Santa Cruz is a relaxed port city with parks, plazas and an architectural landmark in the Auditorio de Tenerife. Its February carnival is one of the largest in the world.
Nearby La Laguna, a UNESCO-listed university town, and the laurel forests of Anaga make it a much more varied base than the southern resorts.
Climate: Mild all year, sunnier than the north of the island.
Visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife
How long: 2 days
Don’t miss
- Carnival in February
- Auditorio de Tenerife
- Las Teresitas beach
- La Laguna old town
- Anaga rural park
- Mount Teide by cable car
What to eat
- Papas arrugadas
- Conejo en salmorejo
- Barraquito coffee
Tip: Book the Teide summit permit well ahead if you want to walk to the very top.
Plan a visit
Check hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Booking.com · Expedia. Booking links may earn us a commission at no cost to you.
A perfect first day
- Morning: the Auditorio and the seafront.
- Afternoon: Las Teresitas beach.
- Evening: tapas in the city centre.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For walking and shops.
More of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Fiestas
Living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Best for: People wanting city life with a mild climate and nature.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Walkable, shops and parks.
University town, cooler and greener.
Pros
- Mild climate
- Varied nature
- Lower cost than mainland cities
Cons
- Island isolation
- Cloudier than the south
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
Get your personal paperwork list for visas, NIE, padrón and more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
2 days is enough for the main sights: carnival in february, auditorio de tenerife, las teresitas beach. Book the Teide summit permit well ahead if you want to walk to the very top.
Is Santa Cruz de Tenerife expensive to live in?
On our scale it is moderate (€€). Costs are around or below the Spanish average.
How do I get to Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
By air: Tenerife North (TFN), 15 minutes; Tenerife South (TFS) 45 minutes. By rail: No train; tram to La Laguna; island buses.
Have you been to Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
Tips from travellers
Know Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Share one tip for the next visitor or newcomer. The first good one goes right here.
Share a tip
Questions from readers
Question about Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Ask it here and we’ll answer the useful ones on this page.
Ask a question
Also in this region
Canary Islands
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Europe’s favourite winter base for remote workers: a city beach (Las Canteras), coworking spaces, surf, and the same mild weather all year.
€€€€ 2 to 3 days