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14 Top Places to Visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
14 Top Places to Visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Let's explore 14 top-rated spots in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Visit Auditorio de Tenerife, peaceful urban parks, and golden beaches. This guide will help you explore the very best Santa Cruz has to offer.
A full Google map with all destinations highlighted gives you a quick overview for better planning.
Is Santa Cruz de Tenerife just another sunny city on the Atlantic coast? As soon as you find yourself on its streets, you understand that this place is special. The color and history of this city are difficult to convey in words, and its rhythm is addictive. We'll take you through the TOP 14 places in the city. A special bonus is that you can visit them in one day. Be prepared, as the desire to buy a ticket may arise suddenly!
Note: we provide links to Google Maps of each location, so you’ll find them easily.
1. Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín
Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín
TheAuditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín sets the rhythm of the landscape. Its recognizable silhouette with a “floating” wave of a roof instantly attracts attention, and it looks like an architectural masterpiece of the future. But behind the futuristic appearance lies an even deeper meaning. Music, theater, and unforgettable emotions are born here.
This building was designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, known for his bold forms and attention to detail. Even if you are not planning to visit a concert, it is worth stopping by for a tour. The interior halls amaze with their acoustics and atmosphere. The view of the ocean from the terraces is breathtaking.
2. Castle of St John the Baptist (Castillo Negro)
Castle of St John the Baptist
Castle of St John the Baptist
The Castle of St John the Baptist (locals call it Castillo Negro) is located nearby to the previous place. This location is a true witness to the struggle for control over the Atlantic waters. The castle was built in the 17th century to protect against pirates and British invasions. The islanders successfully repelled the attack of Horatio Nelson in 1977 from this place. The admiral lost his arm in the battle.
Architecturally, the fortress is a classic circular tower with thick walls made of dark volcanic stone, hence the nickname "Black Castle". Today, this castle is surrounded by a modern walking area, but the fortress itself has retained an atmosphere of military severity.
3. Parque Marítimo César Manrique
Parque Marítimo César Manrique
Our next destination is the Parque Marítimo César Manrique. It is an open-air complex of seawater swimming pools right on the coast. Here, you can relax and swim without leaving the city. The complex includes several pools of different depths (including children's pools), sun loungers, palm trees, showers, and changing rooms.
The place was designed by the famous Canarian architect Cesar Manrique. That's why its design includes many natural elements: lava rocks, cacti, and waterfalls. The territory is in tip-top condition and clean. There is a payment fee to enter, yet the price is low. You can also visit a cafe and bar with an ocean view to have a snack.
4. Palmetum
Palmetum Botanical Garden
Palmetum is a botanical garden consisting mainly of palm trees (unexpected, right?). No other botanical garden offers visitors such a collection of palms. You'll see plants from all tropical regions of the world, including Africa, America, Asia, and Oceania. In total, there are more than 500 species, including rare and endangered ones.
The garden is located on a hill overlooking the ocean and the port. It is convenient to walk around it as the routes are laid along well-groomed paths. There are also signs and information boards that help to find your way. A walk through the garden will take you about an hour and a half, so there are shady areas, benches, and places for photos. Of course, you'll also find a souvenir shop, toilets and rest areas.
5. Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
The next stop is Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, one of the symbols of Tenerife's history and culture. The first chapel was built after the Spanish conquerors landed here at the end of the 15th century. Soon, it turned into the main Catholic church of the city.
It is the only church in the Canary Islands with five naves. Inside, you can see carved altars, marble details, and an ancient organ brought from London in the 19th century. The church has repeatedly suffered from fires and destruction, but each time it was restored, and now it is open to visitors.
6. Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís
Parish of St. Francisco de Asís
Another religious landmark of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the Parish of St. Francisco de Asís, recognized as a monument of cultural heritage. This place was part of a temple, but after its closure and several years of inactivity, it became an independent church. If you want to see a striking example of Canarian Baroque, then this is the place for you. There is a nave with arches and columns and an altar decorated with gilded carvings.
It is also important that the figure of Señor de las Tribulaciones is kept here. There is a legend that this sculpture saved the city from a cholera epidemic in 1893 after it was carried through the streets. In addition to the figure, you'll find other amazing works of art here.
7. Museo de las ilusiones Tenerife
Museum of illusions
The Museo de las ilusiones Tenerife / Museum of illusions Tenerife is a place where everything is not what it seems. Here, you can play with shadows and light, face incredible optical illusions, and discover scientific exhibits. It is located in the building of a former tobacco factory from 1928, so the atmosphere is very unusual here.
Entrance is paid, but residents of the Canary Islands are eligible for discounts. You can visit on both weekdays and weekends. The venue is located near the city center, making it easily accessible as part of your route.
8. Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueología
Museum of Nature and Archaeology
Museum of Nature and Archaeology appears ancient from both the street and inside. If you want to learn more about the nature of the Canary Islands and their ancient culture, then this is the place for you.
The building used to be a hospital and is now recognized as a cultural heritage site. Inside, there are many exhibits, most of which are dedicated to the wildlife of the islands. You'll see rare species of animals, plants, fossils, and a collection of artifacts dedicated to the indigenous people of Tenerife.
9. Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
The Mercado Ntra. Señora de África is a market that is over 80 years old. This market has a characteristic style with arches, a central courtyard, and a clock tower. The name of the market is given in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Africa, and inside, you can find a small statue dedicated to her. Now, the market is open every day, and you can buy local delicacies, wine, food, and also try the local cuisine.
10. Parque García Sanabria
Parque García Sanabria
After seeing so many cultural attractions, it's time to head to the park. Namely, Parque García Sanabria- the largest park among all the Canary Islands with an area of more than 67,000 square meters (about 10 football fields). Here, you'll see both a botanical garden and a sculpture gallery right under the sky.
One of the most interesting attractions in this park that is definitely worth seeing is the flower clock made in Switzerland. You can find it right next to the entrance from C. el Pilar.
11. Modern Town
Modern Town
Everyday life is in full swing in Santa Cruz. There are offices, shops, government agencies, schools and universities. People rush to work, meet for coffee, take their children to school, shop, and relax in parks and on cafe terraces. There are many modern streets that are clean and green.
Santa Cruz is convenient and safe, and it offers good infrastructure and public transport. It is also not as noisy as large megapolises because Canarian traditions and European modernity are combined here.
12. Playa de Las Teresitas
Playa de Las Teresitas
It is best to get to Playa de Las Teresitas by car, as the beach is located far from the city center. The sand for this beach was brought from the Sahara, so it is one of the rare beaches that does not have black volcanic sand.
You can swim here thanks to a breakwater that protects you from the strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach has sun loungers for rent, cafes, showers, washrooms, and everything you need for a relaxing holiday by the ocean.
13. Marina Santa Cruz & Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port
Marina Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port are located nearby. At the first location, you will find many moored sports yachts. Here you can see beautiful sunsets or rent a yacht for a sea trip. The port is not much different from locations in other cities, but sometimes you can often see beautiful cruise liners here.
14. Plaza de España
Plaza de España
The icing on the cake of the most beautiful places in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is Plaza de España. The main square of the city is also the largest in the entire archipelago. In the center of the square, you can see a 25-meter tower in the shape of a cross decorated with various sculptures. There is also a large artificial pool with seawater, and a geyser shoots a stream of water up to 30 meters high. You can also visit a museum with various historical exhibits.
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