Dreaming of a trip to the Canary Islands but not sure where to land this time? Fly to where the sun-kissed streets are full of smiles, local museums, paradise parks, and fabulous beaches are waiting at your fingertips. Fly to Tenerife and fall in love with the very heart of this heavenly island.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the largest city in Tenerife and the capital of the island. Some consider this beautiful city to be the capital of the entire archipelago, but this is not entirely the case, as Santa Cruz shares this title with Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. As befits a capital, in this city you will find a lot of attractions. You will soon see for yourself that there is no room for boredom there. Some treat Santa Cruz as a starting point, not only to get to know the whole island during your vacation, but also others neighboring it, because leaving the port in the capital you can quickly find yourself, for example, on the nearby La Gomera. But let’s forget about other directions for a moment, today we are going for an intense walk around Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
City center
One of the most frequently visited parts of the island’s capital is the very center of the city, which, in addition to a pleasant walk through its narrow streets, offers views of quite a few monuments. This zone stretches from Weyler Square to the sea itself. The heart of the old city is the main square, Plaza de España, but it is not worth limiting yourself to it alone, because you will find a great deal of squares and squares there.
When discovering the old town, it is worth seeing the Palacio de Carta building, an interesting sculpture in front of the Guimerá Theater, the oldest theater in the Canary Islands, and finally visiting the green and peaceful Garcia Sanabria Park. Don’t worry, the trip doesn’t end there, because after reaching the coast, you absolutely must let yourself be carried away by the promenade and go to the headland of Playa Blanca, from which you can perfectly see the entire port, or towards the Auditorium, one of the symbols of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Plaza de España
The main point of the historical part of the city is considered to be Plaza de España, the largest square on the entire island. Although its previous versions served the city much earlier, the square that can be admired today comes from 2006. It was then, thanks to the project of Swiss architects who were meritorious for the city, that the square was created, which today delights tourists with a central reservoir with an impressive fountain.
Right next to the square there are many noteworthy places, reminiscent of the city’s history. It is worth visiting, among others, the ruins of the Castillo de San Cristóbal castle, discovered during the reconstruction of the square, which today serve as an Interpretation Center, explaining the island’s defense system. In its vicinity, you can also walk around Plaza de La Candelaria, the former parade ground of the now non-existent San Cristóbal castle.
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
In 1500, the construction of a church dedicated to the Holy Cross began in the capital of Tenerife, the first church on the entire island. It was not until 1638 that it received its current name, Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The church, which has as many as five naves, hides a very important artistic heritage. There is a pulpit with meticulous sculptures, a silver throne, a historic monstrance, one of the most elegant baroque altars on the island, and precious paintings.
The walls are decorated with canvases by Juan de Miranda, the famous painting of the Holy Burial and the image of Cristo del Buen Viaje from the 17th century. The church of la Concepción is simply an ideal place for lovers of religious art.
Iglesia de San Francisco
This Catholic temple, built in 1869, was originally a church of the now non-existent Franciscan monastery, and is now the second most important temple in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Iglesia de San Francisco is one of the most classic examples of Baroque architecture in the Canary Islands. However, the real reason why tourists visit the object is not the style in which the temple was built, but one of the most complete collections of sacred art in the entire archipelago hidden inside. The star of the entire collection is a collection of religious sculptures and the image of Our Lady of Sorrows venerated in the city, originating from Ecuador and made, attention … from corn paste. It is said that this very image was taken in procession in 1893 during the cholera epidemic, after which the disease miraculously ceased.
Museum of Fine Arts
Located just opposite Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias, the classicist building of the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes is hard to miss. The museum, surrounded by busts of ten outstanding citizens of Tenerife, can boast a fascinating history behind the creation of the institution.
The first objects that were secured and preserved were flags captured in 1797. 50 years later, the City Council ordered the construction of two special boxes for their storage, which gave rise to today’s museum. The facility has fourteen rooms, which contain works from the period from the 16th to the 20th century. Among its most outstanding exhibits are the portrait of Fernando Viscaí, by Joaquín Sorolla, Brueghel’s “Orfeo” and “San Andrés” by José de Rivera. Part of the halls is also devoted solely to the work of artists representing the Canary Islands, such as Juan de Miranda and González Méndez.
Tenerife Espacio de las Artes
Here is the space that every artistic soul needs – a real center of art through a capital “S”. The modern building of Tenerife Espacio de las Artes houses three exhibition halls, the Tenerife Island Photography Center and a library with a large collection. However, it is not simply a museum, because the institution defines itself as a place of meetings, exchange and gathering knowledge and integration through art.
In addition to using the reading room, educational activities, film screenings or workshops, you can also, of course, traditionally visit museum exhibitions. The core of the main collection there is the work of Óscar Domínguez, who, next to Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí, is considered the third pillar of Spanish Surrealism. His works there enter into a dialogue with the works of other artists, both well-known and emerging stars of art.
TEA is also known throughout the Canary Islands for its special space adapted for children, where the youngest develop their creativity for free through artistic creativity.
MUNA – From hospital to museum
MUNA, or the Museum of Nature and Archeology, is located in a unique building for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located just a few meters from Plaza de España. The building dating from 1745 was the first hospital in the island’s capital and has been repeatedly rebuilt over the years of its history. The adaptation of the building as the seat of the museum was gradual and long-term. Three phases of renovation made available more museum rooms, until finally in 2002 the entire museum complex was inaugurated.
Currently, this modern museum, equipped with special information panels, aims to constantly convey knowledge about the archaeological and natural heritage of the Canary Islands. Although the museum has many interesting facts about the past and present of the island to offer, it is known primarily for one exhibition. MUNA has the world’s largest collection dedicated to the Guanches, the people who inhabited Tenerife before its conquest by the Kingdom of Castile. You can see there not only archaeological materials, but also mummified remains of the Guanches.
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Opened in 1943, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África city market experienced its glory years until 1974, when the wholesale market and supermarkets appearing in the city led to merchants leaving their stalls and a crisis in the market. It was not until the last years of the 20th century that a market self-management project was implemented, which significantly revived the activity of this place.
Today, this market hall is one of the most colorful places in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The complex consists of three adjacent areas, each with its own branch of trade. You can find fresh meat, fish, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, as well as flower stalls, cafes, bars and restaurants. This place really reflects the extraordinary atmosphere of Tenerife.
Auditorio de Tenerife
Following the route of the seaside promenade from the old town, you can quickly get to the second, equally touristy zone of Santa Cruz. It is not difficult to spot it, because the sail of the famous Auditorium is visible from a distance. The Auditorio de Tenerife building was inaugurated in 2003 and has since served as a kind of center for music and theater arts.
The building attracts attention primarily with its unusual, curved structure, decorated with white, irregular tiles. The Auditorio de Tenerife hosts thousands of artistic performances at the highest national and international level every year, and the main halls inside are the Symphony Hall and the Chamber Hall, with a maximum capacity of 1616 and 422 seats respectively.
Castle of San Juan Bautista
The former defensive tower, known as the Castle of San Juan Bautista, was the second most important fortress in the defense of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The fortress built in 1644 is the best preserved castle on the island. It is also known by many as the Black Castle, which causes a lot of controversy. Some believe that the nickname arose due to the dark shade of the volcanic stone from which the structure was built, while others believe that it corresponds to the name of the bay in which it was built (Caleta de Negros).
The castle has a round shape and faces the sea, and in its walls you can easily see the gaps and holes through which artillery guns were placed and shots were fired. Since 1948, the Military Museum operated in the Castle, but today it is closed to visitors. Nevertheless, it is worth seeing it from the outside, especially as it is located in the vicinity of the popular Auditorium and Palmetum among tourists. Near the castle, it is worth paying attention to the characteristic building of Casa de la Polvora, a gunpowder store, slightly away from the fortress itself for safety reasons.
Palmetum Botanical Garden
Is there anyone in the room who doesn’t love palms? After all, this plant is almost a symbol of a perfect vacation. If you are also fascinated by palm trees, then you will love the Palmetum in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This 12-hectare botanical garden specializes in the palm family and is unique on a global scale. It grows the richest collection of palms in Europe, which is also considered the largest botanical collection of tropical island palms in the world.
Are you impressed? Then listen to this: This botanical paradise was created on the site of a landfill. The place where mountains of waste could be seen in the 1970s was closed in 1983, and the result of a project lasting over 20 years is today a space protecting over 3,000 species of plants from around the world.
Beaches of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Is your favorite way to spend free time sunbathing? Don’t worry, you won’t be bored in the capital of Tenerife. Within the very center there are several small and intimate beaches, but they are not very popular. In search of crystal clear water and a perfect place to relax, it is worth visiting the César Manrique Water Park, located in the very center among the monuments of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In the recreation center with a view of the Auditorium and the palms of the nearby Palmetum, there are swimming pools, paddling pools for children, a wide beach and artificial waterfalls, and the blue of the water beautifully contrasts with the black of volcanic rocks.
However, if you care about natural beaches, do not hesitate for a moment and go just a few kilometers outside the city. It is there that Playa de las Teresitas is located, and this beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Tenerife, and sometimes also the best in all the Canary Islands. This wide beach surrounded by green hills is worth a 15-minute trip.
Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
If you want to get to know the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in its most beautiful form, there is no doubt that you should plan your trip for the period between January and the beginning of February. It is Santa Cruz de Tenerife that bears the title of the Spanish capital of carnival. What happens then on the streets of the city is the best proof that the inhabitants of Tenerife take this time of fun and joy very seriously. The lights do not go out, the music does not stop, and the streets are filled with all the colors of costumes and disguises. You can feel almost like in Brazilian Rio.
As this period in Tenerife is considered a tourist attraction on an international scale, a space has even been created to make it easier for visitors to understand the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Inside the Casa del Carnaval, you can visit a permanent exhibition with costumes and outstanding elements in the field of carnival, as well as temporary exhibitions devoted to the same theme.
Teatro Guimerá
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we can also visit the oldest theater in the Canary Islands. It was erected in 1849, while less than a hundred years later (1923) it was named after the famous poet and writer, Ángel Guimerá, who was born in the city. Both serious and funny plays, as well as those intended strictly for children, are staged on the theater’s stage. The repertoire is quite wide, so if you fancy a bit of Canarian culture, you’ve come to the right place.
Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre
In the collection of this museum, we will find a huge number of archaeological exhibits presenting the history of the Canary Islands before the arrival of the Spaniards on these lands. The Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered the best collection of this type in the entire archipelago. In addition to tools, clay vessels, reconstructed animals, paleontological and botanical discoveries, in the museum we can also admire the mummies of the Guanches (the indigenous inhabitants of the island).
Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias
Opened in 1988, the museum presents exhibits related to military themes relating to the Canary Islands. In addition to weapons, uniforms and personal items used by the first European conquistadors, we will also have the opportunity to see weapons used by the Guanches, the indigenous people of the archipelago.
Towns in the vicinity of Santa Cruz
The fact that Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the entire island should not limit us. Tenerife hides so many wonderful cities and towns that if you only have enough time, visit at least a few of them.
Places that are particularly worth seeing are: Puerto de la Cruz, Guía de Isora, La Orotava, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Santiago del Teide, San Miguel de Abona, Playa de las Américas, Costa del Silencio, La Candelaria.
