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Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital and largest city of Tenerife. It's also the capital city of the Canary Islands, together with Las Palmas.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Iglesia de la Concepción
Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís
The second most important church in the city, after the Church of the Conception, completed in 1680 and notable for the large number of artworks inside. It is a good example of Baroque architecture on the Canary Islands.
Auditorium designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Constructed between 1997 and 2003, the design is framed within the tenets of late-modern architecture of the late 20th century, and regarded as one of the finest modern buildings on the archipelago. It has been featured on post stamps and commemorative coins of €5. The auditorium is the most recognizable and most photographed structure in the city. The main hall has capacity for 1616 spectators with a 16.5 m wide stage.
Torres de Santa Cruz
Castillo de San Juan Bautista
Plaza de España
The largest square in the city, with an artificial lake fountain by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron in its centre. It was constructed at the original location of the Castle of San Cristóbal in 1929.
Castillo de San Cristóbal
The first fortification of significance on Tenerife, intended as defensive stronghold for the Santa Cruz Bay, constructed between 1575 and 1577 to protect the city against pirates. From the 20th century it lost its significance as defensive structure and was demolished in 1929 to make space for the Plaza de España, which was built over the foundations of the castle. When the Plaza was remodelled in 2006, remains of the castle were discovered and a tunnel was constructed to make them accessible to the general public. They can be visited, along with a small visitor centre.
Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología
Considered one of the best repositories of Pre-Castilian objects on the Canary Islands, with significant paleontological, botanical, entomological, and marine and terrestrial vertebrate collections. It holds the largest collection of Guanche objects, for which it is internationally best known. It is widely thought of as the best museum of the Canary Islands.
Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias
Military history museum in the north of the city, housed in Fort Almeyda, a fortress built in 1859 to house artillery pieces to protect the vulnerable side of Santa Cruz against English invaders threatening the coast since 1797 under the command of Rear Admiral Nelson. It was designed as a compensation for the lack of defenses on the northern and western parts of the city, and protect the entrance of the Almeida ravine.
Opened in 1989, the centre owns a studio and photo lab, a conference room, and specialized library with more than 3500 books and files.
Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes de Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Museum founded in 1840 when the city took the initiative to store flags from the Battle of Cape St Vincent in a permanent location. The classic style building was established in 1929 by architect Eladio Laredo, and decorated with 10 different busts. The museum has 14 rooms, with collections ranging from 16th century Flemish to 20th century paintings, along with numerous sculptures and crafts. The "Tríptico de Nava y Grimón" by the Flemish painter Pieter Coecke is one of the most important pieces on display. There are also works from Canarian painters Juan de Miranda, Afonso Gaspar de Quevedo, Jose Rivera, and Cristóbal Hernandez de Quintana.
Tenerife Espacio de las Artes
Cultural space and modern arts museum opened in 2008, with a permanent exhibition of the works of Óscar Domínguez.
Parque García Sanabria
Public park inaugurated in 1926, laid out as a large garden with fountains and architecture. It is the largest urban park in the Canarias with an area of 67 230 m². The most important eye catcher is the park's floral clock, manufactured in Switzerland and gifted to Tenerife by the Consul of Denmark in 1958.
Botanical garden with an area of 120 000 m² specialized in palms, set on an artificial hill overlooking the ocean. The garden includes a large system of streams, ponds, and waterfalls, as well as a museum dedicated to palms and a display shade house. Curiously, the botanical garden was built on a former landfill that was capped over in 1995, and opened to the public in 2014. It has over 600 species of palms on display, specializing in those native to tropical islands from around the world. The garden is an example of ecological botany, and is maintained without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Don't forget to pick up a map at the entrance for €0.50.
Water park designed by architect César Manrique, covering an area of 22 000 m², and aims to recreate a natural environment with volcanic rocks, palm trees, and ornamental plants. It has pools with sea water, artificial waterfalls, hot spring jacuzzi, and a small artificial beach. There are also sports facilities and a gym. However only one pool is open. Warning: there are no lockers to store valuables left unattended while swimming, and pickpockets roam around the park. Don't bring valuables into the park, and only bring the minimum amount of money necessary.
The carnival is the second biggest event of its kind (after the Rio de Janeiro Carneval). The historical event is held every February, and attracts around a million of visitors.
Tasca with typical Canarian food. Well presented. Abundant tapas. The ropa vieja with shredded meat is highly recommended. The place is very cosy. Fast service.
Small, authentic restaurant.' Fresh seafood and fish. Very tasty. Good atmosphere. Very friendly waiters. Locals eat here on a daily basis. They have more than 40 years of experience.
Good place to taste homemade menus. Their menus are healthy, they change them every day, always trying to make innovative dishes..
Very good pizzas, salads, and very friendly service. Modest and quiet inside. Also working late in the evening and the service is good.
Tender grilled meat. Nice grilled entrecôte. Calm backstreet seating. The escape from the sun in the shade is appreciated. The fish tartare and shrimp tempura are both very good.
Traditional restaurant. Great food and wine. The staff is friendly and professional. Cozy atmosphere. Service may be a bit slow.
Takeaway, homemade food. The roasted chickens have a very good taste. Nice service.
Typical restaurant; try ropa vieja (minced steak in tomato sauce).
Often regarded as the best restaurant of Santa Cruz, it specializes in a mix of Andalusian specialties and local Canarian cuisine. Great food, but relatively pricey.
Small place with great food. The lamb is nice. Well-chosen natural products and a varied menu of food and wine. The appetizer is offered as a courtesy on the house.
Great croquettes. The tortilla there is very good. A place with tradition, one of those that almost no longer remain.
Authentic homemade food and a nice service. Always very crowded, better to book. The staff is very friendly and they make you feel at home.
Upscale Spanish restaurant with a serious price tag. The food is excellent, and accompanied by a rich selection of local and European wines.
Parking can be a nightmare, so it's best to use one of the underground car parks at around €12 a day.
In the centre of the historical and business areas of the city. It is very close to the Auditorio, the shopping area, the harbour, and the theatres.
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Covered market in Neocolonial style, built in 1943 to accommodate the needs of the growing city after the old market on the other side of the Ravine of the Saints had become too small. It played an important role in the distribution of food on the island. Economic importance declined from 1974 when wholesale retailers took over the role of food distribution, and the reduced commercial activity facilitated the development of the laid back experience the market offers today.
Shopping mall with free toilets and a Carrefour supermarket to stock up on snacks and drinks.
By bus
There are lots of buses coming from other cities of Tenerife island. Routes and times can be checked on Titsa's website.
By car
The highways TF-1 (Tenerife Sur) and TF-2 (Tenerife Norte) meet south of Santa Cruz, making the capital well connected by the road network.
By boat
The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has become one of the main ports of the country.
By tram
Line 1 starts from the bus terminal and connects Santa Cruz with La Laguna, though it's slower than bus 15 if you're planning to travel the whole line.
By car
Driving is very fast or very slow with little in-between. Streets can be very narrow. Parking is hard in the centre unless you're willing to pay for private parking.
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Tenerife · International · TFN
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