form to family nicknames, connecting the art with people who live here. Our Apodos painted houses guide shares more of their story. These are people's homes, so enjoy the paintings from the public street and leave entrances clear.
Look for Puerto's Little Men and Women
Keep an eye out for small figures as you explore the town. Puerto's Little Men and Women reward a closer look and make a walk feel like a gentle treasure hunt. Our Little Men guide has a film and map to get you started. Individual figures may move or disappear, so enjoy whatever you find along the way.
Find Julio Nieto's 5 Faces
Julio Nieto's five concrete faces, known as Somos lo mismo, can be found in different parts of Puerto de la Cruz. Created for MUECA's 2020 urban-art programme, they invite a closer look at what people share across cultures. Our 5 Faces guide explains the work and has a map to help you seek them out.
Explore a changing street art hotspot
Away from La Ranilla, another street art spot is always worth a fresh look. New pieces appear and older work can be painted over, making each visit a little different. Our Street Art Hotspot guide shows where to go and brings together our films of the area over several years. Please enjoy the murals from public space and leave the walls as you find them.
Art inside Casa de la Aduana
Beside the old fishing harbour, Casa de la Aduana houses the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl (MACEW). Its collection includes twentieth-century art and work connected to the Canary Islands, and the historic building also hosts changing exhibitions. It makes a welcome indoor stop during a walk around the harbour. Check the day's opening arrangements if you plan to go inside.
Exhibitions at Castillo San Felipe
Near Playa Jardín, the former coastal fort is now El Castillo Espacio Cultural. Its exhibition room gives you a chance to see art inside one of Puerto de la Cruz's historic landmarks. You can admire the castle from the seafront at any time; for an indoor exhibition, check the current programme and opening arrangements before your visit.
Upcoming art events and exhibitions
Looking for an exhibition, opening or art activity during your stay? Browse our Puerto de la Cruz Events page for announcements and visiting details. Exhibitions at local venues change throughout the year.
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