Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: attractions, tours and activities

Top 6 things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Welcome to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife and shared capital of all the Canary Islands. Situated on the northern part of the island, this port city is a must-visit when in Tenerife! The city offers beautiful plazas with stunning architecture (don’t miss out on Plaza Espana, the city’s biggest square!), perfect for soaking up the Spanish feel of the city, as well as some top attractions so you can discover culture, food, music, history and nature. Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for city and beach lovers and is perfect to visit with families too.

1. Feel the music at the Auditorio de Tenerife ‘Adán Martín’

Like a crashing wave that sits on the sea’s edge, the avant-garde architecture of the Tenerife Auditorium is what makes it one of the most iconic buildings in the Canary Islands. This Opera House is the headquarters for the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and hosts many other musical events that will inspire you!

2. Bathe in the Turquoise waters of Playa de las Teresitas

With almost a mile of golden sand, sit back and relax on one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz. Its sand was shipped in from the Sahara Desert in comparison to the ‘normal’ black, volcanic sandy beaches usually found on the island. The water is safe and is great if visiting with children.

3. Find some local produce at the Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa

Step into the arched castle-like entrance of Santa Cruz’s main market and enter the world of the locals! The flavours of the island will come to life as wander around over 300 stalls selling everything from local cheeses, cured meats, fruit, veg to yummy treats. Enjoy the buzz and practise your Spanish talking to the stall keepers!

4. Witness the ‘plantastic’ transformation of the Santa Cruz Palmetum

Get ready for an explosion of colour at the Santa Cruz Palmetum, host to the largest botanical collection of palm trees in Europe. Learn how all this plant life was created from an old rubbish dump in the city. With more palm species that you can count, three waterfalls, streams and ponds, it’s the perfect place for nature lovers.

5. Get lost in ancient culture at the Museum of Nature and Archeology

Located in the Civil Hospital, this beautiful 18th-century property is the perfect setting to learn about Tenerife’s past. All of the family will have fun wandering between the permanent exhibition divided into Archaeology and Natural Sciences, with interactive activities and displays for everyone to enjoy. You’ll even get to see mummies!

6. Sing, dance and party at the annual carnival

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the second largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro. Starting in February and lasting for two weeks, don’t miss out on Santa Cruz during this period of fun celebrations, wild and colourful parties and processions. Get your costumes ready!