Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Travel Guide
Auditorio de Tenerife featuring modern architecture
Stroll down tree-lined boulevards, explore art galleries and dine at sophisticated restaurants in Tenerife's capital.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the island’s capital, a bustling web of colorful buildings, cosmopolitan shops and well-landscaped squares. Enjoy its distinctly Spanish heritage in contrast to the more tourist-oriented destinations farther south.

The town was once one of the Atlantic’s most important ports. Santa Cruz de Tenerife flourished during the 19th century as a popular stop for ships en route to the Americas. It became the island’s capital in 1837. See the elegant old buildings that wealthy citizens constructed in these early days.

Begin your exploration in lively Plaza de España, the city’s main square. Redesigned in 2008, this unique square is dominated by an enormous shallow basin that serves as a wading pool and a towering memorial to the Spanish Civil War. In the San Cristóbal museum found under the square, see the notorious 18th-century cannon said to be responsible for blowing off Admiral Nelson’s arm. 

Don’t miss the gorgeous Mudéjar-style ceiling of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, the city’s oldest church. Look for Santa Cruz de la Conquista (Holy Cross of the Conquest), a wooden cross said to have been used in the celebrations of the Spanish 15th-century victory over the aboriginal Guanches.

Save time for the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, one of the finest museums in the Canary Islands. Dedicated to natural science and archeology, the museum features numerous interesting interactive displays. Learn how the volcanic Canary Islands were formed and see the haunting mummified bodies of the region’s first inhabitants.

Venture outside the city center to visit gorgeous Teresitas Beach. Swim in its calm waters, stroll along golden sands brought from the Sahara and admire views of the Anaga Mountains.

Sample some of the city’s famous cuisine. Dine al fresco on traditional dishes like rancho canario, a hearty soup made with chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, cabbage and thick noodles, or local fish like sardines, jack mackerel or grouper. 

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is located on the northeastern tip of Tenerife. It’s well connected to the rest of the island by bus and ferry.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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Lomo Bermejo

Spas and cafes are notable features of Lomo Bermejo. You might consider a stop by Anaga Natural Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Lomo Bermejo
Hotel Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz
Hotel Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz
4 out of 5
Avenida del Tres de Mayo, s/n, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife
The price is ¥14,291 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥14,291
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (913 reviews)
"VIP lounge was perfect for a group of 8 friends so we can gather and catch up on old times. The rooms were very comfortable and included breakfast was very good."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Hotel Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
5 out of 5
Calle Doctor Jose Naveiras, 38, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife
The price is ¥19,413 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥19,413
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"Beautiful grounds , nice pool and friendly staff"

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
AC Hotel Tenerife by Marriott
AC Hotel Tenerife by Marriott
4 out of 5
Calle Candelaria 31, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The price is ¥16,402 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥16,402
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (184 reviews)
"Closeness to the port."

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024

AC Hotel Tenerife by Marriott
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartamentos Bruja
Apartamentos Bruja
3.5 out of 5
Av. de Bélgica, 11, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Stay at this apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Teresitas Beach and La Granja ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (26 reviews)
"Receptionist was amazing, she managed to check us in at 8am, so we could go and explore the island. Very comfortable beds."

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2024

Apartamentos Bruja
habitación privada muy cómoda y acogedora con baño propio.
habitación privada muy cómoda y acogedora con baño propio.
La Laguna
Stay at this apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi and a garden. Popular attractions Bicycle Rafting and El Cedro are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Such a welcoming couple (Patricia and Pedro), very helpful and accommodating with regards to travel
"A lovely stay with lovely people. Very easy going and so helpful with travelling around Santa Cruz etc."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2022

habitación privada muy cómoda y acogedora con baño propio.
GUACIMARA - Spectacular views, private heated pool, sauna, natural beach, relax.
GUACIMARA - Spectacular views, private heated pool, sauna, natural beach, relax.
Igueste de San Andres - Santa Cruz de Te
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Teresitas Beach and Playita ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Great getaway property
"Had a great time at the villa. Villa has loads of space . Not ideal with amount of stairs to the property but when you see the view its all worth it. We enjoyed the area as we had a car to get into santa cruz (15/20min drive) but we enjoyed walks around the village and along to the beach."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2022

GUACIMARA - Spectacular views, private heated pool, sauna, natural beach, relax.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
15
" "5 - Excellent 68.18181818181819%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 22.727272727272727%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 9.090909090909092%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Pat
Aug 1, 2019

It was a great first time experience!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 11, 2019

I love this place

5/5 - Excellent

Ute
Oct 11, 2018

Very interesting place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 11, 2018

The Anaga mountains are very beautiful, but shorter walkways for half-day-trekking-trips are rare.

Cities near Santa Cruz de Tenerife