Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Complete Guide to the Island’s Capital
Santa Cruz is the vibrant capital of Tenerife — a city shaped by five centuries of trade, tradition, and transformation. What began as a port town serving La Laguna grew into the island’s cultural and political heart.
Today, Santa Cruz is known for its pleasant climate, open-air shopping areas, cultural sites, and lively food scene. The city is also home to Spain’s most famous Carnival, considered the second biggest in the world after Rio de Janeiro. With historic plazas, museums, vibrant streets, and stunning oceanfront areas, Santa Cruz offers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.
Whether it’s your first stop or your final day on the island, Santa Cruz has a way of pulling you in.
Plaza de España
The city’s main square with fountains, views of the port, and access to the historical heart of Santa Cruz.
Parque García Sanabria
A lush urban park filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and shaded walkways.
Mercado Nuestra Señora de África
A lively market offering local produce, Canarian delicacies, and artisan products.
Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueología
One of the island’s most important museums, showcasing Tenerife’s volcanic origins, Guanche mummies, and natural history.
Palmetum
A stunning botanical garden dedicated to palm trees, with ocean views, exotic species, and walking paths over a transformed landfill site.
Santa Cruz Walking Route: Best Places to Visit
We created a custom map to guide you through Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s highlights. Red markers show our top 5 sights, and blue pins indicate other points of interest nearby.
Starting points are also marked. The parking lot (P) or the bus stop (in yellow).
Whether you follow the full walking route or just visit a few key places, this map helps you explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife at your own pace.
Below you’ll also find a short description of each place to visit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Plaza de España
Santa Cruz’s central square, rebuilt over a former fortress. Ideal for starting your visit. There’s a calm water mirror, nearby cafés, and access to historical sites.
Parque García Sanabria
A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, this park features Canarian flora, fountains, and sculptures. It’s also a great photo spot.
Mercado de África
Built in 1944, this market is the soul of local life. Come early to browse Canarian cheese, fruit, and fresh pastries. You’ll also find small cafés and artisan shops.
MUNA
The Museum of Nature and Archaeology is perfect for understanding the island’s roots. The Guanche mummy exhibition is one of the most fascinating parts of the museum. Check Here.
Palmetum
Located by the ocean, this botanical garden houses palm species from all over the world. The elevated paths offer panoramic views and peaceful walking trails. Check here.
Auditorio de Tenerife
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this architectural icon by the ocean is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. Even if you don’t attend a show, walking around it at sunset is worth it.
Calle del Castillo
The main pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and Canarian balconies. It connects Plaza de España to Parque Sanabria and gives a sense of local daily life. Street musicians often perform here.
TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes)
This modern cultural space blends concrete, glass, and light in its design. It hosts rotating art exhibits, photography collections, and has a cozy library and café for quiet moments.
How to get to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
By Car: Parking next to Palmetum: Big parking lot available for cars and campervans, but then you need to walk a little to reach the center.
By Bus (Guagua) & Tram: TITSA buses from all over the island stop at Intercambiador de Santa Cruz, the city’s main station. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to Plaza de España.
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