What to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and why go to the capital of the Canary Islands at all?
Santa Cruz probably shouldn't be your main destination in Tenerife, but it is a major transport hub and if you plan a trip here or a trip from the beach resorts, it's definitely worth staying here for a full day.
Book a hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Sights and buildings of interest
Although Santa Cruz isn't as historic a town as, say, nearby La Laguna, you'll find some interesting buildings and monuments here too.
- Church of the Assumption - the main church building dating back to the 1500s
- Castillo de San Juan Bautista - a 17th century fortress
- Auditorio - the most iconic building in the Canary Islands, a modern concert hall from 2003
City and nightlife
Santra Cruz de Tenerife has a small but very lively historic centre with plenty of pedestrian areas and quiet streets without much car traffic.
The area between La Recova market and the harbour is best for walking and nightlife.
You will find a large number of good restaurants, cafes and bars open long after midnight.
Beaches and swimming in the sea
The only place to swim in the town is at the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, a paid-for and very well-maintained swimming pool.
For a fee 7,50 eur you'll have access to two large saltwater pools as well as a small natural beach with black volcanic sand.
Just about 9 km north of town is one of the most famous beaches in the Canary Islands, Playa de las Teresitas.
Hiking
From the Barrio Nuevo district, there is a nice and very little-used trail leading up into the hills of the Anaga massif.
The trail takes you to the 706-metre high hill of Pico Hilario, from where you can descend to the historic town of La Laguna. There are many bus routes back to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Route length - 12.5 km / 4 hours
- Route map
