Things to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
1 Plaza de España
Start your day at Plaza de España. Built in 1929 over the San Cristóbal Castle, it’s the largest square in the Canary Islands.
Here you’ll find a large saltwater lake where you can enjoy one of the city’s most beautiful sunsets. Look out for the famous city letters, the monument to the fallen, and a tower with a cross shape.
This square is also the meeting point for free walking tours around the city.
Book a Free Tour of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
2 Plaza de la Candelaria
The Plaza de la Candelaria is one of the main squares in the capital, located close to Plaza de España. It dates back to the 16th century when it served as the parade ground of the old San Cristóbal Castle. It became a public space in the 18th century.
Throughout history, the square has had several names: Plaza del Castillo, Plaza Real, Plaza de la Constitución, and Plaza de la Pila, named after a fountain that provided water to the city and incoming ships. This fountain was the first decorative element in a public space in Santa Cruz. In 1956, it was renamed in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of Tenerife and the Canary Islands.
The square features the Triumph of the Candelaria Monument, a marble sculpture from Genoa, symbolizing the Virgin’s appearance and the conversion of the Guanche kings.
3 Church of Our Lady of the Conception
Built in 1499 on the first chapel Spanish conquerors constructed in Tenerife, the Church of Our Lady of the Conception stands out with its tower visible throughout the city and its traditional Canarian pine wood balconies.
Inside, you’ll find the impressive altar featuring the Cross of the Conquest, which gave the city its name.
4 MUNA – Museum of Nature and Archaeology
Housed in the former civil hospital of Santa Cruz, the Museum of Nature and Archaeology offers the largest collection on Guanche culture.
Inside, you’ll find collections of preserved animals, volcanic rocks, skeletal remains, and mummies of the island’s original inhabitants.
Admission
- Adults: €5 (Canary Islands residents €3)
- Students, seniors, large families, and groups of 8 or more: €3.50 (Canary Islands residents €2)
- Free for children under 8
- Free entry on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 PM until closing
Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sundays and holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Last admission 30 minutes before closing
5 TEA Tenerife Space of the Arts
With over 20,000 square meters, TEA houses a museum and a contemporary art center, the Tenerife Photography Center, and the Central Municipal Library.
Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, this striking building has a modern style. The same architects also designed the Tate Modern in London and the National Stadium in Beijing.
The TEA has hosted works by artists like Dalí, Picasso, Man Ray, Penrose, Patti Smith, and Tàpies, as well as focusing on the works of Tenerife-born surrealist Oscar Domínguez.
While entry is free, weekend film screenings and some temporary exhibits have admission fees. Check the official website for pricing and details on events.
Admission
- Free
- TEA Cinema: €4
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Cinema: Friday to Sunday at 7:00 PM
6 Nuestra Señora de África Market
Locally known as “La Recova”, the Nuestra Señora de África Market opened in 1944. Built in a neo-colonial style, it’s named after the Virgin of Africa.
Right at the market’s entrance, you’ll see a statue of the Virgin across from the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron of the Canary Islands.
Today, it’s the most popular market in the city. Visit to explore local flavors and discover tropical fruits that you won’t find on the mainland.
Entrance Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Generally open every day except holidays.
7 Guimerá Theatre
The Guimerá Theatre, the oldest theater in the Canary Islands, was inaugurated in 1851. Located in Isla de la Madera Square, it was built on the ruins of an old Dominican convent demolished after the Mendizábal Confiscation during Queen Isabel II’s reign. For many years, it was known as “Teatro Isabel II”, a name that’s still visible on its façade.
Designed in 1849 by Manuel de Oraá in a classicist, romantic style, the theater was renamed after the writer, poet, and playwright Ángel Guimerá when he passed away in 1923. Although the interior was fully renovated in 1911, the theater remains a lively hub for performing arts in the city, alongside the Auditorium.
The theater’s highlight is the “Per Adriano” sculpture, a female face located in front of the façade that was part of the First International Street Sculpture Exhibition. To see inside the theater, you’ll need to attend a performance.
8 Plaza del Chicharro
Continuing our tour through Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Plaza del Chicharro is one of the most popular squares in the city.
Its name comes from a bronze sculpture placed here in 1979, honoring the “chicharro” or horse mackerel, a fish that was a staple for fishermen in the humble, early days of Santa Cruz.
Interestingly, locals from La Laguna originally used the term “chicharreros” as a nickname for people from Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz.
9 Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias
Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias was designed in 1857 by Manuel de Oraá y Arcocha. This square was built on the grounds of the old orchard of the now-gone San Pedro de Alcántara convent.
Inaugurated in 1860 in honor of Alfonso XII, then Prince of Asturias, the square is notable for its central bandstand, added in 1929, and surrounded by Indian laurels.
There are also two Genoese statues in the plaza that represent Spring and Summer.
10 García Sanabria Park
Recognized as a Cultural Heritage Site, García Sanabria Park is the largest urban park in the Canary Islands and a fantastic free thing to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
On Pilar Street, you’ll find the famous Flower Clock, made in Switzerland and gifted to the city by the Danish consul in 1958.
The park is filled with fountains and statues, and at night, you can see the names of various famous artists illuminated throughout the park.
It’s truly one of the most beautiful parks to visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
11 Plaza Weyler
Built in 1893 as a front plaza for the General Captaincy building, Plaza Weyler is one of the main meeting spots in the city.
At its center, there’s a white Carrara marble fountain with neo-Renaissance details.
This popular plaza is busy due to its location between Castillo Street and the shopping area of Rambla Pulido. It’s also a stop for the tram.
12 Carnival House
The Tenerife Carnival is one of the most famous in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival.
This museum dedicated to the carnival showcases different carnival costumes, including the queen’s outfit.
Fun fact: during the Franco dictatorship, Tenerife’s Carnival had to be called the Winter Festivities.
Entrance Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Every day from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
13 Tenerife Auditorium
Opened in 2003 and designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Tenerife Auditorium is the most iconic building in the city and a must-see when exploring Things to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Built by the sea, the Adán Martín Tenerife Auditorium offers one of the best sunset views in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A visit here lets you enjoy its beautiful architecture, as well as cultural events, concerts, and performances hosted in this major cultural center.
Entrance Fee
- Under 30: €5. A €1 surcharge applies to tickets purchased on the official website.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Hours may vary on holidays and in August.
14 San Juan Bautista Castle
Just a short walk from the Tenerife Auditorium, you’ll find San Juan Bautista Castle. Also known as the Black Castle, it was built in 1641 to defend the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
While you can’t go inside, this spot offers one of the best views of the Tenerife Auditorium.
15 César Manrique Maritime Park
Covering over 22,000 square meters, this masterpiece by architect César Manrique is a great place to unwind in the island’s capital.
Inside, you’ll find several saltwater pools, restaurants, a sports area, and a children’s play zone. It’s one of the top Things to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Kids.
Entrance Fee
- Adult with lounge chair: €5
- 65+ and retired: €2.50
- Under 12: €1.50
- Under 3: Free
- Umbrella rental: €3 (or €1 for 65+).
Opening Hours
- Summer: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Winter: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
16 Palmetum
Spanning over 12 hectares, the Palmetum is a botanical garden that features different palm species from around the world.
The Palmetum houses over 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including around 600 types of palm trees.
From this botanical garden, you’ll get one of the best views of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Fun fact: the garden was built on a former landfill.
Entrance Fee
- Adults: €6 (Canary Islands residents €3)
- Children under 12: €2.80 (residents €1.50)
- Canary Islands residents 65+: €1.50
- Children under 3: Free
Opening Hours
- Every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Last admission at 5:00 PM.
Compra tus entradas para el Palmetum
17 Las Teresitas Beach
Las Teresitas Beach, located in the town of San Andrés, is the most beautiful beach you’ll find in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Just 9 kilometers from the city center, about a 20-minute drive, this beach stands out for its golden sand, which was brought from the Sahara Desert to cover the original volcanic sand. With a breakwater to calm the waves, it’s perfect for visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife with kids.
Las Teresitas has all the services you’d need, like showers, lifeguards, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility. It’s a popular spot for locals, so it’s best to arrive early, especially during high season or weekends. You can get here by car—there’s plenty of parking—or by bus from the city’s main terminal.
Excursions to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you want to explore more of the island, check out these excursions. Here’s a list of the ones I think are worth it:
Hiking in Anaga
Anaga is a must-see in Tenerife. This natural park is a lush forest filled with Canarian laurel trees. The two-hour hike is perfect for beginners.
Book an Anaga Hiking Tour
Visiting Mount Teide by Cable Car
You can’t leave Tenerife without going up Mount Teide. If you prefer a hassle-free experience with a guide to explain everything, this tour is ideal for you.
Book a Teide Cable Car Tour
Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga
Explore Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, two of Tenerife’s most important cities, and admire the breathtaking landscapes of Anaga Rural Park.
Book a Tour to Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga
How to Get to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Tenerife has two airports, but Tenerife North Airport is much closer to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, making it the best option. A taxi from North Airport to Santa Cruz costs around €16.
If you find a great deal to fly into Tenerife South, don’t worry! You can still get to Santa Cruz by bus (called *guagua* here) even without a rental car. However, pay attention to your arrival time because nighttime connections are more limited, and a taxi from South Airport to Santa Cruz costs about €100.
The best way to get around the island is by renting a car, which gives you the freedom to explore without relying on buses. You can find car rental offices at both airports and the port. My go-to rental company in the Canary Islands is CICAR.
If driving isn’t an option, you can use the public buses (Titsa guaguas). Take the number 20 from North Airport, which will drop you at the Santa Cruz bus station in just over 30 minutes. From there, you’ll have several transportation options to explore the island. I recommend downloading the Titsa App to check all the bus routes.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. As the island’s capital, you’ll find choices for all budgets. The best areas to stay are near Plaza España or close to the tram if you plan to travel between La Laguna and Santa Cruz.
Where to Eat in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The dining options in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are endless, from fancy restaurants to a central McDonald’s. For the best Canarian cuisine, head to Calle Anaga, Calle del Castillo, or Calle La Noria. My favorite spot is Lebeche Restaurant.
FAQs About Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Still have questions about your trip to Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Here’s a quick guide to answer the most common queries and highlight the top things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
What to See in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in a Day?
Start at Plaza de España, the city’s main square, and walk to Plaza de la Candelaria. Visit the Church of La Concepción, the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, and the TEA Tenerife Arts Space. Have lunch at Nuestra Señora de África Market and enjoy Parque García Sanabria. Don’t miss the Auditorio Adán Martín and the Palmetum garden to end your day.
What Are the Free Things to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
You can visit Plaza de España, Plaza de la Candelaria, Church of La Concepción, Nuestra Señora de África Market, Parque García Sanabria, and Playa de las Teresitas without spending a dime.
Is Santa Cruz de Tenerife Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Santa Cruz combines history, nature, and fun. From Plaza de España to the Carnival Museum, there’s something for everyone.
What to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife at Night?
Try local restaurants on Calle Castillo, or enjoy nightlife spots like Gekko and Río on Avenida de Anaga.
What to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Kids?
Spend a day at Playa de las Teresitas or explore the lush Anaga forests. These are great options for families with kids.
Map of Things to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Here’s a Google Maps guide with all the spots highlighted in this list to make it easy for you to add them to your trip itinerary.
Things to Do in Tenerife for One Week
If you’re planning to visit the largest island of the Canary archipelago, check out this 7-day itinerary around Tenerife to make sure you don’t miss the must-see spots.
7-Day Tenerife Itinerary
