Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Travel Guide

Teresitas Beach which includes swimming, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Auditorio de Tenerife featuring modern architecture
Santa Cruz de Tenerife which includes outdoor eating
Teresitas Beach featuring a coastal town
Santa Cruz de Tenerife which includes art and outdoor art
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 some things travelers note about Lomo Bermejo. Check out Playa Chica or Teresitas Beach while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.

Lomo Bermejo
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 ¥20,337 per night from May 4 to May 5
¥20,337
¥21,761 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
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 helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
Best option in Santa Cruz
"Great hotel! Best in Santa Cruz. Conveniently located and great service"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

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 ¥15,756 per night from May 4 to May 5
¥15,756
¥16,858 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tenerife Auditorium ...
9/10 Wonderful! (275 reviews)
"Clean and beautiful"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

AC Hotel Tenerife by Marriott
Hotel Taburiente
Hotel Taburiente
4 out of 5
C/ Dr Jose Naveiras 24A, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife
The price is ¥14,161 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥14,161
¥15,152 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (406 reviews)
Great stay
"Lovely hotel near the centre and across from a lovely park that has two great cafe/bar. Hotel was spotlessly clean and rooftop pool area a great bonus ."

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2024

Hotel Taburiente
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 3.5-star apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Tenerife Auditorium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (42 reviews)
"A great apartment with a beautiful view!"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2024

Apartamentos Bruja
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
Stay at this villa in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Teresitas Beach and Playita del Burro are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 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.
Casa Nieves de Igueste
Casa Nieves de Igueste
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Teresitas Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
gemütliche Wohnung zum Entschleunigen
"gemütliche Wohnung zum Entschleunigen"

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025

Casa Nieves de Igueste
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Pat

It was a great first time experience!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love this place

5/5 - Excellent

Ute

Very interesting place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Santa Cruz de Tenerife