What to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
1 Plaza de España
Start your day at Plaza de España. Built in 1929 on the site of the San Cristóbal Castle, it is the largest square in the Canary Islands.
In Plaza de España, you’ll find a large saltwater lake where you can witness one of the city’s most beautiful sunsets. The square also features the iconic city letters, a monument to the fallen, and a tower shaped like a cross.
This square is also the starting point for many free tours around the city.
2 Plaza de la Candelaria
Plaza de la Candelaria is one of the most important squares in the capital, located near Plaza de España. Its origins date back to the 16th century when it served as the parade ground for the now-vanished San Cristóbal Castle. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that it became a public space.
Over the years, the square has had various names: Plaza del Castillo, Plaza Real, Plaza de la Constitución, and Plaza de la Pila—this last one due to a fountain that supplied water to the city and the ships docking at the port. This fountain was the first ornamental element in a public space in Santa Cruz. In 1956, the square received its current name in honor of the Virgen de Candelaria, the patron saint of Tenerife and the Canary Islands.
The square is home to the Triumph of Candelaria monument, sculpted in marble in Genoa, symbolizing the appearance of the Virgin and the conversion of the Guanche chieftains.
3 Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
Built in 1499 on the site of the first hermitage erected by the Spanish conquerors in Tenerife, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción stands out for its tower, visible from across the city, and its Canarian pine balconies on the façade.
Inside, you’ll find the Conquest Cross, part of the imposing altar, which gives the city its name.
4 MUNA – Museum of Nature and Archaeology
Located in the former civil hospital of Santa Cruz, the Museum of Nature and Archaeology houses the largest collection on Guanche culture.
Inside, you’ll find various collections of stuffed animals, volcanic rocks, skeletal remains, and mummies of the island’s indigenous people.
Entrance Fee
- Adults: €5 (Canary Islands residents: €3)
- Students, retirees, seniors over 65, large families, and groups of more than 8 people: €3.50 (Canary Islands residents: €2)
- Free for children under 8 years old
- Free entry on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 PM until closing time.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sundays and holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
5 TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes
With over 20,000 square meters, the TEA houses a museum and contemporary art center, the Tenerife Island Photography Center, and the Central Municipal Library.
Designed by Swiss architects Herzog de Meuron, the style of the impressive building is contemporary. This architecture firm is globally renowned for designing the Tate Modern in London and the National Stadium in Beijing.
This space has hosted works by artists like Dalí, Picasso, Man Ray, Penrose, Patti Smith, and Tàpies, and it focuses on the work of Tenerife native Óscar Domínguez, considered one of the great names in Spanish surrealism.
Although entry is free, weekend film screenings and temporary exhibitions are ticketed. Check the official website for prices and various activities.
Entrance Fee
- 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
Popularly known as “La Recova”.the market of Nuestra Señora de África opened its doors in 1944.
With a neocolonial style, it is named after the Virgin of Africa.
At the entrance, you can find a statue of the Virgin facing the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands.
Today, it is the most popular market in the city. Visit to discover exotic flavors and tropical fruits not commonly found on the mainland.
Entrance Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sundays: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Generally open every day except holidays.
7 Guimerá Theatre
The Guimerá Theater, the oldest in the Canary Islands, was inaugurated in 1851. It is located in the Isla de la Madera square. This theater was built on the ruins of an old Dominican convent, demolished after the disentailment of Mendizábal during the reign of Isabel II. In fact, for a long time, it was known as “Teatro Isabel II”, and its name still appears on the façade of the building.
The theater, designed in 1849 by Manuel de Oraá in a romantic classicist style, was named in honor of the writer, poet and playwright Ángel Guimerá after his death in 1923. Although its interior was completely refurbished in 1911, the theater continues to be a nerve center of the performing arts in the capital, next to the Auditorium.
What is most striking is the sculpture “Per Adriano”, a female face that stands in front of its facade and was part of the First International Exhibition of Street Sculptures. To see the inside of the theater, you will have to attend a performance.
8 Plaza del Chicharro
Continuing our tour of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Plaza del Chicharro is one of the most visited squares in the city.
Its name comes from a bronze sculpture placed in 1979 in honor of the chicharro or horse mackerel, a fish commonly eaten by the fishermen of the old and humble town of Santa Cruz.
Interestingly, “chicharreros” is a nickname, once used pejoratively by residents of La Laguna, for the inhabitants of Tenerife’s capital.
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 former orchard of the now-vanished convent of San Pedro de Alcántara.
Inaugurated in 1860 in honor of Alfonso XII, then Prince of Asturias, the square is known for its central gazebo, added in 1929, and surrounded by Indian laurels.
It also features two Genoese statues representing Spring and Summer.
10 García Sanabria Park
Declared a Cultural Interest Site, García Sanabria Park is the largest urban park in the Canary Islands and one of the best free things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
On Pilar Street, you’ll find the famous Floral Clock, made in Switzerland and donated to the city by the Danish consul in 1958.
Inside the park, you’ll discover various fountains and statues. If you visit at night, you’ll see the names of different notable artists illuminated.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful parks to visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
11 Plaza Weyler
Built in 1893 as the forecourt to the Captaincy General building, Plaza Weyler is one of the city’s main meeting points.
At its center is a Carrara marble fountain with neo-Renaissance details.
This square is very busy due to its connection between Calle del Castillo and the Rambla Pulido shopping area. It’s also a tram stop.
12 Casa del Carnaval
The Tenerife Carnival is one of the most famous in the world, second only to the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
In this museum dedicated to the carnival, you can see various carnival costumes, including that of the queen.
As an interesting note, during Franco’s dictatorship, the Tenerife Carnival had to be referred to as the Winter Festival.
Entrance Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Daily: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
13 Tenerife Auditorium
Inaugurated in 2003 and designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Tenerife Auditorium is the most iconic building in the city and a must-see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Built over the sea, the Tenerife Adán Martín Auditorium offers one of the most stunning sunsets in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A visit allows you to appreciate its architectural beauty and enjoy cultural events, concerts, and performances at this major cultural center.
Entrance Fee
- A visit allows you to appreciate its architectural beauty and enjoy cultural events, concerts, and performances at this major cultural center.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Hours may vary on holidays and in August.
14 San Juan Bautista Castle
A few meters from the Tenerife Auditorium is San Juan Bautista Castle. Also known as the Black Castle, it was built in 1641 to defend the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Although you can’t go inside, this spot offers one of the best views of the Tenerife Auditorium.
15 César Manrique Maritime Park
With over 22,000 square meters, this creation by the renowned architect César Manrique is the perfect spot to unwind in the island’s capital.
Inside, you’ll find several saltwater pools, restaurants, a sports area, and a children’s play area. It’s undoubtedly one of the best attractions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, especially if you’re visiting with kids.
Entrance Fee
- Adult with sunbed: €5
- Seniors over 65 and retirees: €2.50
- Children under 12: €1.50
- Children under 3: Free
- Umbrella rental: €3 (seniors over 65: €1)
Opening Hours
- Summer: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Winter: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
16 Palmetum
Spanning more than 12 hectares, the Palmetum is a botanical garden that houses a variety of palm species from around the world.
The Palmetum boasts over 3,000 plant species from tropical and subtropical climates, including around 600 different species of palms.
From this botanical garden, you can enjoy some of the best views of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Interestingly, this garden was built on a former landfill site.
Entrance Fee
- Adults: €6 (Canary Islands residents: €3)
- Children under 12: €2.80 (residents: €1.50)
- Seniors over 65 residing in the Canary Islands: €1.50
- Children under 3: Free
Opening Hours
- Every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- The last entry is sold at 5:00 PM.
17 Las Teresitas Beach
Las Teresitas Beach, located in the village of San Andrés, is considered the most beautiful beach in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Just 9 kilometers from the city center, about a 20-minute drive, this beach is known for its golden sand, which was imported from the Sahara Desert to cover the original volcanic sand. The breakwaters calm the waves, making it ideal for visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife with children.
Las Teresitas is fully equipped with amenities like showers, lifeguards, and access for people with reduced mobility. The beach is very popular among locals, so it’s advisable to arrive early, especially during high season or on weekends. You can get there by car, with plenty of parking available, or by bus from the city’s main interchange.
Map of Things to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Below is a map created with Google Maps so you can easily add all the points mentioned in the infographic.
What to Do in Tenerife in a Week?
Here is a route to ensure you don’t miss the most important places if you’re planning to visit the largest island in the Canary archipelago.
