Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Attraction, Park and Square in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias
Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel

Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias is one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's most pleasant little green escapes: a historic, garden-like square tucked into the city center and framed by lively streets, shops, and cafés. It's the kind of place you naturally drift into while exploring on foot, then end up staying longer than planned thanks to the shade, benches, and calm atmosphere.

If you're doing a self-guided walking tour of central Santa Cruz, this plaza works beautifully as a mid-route pause between the main shopping streets and the older civic core. The best spots are under the mature trees for shade, and around the central bandstand area where you can take in the plaza's elegant layout and people-watch.

History and Significance of the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias

The plaza’s story is closely tied to Santa Cruz’s growth into a modern city. What’s now a refined public square began as productive land connected to a religious complex, later transitioning into a civic space designed for residents to stroll, rest, and gather.

Its 19th-century development reflects a period when cities across Spain invested in public promenades and landscaped squares as symbols of progress and quality of life. Over time, the plaza became a familiar meeting point in the center, valued not for grand scale but for its atmosphere, greenery, and sense of continuity.

Today, the plaza’s significance is as much social as historical: it’s a lived-in public room for the city, hosting everyday pauses as well as occasional music and community events.

Things to See and Do in the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias

Start with the overall setting: a compact, elegant square with mature trees that create real, usable shade—especially welcome on warm Tenerife days. The central bandstand (kiosk/templete) is the visual anchor and a classic photo subject, even when there’s no performance happening.

Take a slow lap to spot details you might miss at first glance, including statues and small sculptural elements that reward a closer look. The plaza is also ideal for simple pleasures: reading on a bench, enjoying a coffee, or watching local life flow past.

If you’re lucky with timing, you may catch live music or a small public event. Even without a program, it’s a reliable “reset stop” on a busy day of sightseeing—quiet enough to recharge, central enough to keep your itinerary moving.

How to Get to the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias

The nearest airport is Tenerife North Airport (TFN), with Tenerife South Airport (TFS) also serving the island; from either, you can reach Santa Cruz by bus, taxi, or car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Booking.com.

Tenerife doesn’t have an intercity passenger rail network like mainland Spain, so there’s no practical train route into Santa Cruz; most visitors arrive by bus, car, or taxi instead. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio..

If you’re driving, aim for a central parking garage and finish the last few minutes on foot, since the streets around the center can be busy and not ideal for curbside stops. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias

  • Official website: https://www.santacruzdetenerife.es/web/noticias-y-agenda/noticias/archivo-de-noticias/plaza-principe-de-asturias
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning for a relaxed coffee stop, or late afternoon when the light softens and the plaza feels especially calm.
  • How long to spend: 15–30 minutes is perfect for a breather; plan closer to an hour if you want a drink and a slow wander around the statues.
  • Accessibility: The plaza is slightly elevated from surrounding streets, so look for the most gradual access points; surfaces are generally easy for strollers and most mobility aids.
  • Facilities: Benches and shade are the main “amenities,” and there’s typically a kiosk/café nearby for drinks and snacks.

Where to Stay Close to the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias

Base yourself in central Santa Cruz if you want the easiest walking access to sights, dining, and shopping.

Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey A classic, upscale option with strong amenities; ideal if you want a resort-like feel while still being close to the city center.

Hotel Taburiente A dependable mid-to-upscale choice near green spaces; great for travelers who like a quieter base with easy walks into the center.

NH Tenerife Central and practical, with a location that makes it easy to build a walking itinerary around plazas, shops, and museums.

Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz A modern business-leaning hotel that works well if you want larger rooms and straightforward transport connections.

Hotel Adonis Plaza Best for travelers who prioritize being right in the historic core; convenient for early starts and late dinners without taxis.

Is the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you’re already exploring central Santa Cruz on foot. It’s not a “big-ticket” attraction, but it’s a genuinely enjoyable place to pause: leafy, elegant, and full of small details like statues and the bandstand that make it feel distinct rather than generic.

Honest Pivot: If you’re short on time and only want headline sights, you can skip it and focus on larger landmarks or museums. It’s most rewarding for travelers who enjoy atmosphere, urban greenery, and the rhythm of local daily life.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (63)

Reviews are strongly positive overall (4.5/5 from 63 ratings), with visitors consistently describing the plaza as beautiful, peaceful, and pleasantly shaded by mature trees. Many highlight the central location, the elegant feel, and the ease of taking a break on benches, often with a kiosk/café nearby for drinks. Several mention a classic bandstand and occasional concerts or music events that add atmosphere. Downsides are minor but include that it’s a small square and can feel more like a quick stop than a major attraction if you’re short on time.

ALESSANDRA SALVATORI
6 months ago
"Beautiful park in the city center of Santa Crux de Tenerife,nRegulary concerts and music held in this lovely park."
A. Mutis
8 months ago
"Beautiful square located in the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Very old."
Kee Insey
a month ago
"Very pleasant, elegant tree filled square with a kiosk serving food and drink"

For Different Travelers

This plaza is a flexible stop that fits smoothly into a city day, whether you’re sightseeing hard or taking things slow. Think of it as a quality-of-life highlight: not a destination that demands hours, but a place that improves your route.

Families with Kids

For families, the biggest win is the shade and benches—useful for snack breaks and stroller resets in the middle of town. Kids can also enjoy the “treasure hunt” feel of spotting statues and details around the square.

Keep expectations realistic: it’s a calm public plaza, not a playground. Pair it with a nearby treat stop or a short walk to another family-friendly point of interest to keep momentum.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the plaza’s classic, slightly old-world vibe—especially around the bandstand and under the trees. It’s a great place for a low-key pause between shopping streets and a long lunch.

Visit in the late afternoon for the most flattering light and a more relaxed feel. If you like travel photography, it’s also an easy spot for candid, “in-the-moment” shots without crowds pressing in.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get a lot here for free: shade, atmosphere, and a central location that reduces the need for taxis. It’s also a smart place to take a break without feeling like you need to buy a ticket or commit to a long visit.

If you do spend, keep it simple with a coffee or snack from the kiosk/café nearby. Otherwise, treat it as a scenic rest stop that helps you pace a full day of walking.

FAQs for Visiting Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the city center and fits naturally into most walking routes. It’s easiest to approach on foot from nearby shopping and civic streets.
Yes, taxis operate throughout central Santa Cruz and can drop you close by. From the drop-off point, you’ll typically walk a short distance to enter the plaza.
Street parking can be limited in the center. It’s usually easier to use a nearby paid garage and walk the final minutes.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public square and you can enter freely. You can come and go as you like.
Many city walking tours pass through central plazas and may include it depending on the route. If you’re booking, check the listed stops before you go.
Most of the time, simply visiting the plaza is free. For special programmed events, any paid access would be communicated locally by organizers.

Visiting Experience

It’s more of a relaxing stop with a few standout features like the bandstand and statues. It works best as a pause between bigger attractions.
Yes, the mature trees provide meaningful shade, which is a big reason people linger here. On hot days, it can feel noticeably cooler than nearby streets.
It often feels calm for a central location. Expect a gentle flow of locals and visitors rather than heavy crowds.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a mid-point break between central shopping streets and nearby cultural stops. Plan a short loop that lets you sit for 15 minutes without losing time.
Yes, it’s an easy “quality stop” that adds character to your route. The plaza is compact, so it won’t derail your schedule.
Look for the bandstand as the focal point, then scan the perimeter for statues and small design details. The overall layout and greenery are part of the appeal.

Photography

The bandstand is the main focal point and photographs well from multiple angles. Try framing it with trees for a classic, shaded look.
Late afternoon typically gives softer light and a warmer tone. Midday can be contrasty because of the strong sun and deep shade.
Yes, a phone camera is enough here. Focus on composition: symmetry around the bandstand and detail shots of statues work well.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, benches are a key feature and make it easy to rest mid-walk. Shade makes sitting comfortable even on warmer days.
Generally yes, though access may involve slight changes in level from surrounding streets. Choose the easiest entry points rather than the steepest steps.
Public restrooms aren’t guaranteed in a small city plaza. Plan to use nearby cafés or public facilities in the surrounding center.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, there’s typically a kiosk/café presence in or near the plaza. The surrounding streets also have plenty of options within a short walk.
Yes, it’s ideal for a short sit-down to reset your feet. It’s especially handy if you’re walking between lunch and dinner plans.
It’s smart to carry water if you’re walking around the center for hours. You can often top up by buying a drink nearby.

Safety & Timing

In general, yes—this is a central, well-trafficked area. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings.
Early evening can be pleasant for atmosphere and people-watching. Late-night visits are less about sightseeing and more about passing through.
Build it in as a planned break rather than an “extra.” Even 15 minutes on a bench makes it feel like part of the day, not a detour.

Nearby Attractions to the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias

  • Plaza de la Candelaria: A central square and popular meeting point that connects easily to shopping streets and cafés.
  • Iglesia de San Francisco: A nearby historic church that adds architectural context to the older part of the center.
  • Teatro Guimerá: A landmark theatre building worth seeing from the outside, especially if you enjoy city architecture.
  • Parque García Sanabria: A larger urban park ideal for a longer stroll among gardens and public art.
  • Plaza de España: One of Santa Cruz's main civic spaces, great for wide-open views and a sense of the city's scale.

The Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Zona Centro, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 0 km
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