Stroll around Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife

At the time, Tenerife was the Canary Island that resisted the Spanish invasion the longest. In 1494, however, the colonists succeeded in conquering the small island from the indigenous Guanche people. The Spanish built a fort on the site of today's Santa Cruz de Tenerife and used it to fight the Guanches. The indigenous people submitted after 2 long years of battle.

Ideally placed on the route to India and the Americas, the Europeans used Tenerife as a port base. Economically, the city of Santa Cruz was fairly well off. However, it was besieged on all sides by various conflicts over the years. The city was destroyed, looted and attacked many times between 1600 and 1800. From 1833 to 1927, it was the capital of the Canary Islands. Then, in 1982, the islands were split into two provinces, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Two cities, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, share the seat of government of the autonomous region of the Canaries. The Canary archipelago is one of Spain's autonomous communities.

In 2021, the population of Santa Cruz exceeded 222,000. The climate is very mild all year round. Temperatures flirt with 20°C in winter and 29/30°C in summer. The capital has the largest number of shops in the Canary Islands. It is a modern city and home to the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, the largest hospital complex in the archipelago.

In fact, it's a dynamic student town. The economy of Santa Cruz, like that of Tenerife and indeed the Canaries, is based on tourism, even though the city boasts Spain's oldest oil refinery, in operation since 1930. The port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife can accommodate 5 cruise ships at any one time. It is the archipelago's media centre, with radio stations and newspapers all headquartered here.

Budget accommodation in the historic centre of Santa Cruz

Luxury hotel accommodation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Take a dip in the César Manrique Maritime Park

Take a dip in the city centre!

For a relaxing day out in the heart of Tenerife's capital, the César Manrique Maritime Park has 3 seawater pools, restaurants, terraces and fully-equipped changing rooms. From the turquoise waters of the pools, you can enjoy views of the auditorium, the Palmetum botanical garden and the Atlantic Ocean.

Opening times

The maritime park is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm in summer and until 6 pm in winter.

Prices

Admission costs €5 for adults and €1.50 for children.

Book your tickets on the maritime park website.

The exceptional architecture of the Colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception

The colonial church of the Immaculate Conception is located in the old centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is one of the city's few religious buildings. Catholic in faith, the building features the typical Tuscan architectural style, blended with the Canarian style. The church houses the wooden cross that was erected by the Spanish colonists when the Guanches of Tenerife were subdued. It is this cross that gives the town its name, Santa Cruz.

Opening times

The church is open daily from 9am to 7.30pm.

Admission

Admission to the church is free.

Authenticity at the Nuestra Señora de África market

Known as "La Recova" by the locals, this market is located in the historic centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Every day, fruit, vegetable, meat and fish vendors come to sell their wares. You'll find local produce from local fishing and the work of local farmers. It's a typical, colourful market housed in a building typical of the Canary Islands. To get there, take the tram to the Guimera stop.

Opening times

The market is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, and from 7 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. on Sundays.

Prices

Admission to the market is free.

The Museum of Nature and Man

The mission of the Museum of Nature and Man is to protect and conserve the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands through the promotion of culture, science and education. The culture of the indigenous people of the Canaries, the ancestors of the Berbers, is given pride of place.

Opening times

The museum is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 4.30 pm.

Admission

Admission to the museum costs €5 for adults and €3.50 for students, senior citizens and members of large families.