Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Travel Guide

Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Auditorio de Tenerife featuring modern architecture
Santa Cruz de Tenerife featuring outdoor eating
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife featuring 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 ranchocanario, a hearty soup made with chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, cabbage and thick noodles, or local fish like sardines, jack mackerelor 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
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 P4,923 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P4,923
P5,268 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
Comfortable
"Nice room, the highlight was the breakfast spread which was excellent. Parking not immediately obvious but after a trip round the block, I found it."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

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 P9,504 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P9,504
P10,169 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
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)
"Parking should have been included. Otherwise - great stay"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 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 P5,913 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
P5,913
P6,327 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Teresitas Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (306 reviews)
Perfect hotel in the heart of Santa Cruz
"Perfect location, beautiful rooftop pool, clean, spacious room, delicious breakfast, friendly staff... everything was just perfect!"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

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 3.5-star apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Teresitas Beach and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (57 reviews)
"Excellent location,close to the shops,bus and tram stop and main bus station is 10 min by bus. Property itself very clean,all the rooms,kitchen,bathroom got all the amenities what you need. During the night very quiet, even you are next to the road,where buses and cars driving 24/7. Reception very ..."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Apartamentos Bruja
Panoramica Garden

Panoramica Garden

3 out of 5
Calle de la Longuera, s/n, Los Realejos, Tenerife
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Los Realejos. Enjoy free parking, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Callao de ...
7.2/10 Good! (272 reviews)
"Had a great stay at a great price Room was extremely spacious had the most beautiful views Pool was a great size Fabulous staff will definitely be returning"

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2024

Panoramica Garden
Apartamentos Casablanca

Apartamentos Casablanca

3 out of 5
Calzada de Martianez, 4, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Puerto de la Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sitio Litre Garden ...
9/10 Wonderful! (495 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at casablanca apartments. The rooms were big and the kitchen was very well equipped. Bins were emptied daily. The location was great for buses. The main disappointment though was the attitude of the reception staff when we asked for more toilet roll. They made us feel ashamed ..."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Apartamentos Casablanca
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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