The export economy established by the European colonizers after the conquest in the 15th century generated large commercial and passenger movements for decades.

The proximity of the Canary Islands to Europe meant that travel for health reasons was a primary driver for launching modern tourism here.

At this stage Puerto de la Cruz was a leading cultural center accommodating many travellers and writers, including William Wilde, Alexander von Humboldt, or Sabin Berthelot.

[citation needed] Puerto de la Cruz therefore gained an illustrious reputation in Europe, and when it came to the subsequent advent of modern tourism, the city was at an advantage compared with other tourist sites.

In the mid-17th century the inhabitants began to express their desire to form their own community, receiving the Royal Provision of Felipe IV on 3 May 1651, which empowered them to appoint a village head.

During the second edition of the Ecological Film Festival of Nature in Puerto de la Cruz, at which guests were invited to give lectures and provide round tables, the Tenerife Manifesto was announced (29 May 1983).

Tourism is an important industry in Puerto de la Cruz, as evidenced by the number of large hotels visible on the skyline.

Puerto de la Cruz is frequented by Northern Europeans during the winter months, due to its mild climate, and is particularly popular over the Christmas and the New Year periods.

Because of the normally mild July weather, people go in T-shirt and shorts, or just bathing suits, and enjoy a quick dip in the waters of the port to help cool themselves down.

A few days before the main carnival procession a large papier mache sardine is wheeled through the streets, brought to the waterfront and "blessed" with "holy water" (normally petrol or lighter fluid) by a man dressed as a bishop.