16 Best Things to Do and See in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Exploring Santa Cruz de Tenerife on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Monkey Park
Monkey Park is a small zoo in Santa Cruz de Tenerife focused on observing primates in a human-scale visitor setting. The site lets you discover different monkey species and a simple zoo presentation centered on close encounters with the animals. Located in Llano Azul, in the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is part of Tenerife’s tourism landscape as a specialized attraction, distinct from larger, more general animal parks.
2. García Sanabria Park
Parque García Sanabria is the large urban park of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, prized for its shaded pathways, flower beds and peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city. It offers a pleasant stroll dotted with sculptures, fountains and tropical vegetation, ideal for a break away from the bustle of urban life. The park also has resting areas, family-friendly spaces and a well-kept setting, making it one of the most enjoyable places to relax in Santa Cruz.
3. Corona Forestal Natural Park
Corona Forestal Natural Park is one of Tenerife’s major protected areas, set around the Teide massif in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife area. Visitors discover Canary Island pine forests, volcanic slopes, deep ravines, and lava fields that tell the island’s story. This natural park also provides a key ecological setting for mountain ecosystems. In some areas, openings in the vegetation reveal wide panoramas over Tenerife’s volcanic heart.
4. La Granja Park
Parque La Granja is a large urban park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, known for its green spaces, shaded pathways and relaxing areas. It offers a pleasant setting for a walk, a workout or simply a quiet break in the heart of the city. The park usually features family-friendly areas, lawns, a variety of trees and leisure facilities, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It is a pleasant stop for enjoying some time outdoors in Tenerife’s capital.
5. Historical Military Museum of the Canary Islands
The Historical Military Museum of the Canary Islands, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, showcases the military history of the archipelago through a collection of weapons, uniforms, maps, models, and objects linked to the defense of the islands. The museum offers a better understanding of the strategic role of the Canaries in the Atlantic and the evolution of fortifications, military installations, and soldiers’ daily life. The visit appeals both to history enthusiasts and curious travelers, with rooms that provide an insight into the local military heritage in an accessible cultural setting.
6. TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes
TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a contemporary cultural venue dedicated to modern art and current creative expression. It typically features temporary exhibitions, works by local and international artists, as well as shows related to photography, drawing, cinema, and visual creation. The venue also stands out for its contemporary architecture and bright spaces, which make for an enjoyable and immersive visit. It is an ideal place to explore the island’s art scene in a modern, vibrant setting.
7. Playa de Benijo
Playa de Benijo offers a raw view of Tenerife’s coastline, with a public beach of dark sand lined by volcanic rocks and backed by steep terrain. The spot is especially appealing for its wild atmosphere and striking contrasts between the Atlantic, black stone and the slopes of the north coast. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this beach offers a direct connection with nature in a largely unspoiled setting where the landscape is the main attraction.
8. Parque Las Indias
Parque Las Indias is a park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife that is part of everyday neighborhood life. It offers a nearby green space for relaxation and passing through the city. Located in the Calle Prol. Leopoldo de la Rosa area, it is more of a local landmark than a major monument. Its appeal lies in its simple atmosphere, closely connected to neighborhood life and the capital's urban fabric.
9. Parque de la Sortija
Parque de la Sortija is an urban park in Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, known for its Calle Dulce Maria Loynaz address and precise coordinates. It offers a green breathing space in the middle of the city, where vegetation softens the built environment. More of a local everyday spot than a major landmark, it has a simple, open feel and is integrated into Tenerife's residential fabric.
10. Parque El Quijote
Parque El Quijote is an urban park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a neighborhood space woven into the city’s daily life. Located on C. Pepita Serrador, it offers a green pause in a residential setting. Visitors appreciate it for its local, low-key character, ideal for walking, short breaks, and a calm crossing of the district. Its value lies in this simplicity, which reflects how Santa Cruz de Tenerife creates human-scale public spaces.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
