Here’s a list of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife, for a fun getaway!
So here I am again: back to travel Tenerife! This time, I am staying in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, north of the island.
If everything goes according to plan, we’ll start our trip to South America from the Canarian Islands.
But first, I put together this guide with the best things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife.
So far, things are going a bit differently than planned, and so we are “forced” to stay longer in Santa Cruz than initially planned.
After spending more than a month in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, I want to share with you some of my favorite things to do and places to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
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Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Tenerife? Have a look at my other posts:
- What is Tenerife famous for?
- What to Wear in Tenerife [Every Season!]
- Things To See In Tenerife By Car
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Table of Contents
Overview of things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife Old Town
- Anaga Park Excursion
- Santa Cruz Tenerife Tours
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1. The Auditorio De Tenerife
The Auditorio quickly became one of Santa Cruz’ most emblematic sights.
The building, designed by Santiago de Calatrava, is famous for its curvy lines. Indeed, the roof seems to float in the air!
The building hosts the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and has a rich cultural program throughout the year. Assisting an opera must be a truly unique experience!
I recommend walking around the Auditorio as you’ll love to spot the painted VIP portraits on the rocks.
2. Santa Cruz de Tenerife Old Town and Concepción Church
Whereas the Auditorio Adán Martín is emblematic of avant-garde architecture, the old town around Concepción church makes you feel like you are in a colonial city in South America.
Indeed, this is one of the most picturesque areas in Santa Cruz. The pastel-colored streets are inviting you for long walks and make the perfect photo backdrop.
You shouldn’t miss the oldest church in town, the Concepción Church, with its characteristic bell tower. The origins of this church go back to 1516.
Exploring the old city center of Tenerife’s capital is definitely one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife.
3. Mercado de Africa
My favorite part is the Mercado de Africa, the local market of Tenerife.
I loved to indulge in fresh seafood accompanied by a glass of cava. Here, you’ll discover tropical fruits and an unimaginable variety of potatoes (papas), the quintessence of Canarian gastronomy.
It is really the perfect place to absorb the local vibe and get a feeling for the daily grind in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
During weekends, people love to meet up in the market and have an aperitivo with some tapas.
4. Sanabria Park
Against my expectations, Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a large green lung!
Sanabria Park, with its “Flower Watch,” is a true gem. It is the place where couples and young families meet up for a walk.
You’ll find several water fountains and exotic plants all over the park.
I really enjoyed having my ice cream here at the small food stall and watching the daily grind. The long walks in Sanabria Park were one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife.
5. Tapas Time in Santa Cruz
The terraces in Calle S. Francisco were one of my favorite places to enjoy the finest Canarian cuisine.
From here, it’s only a stone’s throw to the romantic Plaza del Príncipe, where you’ll end up having endless philosophical talks. Indeed the square is one of the prettiest in town.
Piazza del Lago has a VIP view of Plaza España and serves the best pizzas in town.
6. Cesar Manrique Park
Cesar Manrique is the star architect of the Canary Islands. Some of his most famous designs can be found in Lanzarote, Puerto de la Cruz, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife!
Located next to the white Auditorio de Tenerife, the park comes with many water features and invites to relax.
There are beautiful palm trees and terraces to spend time next to the swimming pools. I even saw some people doing SUP-yoga in those pools!
The amusement park is definitely one of the things you should visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
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7. Las Teresitas Beach
Unfortunately, Santa Cruz de Tenerife has no direct beaches.
Therefore, one of the island’s largest sandy beaches and one of the best beaches in Tenerife, Las Teresitas, is only a 20-minute drive away.
On Sundays, the beach bars will get you in a Caribbean-inspired mood.
They are playing loud Salsa and rumba music, and you’ll have a blast if you love to mingle with people.
8. Excursion to Anaga Park
Santa Cruz is also the best starting point to discover Tenerife’s wild north: Anaga.
It holds some of the best beaches on the island, and some of the top hikes in Tenerife.
Playa Punta Santiago and Benijo are the most spectacular ones, and the restaurants like Casa Africa will serve you the freshest seafood.
The reason for Tenerife’s landscape variety is only one of some astonishing random facts about this unique island.
Compared to other capitals, Santa Cruz is really easygoing, and its many parks and plazas invite you to relax.
As much as I enjoy this slow-paced urban life, I can’t wait for our big adventure to start: crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
9. Discover Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre
So, let me tell you about this awesome spot in Santa Cruz, Tenerife – the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre.
It’s a gem if you’re into learning about the cool stuff that makes the Canary Islands unique.
When you step into this museum, get ready for a journey through time and culture.
What are the things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
The exhibits! Oh, they’re absolutely fascinating! You’ll find everything from ancient fossils and volcanic rocks to artifacts that tell the stories of the island’s indigenous peoples.
You can take your time wandering around, soaking up all the knowledge, and maybe even strike up a conversation with one of the friendly staff members.
It’s mind-blowing to see how nature and humans have shaped each other’s destinies here.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some breathtaking Tenerife pictures, you’ll definitely find some stunning shots to capture your memories!
10. Explore Castillo de San Juan Bautista
Hey, let me share with you one of the coolest spots in Santa Cruz, Tenerife – the Castillo de San Juan Bautista, one of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife hidden gems.
It’s like something out of a fairy tale, with its towering walls and ancient architecture. As you step inside, you can practically feel the history swirling around you.
What to see in Santa Cruz? This castle isn’t just a relic of the past. Nope, it’s been given a new lease on life as the Military Museum of the Canary Islands.
From ancient weapons and armor to fascinating displays about battles and conquests, there’s so much to see and learn here.
And the best part? It’s all presented in such a dynamic and engaging way that even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll still find yourself totally captivated.
11. Take a day trip to La Laguna
Head to La Laguna! It’s seriously one of my favorite places to explore near Santa Cruz, and I think you’re going to love it too.
As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by this charming UNESCO World Heritage town that’s just bursting with character.
What to do in Santa Cruz? The first thing you’ll notice is the architecture – it’s like stepping into a postcard from another era.
The streets are lined with colorful buildings, cobblestone pathways, and beautiful old churches.
But it’s not just about the looks – La Laguna has this lively atmosphere that’s just infectious.
The streets are bustling with locals going about their day, and there’s this energy in the air that’s hard to describe.
And let’s not forget about the food! La Laguna is known for its amazing culinary scene, so you’ll definitely want to indulge in some local delicacies while you’re here.
From traditional Canarian dishes to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
And don’t forget to snap some breathtaking Tenerife photos while you’re exploring La Laguna’s picturesque streets!
12. Go shopping on Calle Castillo
Guess what’s one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Shopping on Calle Castillo! It’s like unlocking a hidden gem right in the heart of the city.
What to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife? From trendy fashion stores to quirky little shops selling handmade treasures, there’s something here for everyone.
And let me tell you, the atmosphere on Calle Castillo is just electric. It’s like this vibrant hub of activity, with locals and tourists alike bustling about, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city.
But here’s the best part – the shopping! Seriously, you won’t believe the variety of stuff you can find here.
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs to remember your trip or high-end designer goods, Calle Castillo has got you covered.
13. Visit the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA)
The Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, or TEA for short is like stepping into a whole new world of art and culture, and trust me, you’re going to love every minute of it.
It is one of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife landmarks. As you walk through the doors of TEA, get ready to be blown away by the amazing contemporary art that’s on display.
What is there to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife? I’m talking about mind-bending installations, thought-provoking sculptures, and vibrant paintings that will leave you in awe.
It’s like a feast for the senses, and you’ll find yourself totally immersed in the creativity all around you.
But TEA isn’t just about admiring art from afar – oh no, it’s so much more than that. This place is like a cultural hub where you can really dive deep into the world of contemporary art and culture.
There are workshops, lectures, and even live performances that will give you a whole new perspective on the art world.
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Everybody should have lived the madness of Santa Cruz’ Carnival. During almost one week in February, the city is out of control. Be sure that your costume is original… the Canarians take months to get theirs tailor-made.
More about Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Indeed, I was planning to hitchhike the Atlantic by boat, and we are having a hard time finding a boat.
This gives us time enough to discover hidden jewels of Santa Cruz that not many tourists get to see but which are some of the very best things to do in Tenerife.
Primark and KFC are often the main reason why tourists from the south visit Santa Cruz.
But there’s much more than that! It’s the contrast between futuristic design and colonial architecture that gives the city a unique touch.
Basic Travel Information to Visit Tenerife
How to get to Tenerife
By airplane to Tenerife South Airport or Tenerife North Airport. Check here the cheapest flights to Tenerife South or flights to Tenerife North airport.
That being said, the main tourist hub can all be found close to Tenerife South Airport.
Check airport transfer deals to your hotel.
How to get around Tenerife
I highly recommend renting a car. Whereas public transportation is more or less reliable in the southern part of the island. It can take a long time to get from South Tenerife to Northern Tenerife.
Northern Tenerife is a gem itself and particularly if you want to do trips to Mount Teide, a rental car is the best way to go.
Check here for the cheapest car rentals in Tenerife.
Where to stay in Tenerife
The question should rather be, where not to stay in Tenerife? Every part of the island has its very own particular charm.
During our visit to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we stayed in several AirBnBs and hostels and even tried Couchsurfing.
You’ll find fantastic spa hotels in Tenerife and great family hotels in Tenerife, so it depends on what you’re looking for.
Roughly said, the northern part of Tenerife is great for hikers, outdoor activities in Tenerife, and pristine nature lovers.
I recommend the south of the island such as Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, or Los Gigantes for those who are looking for beach holidays and all the facilities of a tourist hub.
There are many amazing things to do in Costa Adeje and the surrounding area.
Some of the hotels that I would recommend, based on their location in town and their reviews, are the following:
Budget:
Hotel Principe Paz ***
NH Tenerife ***
Enjoy and relax:
Hotel Colon Rambla ****
Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz ****
Luxury Experience in Santa Cruz:
Iberostar Gran Mencey *****
Hotel Taburiente ****
Read more about where to stay in Tenerife.
FAQs on the best things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife
What to see in Santa Cruz Tenerife?
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, visitors should make sure to see iconic landmarks such as the Auditorio de Tenerife, the stunning Playa de las Teresitas, Santa Cruz old town, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of its bustling streets and markets.
What to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife?
The best things to do Santa Cruz de Tenerife include activities such as exploring historic sites like the Castillo de San Juan Bautista, indulging in shopping along Calle Castillo, and immersing themselves in art and culture at the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA).
What to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you can explore the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, stroll through Mercado de Africa, visit the Concepcion Church, and soak up the sun at Las Teresitas Beach.
Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip
- You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my GoPro in order to shoot even in extreme situations.
- Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies.
- Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials.
- Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books.
- Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
To make the most of your trip, I recommend Lonely Planet Tenerife
(Get -10% off with code “PAULINA10”)
For more information about tourism in Tenerife, I recommend the following webpage: Tourism of Tenerife.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
