The biggest and most popular tourist resort on the north coast of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz has a population of just under 32,000, and a history going back to the 17th century, when it was founded as Puerto de la Orotava, a port serving the town of La Orotava, and for a time significant for the export of wines produced in the area. The decline of the port due both to a drop in wine production and to the severe weather conditions experienced along this stretch of Tenerife’s coast, meant much of its activity was moved to santa Cruz de Tenerife. Renamed Puerto de la Cruz in 1831, the town began to attract tourists by the end of the 19th century, and towards the end of the 20th century, saw something of a tourist boom, as thousands visited Tenerife, to enjoy some winter sunshine and escape the dreary weather of their native countries. Having the disadvantage of rough seas and less than perfect beaches, Puerto de la Cruz, saw the construction of man made beaches, lidos and seawater pools to enable holidaymakers to get the most from their visit.