Places guide · The island's capital
Between Calatrava's Auditorium and the bustle of Carnival, Santa Cruz is much more than the gateway to the island: a capital with parks, squares and an urban energy that nowhere else in Tenerife has.
Why it is worth the visit
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the island's capital and, together with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the shared capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. A port city since its founding, it has always grown facing the sea: its skyline mixes administrative buildings, 19th-century squares and one of the most photographed pieces of contemporary architecture in Spain.
But Santa Cruz is not just administration and architecture. Every February, its streets host one of the biggest carnivals in the world, comparable only to Rio de Janeiro's. The rest of the year, the city is experienced at a gentler pace: walks in García Sanabria Park, afternoons shopping on Calle del Castillo and sunsets by the sea at Plaza de España.
What to see
Central Santa Cruz is covered on foot, with the tram or the bus as support for longer stretches.
The work of architect Santiago Calatrava, opened in 2003. Its white wave-shaped roof, suspended above the main hall, has become the architectural symbol of the whole island.
The green lung of the centre: geometric gardens, sculptures by the Lanzarote artist César Manrique and one of the city's best collections of tropical plants.
The city's main drawing room, remodelled with an artificial lake that visually links the centre with the port. The monument that presides over it is one of Santa Cruz's most recognisable meeting points.
How to organise it
From a quick visit to the centre to reorganising your whole trip around Carnival.
Before you drive
The centre has heavy traffic and paid parking in almost the whole shopping area.
Central Santa Cruz has heavy traffic and paid parking in almost the whole shopping area. The Tenerife Tram connects the city with La Laguna and is the most comfortable way to get around without a car; for parking, the public car parks next to the port or Plaza de España are usually the most predictable option.
Practical information
The island's capital and transport hub, well connected by road, tram and both airports.
By motorway from the north or south; Tenerife North Airport is 20 minutes away and Tenerife South about 50.
There are public car parks next to the port and Plaza de España; street parking is usually regulated.
Morning light flatters photos of the Auditorium; in the afternoon, García Sanabria Park and Calle del Castillo come more alive.
The La Noria district and the area around Calle del Castillo have the greatest concentration of restaurants and tapas in the centre.
Enough to see the centre at an easy pace, including the park and some shopping time.
A century-old market with a colonial façade and stalls of fruit, fish and flowers — one of the most photogenic and least touristy corners of the centre.
Just 20 minutes by tram, it is the most natural combination to end the day.
The Anaga massif begins practically where Santa Cruz ends, less than half an hour from the centre.
Before you set off
Frequently asked questions
The Tenerife Auditorium, designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the Santa Cruz Carnival, one of the biggest in the world, comparable to Rio de Janeiro's.
A full day lets you see the centre, the Auditorium, Plaza de España and García Sanabria Park at an easy pace.
The date changes every year according to the calendar, usually between February and March. If your trip coincides with those dates, it is best to book accommodation well in advance.
Yes. The Tenerife Tram connects it with La Laguna, both airports have good bus connections, and the centre is perfectly walkable.
The La Noria district and the area around Calle del Castillo have the greatest concentration of restaurants and tapas in the capital's centre.
A century-old market with a colonial façade and stalls of fruit, fish and flowers — one of the most photogenic and least touristy places in central Santa Cruz.
Next stop
From the modernity of the Auditorium to the party of Carnival, Santa Cruz shows that an island capital can have as much character as any natural corner of the island.
Photos of the Tenerife Auditorium and García Sanabria Park: Diego Delso, delso.photo (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Photo of Plaza de España: rene boulay, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
