Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The Complete Guide
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, commonly known as Santa Cruz, is a major city and the capital of both the island of Tenerife and the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It also shares the title of capital of the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz has a population of 206,593 within its administrative boundaries, and the urban area extends beyond the city limits, encompassing a population of 507,306, with 538,000 in the greater urban area. It is the second-largest city in the Canary Islands and the main city on Tenerife, with nearly half of the island’s population living in or around it.
Situated in the northeast quadrant of Tenerife, Santa Cruz lies 210 kilometers off the northwestern coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The nearest point on mainland Spain is 1,300 kilometers away. From the 1833 territorial division of Spain until 1927, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands. In 1927, a decree ordered that the capital be shared, a status that remains today.
Santa Cruz’s port is a vital communications hub between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with cruise ships arriving from many nations. The city serves as the focal point for domestic and inter-island communications in the Canary Islands. It is home to the Parliament of the Canary Islands, the Canarian Ministry of the Presidency, half of the Ministries and Boards of the Canarian Government, the Tenerife Provincial Courts, and two courts of the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands. Several faculties of La Laguna University are located in Santa Cruz, including the Fine Arts School and the Naval Sciences Faculty.
The harbor is one of Spain’s busiest, crucial for commercial and passenger traffic, and a major stopover for cruise ships en route from Europe to the Caribbean. The city is renowned for hosting one of the world’s largest carnivals, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which aspires to become a World Heritage Site and is the second largest in the world.
Key landmarks in Santa Cruz include the Auditorio de Tenerife, the Santa Cruz Towers, and the Iglesia de la Concepción. The city hosts the first headquarters of the Center UNESCO in the Canary Islands. Recent years have seen the construction of numerous modern structures, giving Santa Cruz the sixth tallest skyline in Spain, behind Madrid, Benidorm, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao.
In 2012, the British newspaper The Guardian included Santa Cruz de Tenerife in its list of the five best places in the world to live, alongside the Cihangir district in Istanbul; the district of Sankt Pauli in Hamburg; the north coast of Maui in Hawaii; and Portland, Oregon. Notably, 82% of the municipal territory of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered a natural area, largely due to the presence of Anaga Rural Park. This makes Santa Cruz the third-largest municipality in Spain with the highest percentage of natural territory, after Cuenca and Cáceres. The city holds the status of a global city.
History of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Early History
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located on the northeastern coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, has a history that dates back to the Guanche period, the native Berber inhabitants of the islands. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the area was known for its natural harbor and was used by the Guanches for fishing and trading.
Spanish Conquest
In 1494, Spanish conquistadors led by Alonso Fernández de Lugo arrived on Tenerife. The Battle of Aguere, fought in the area of present-day Santa Cruz, marked the beginning of Spanish control over the island. The Spanish established a settlement and built a fort to protect the harbor, which became a crucial port for the Spanish Empire.
Development as a Port
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Santa Cruz de Tenerife grew as an important port, serving as a stopping point for ships traveling between Europe and the Americas. The city prospered from trade, particularly in sugar, wine, and other goods. Its strategic location also made it a target for pirate attacks, leading to the construction of additional fortifications.
18th and 19th Centuries
In 1723, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was declared the capital of Tenerife, replacing La Laguna. The city’s importance continued to grow, and in 1833, it became the capital of the newly created province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The 19th century saw further economic growth, driven by trade, shipping, and the establishment of British and other foreign businesses.
20th Century
Santa Cruz de Tenerife played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The city was a stronghold for Francoist forces and witnessed various military actions. After the war, Santa Cruz underwent modernization and expansion, with new infrastructure, housing, and public buildings.
Contemporary Santa Cruz
Today, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a vibrant and modern city, known for its cultural events, beautiful beaches, and significant landmarks. It is one of the co-capitals of the Canary Islands, sharing the title with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The city hosts the famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest and most spectacular carnivals in the world. The port remains a crucial hub for shipping and tourism, contributing to the city’s dynamic economy.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife continues to be a cultural and economic center in the Canary Islands, blending its rich history with contemporary developments and attractions.
Visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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Best places to See in
1. Auditorio de Tenerife
Visit the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, an architectural marvel designed by Santiago Calatrava. This stunning building hosts a variety of concerts, operas, and cultural events throughout the year.
2. Parque García Sanabria
Relax in Parque García Sanabria, a beautiful urban park in the heart of the city. It features lush gardens, fountains, sculptures, and walking paths, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
3. Plaza de España
Explore Plaza de España, the largest square in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This central plaza is surrounded by important buildings and features a large artificial lake and beautiful fountains.
4. Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología (MUNA)
Discover the Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología, which showcases the natural and archaeological heritage of the Canary Islands. The museum’s exhibits include Guanche mummies, fossils, and geological formations.
5. Palmetum
Visit the Palmetum, a botanical garden specializing in palm trees from around the world. The garden offers stunning views of the city and the ocean, and it’s a great place to learn about diverse plant species.
6. Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA)
Explore the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, a contemporary art center that hosts rotating exhibitions of modern art. The building itself is an architectural highlight, designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
7. Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Shop at the bustling Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, also known as La Recova. This vibrant market offers a variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products.
8. Castillo de San Juan Bautista
Visit Castillo de San Juan Bautista, also known as the Black Castle. This historic fortress, built in the 17th century, played a crucial role in defending the city against pirate attacks.
9. Playa de Las Teresitas
Relax on Playa de Las Teresitas, a beautiful golden-sand beach located just a short drive from the city center. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports.
10. Iglesia de la Concepción
Admire the Iglesia de la Concepción, one of the oldest churches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The church features a beautiful bell tower, ornate interiors, and significant historical artifacts.
11. Centro de Interpretación Castillo de San Cristóbal
Explore the Centro de Interpretación Castillo de San Cristóbal, an underground museum located beneath Plaza de España. The museum displays the remains of the 16th-century castle and offers insights into the city’s defensive history.
12. Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Experience the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest and most famous carnivals in the world. The vibrant celebrations feature parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
These activities and attractions highlight the diverse offerings of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, making it an exciting destination for culture, history, and leisure.
