Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Port capital in Tenerife, Spain.
Description
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island, located on the northeastern coast where it combines a sheltered natural harbor with broad avenues and open squares. The city spreads from the waterfront across gentle hills into residential neighborhoods that climb toward higher elevations.
History
Spanish conquerors founded the settlement in the late 15th century after subduing the island's indigenous population. The location grew into the island's main harbor and capital due to its position on shipping routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Culture
The coat of arms features a cross with three nails, recalling the city's founding during the Spanish conquest in the late 15th century. Visitors find this emblem throughout, on public buildings and as a motif in street art and local shops.
Practical
Most of the downtown area is walkable, with short bus routes connecting beaches and outlying neighborhoods. Strolls along the waterfront and through shopping streets offer shade under trees and covered passages, which helps during warm summer months.
Did you know?
In July the city transforms for the carnival festival, one of the largest worldwide, with weeks of street parades, costumes, and music filling the main avenues. Many shops close early during this time, while residents and visitors spend evenings in colorful celebrations.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province).
Auditorio de Tenerife
1.2 km
Playa de Las Teresitas
7.8 km
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
434 m
Cathedral of La Laguna
6.9 km
Macizo de Anaga Biosphere Reserve
8 km
Masonic Temple of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
357 m
Parque García Sanabria
747 m
Anaga Rural Park
7.6 km
Monumento a Franco
1.1 km
Iglesia de la Concepción
269 m
Iglesia de la Concepción
7.4 km
Cañón Tigre
305 m
International Tenerife Memorial March 27, 1977
8 km
Zanata Stone
307 m
Castillo de San Cristóbal
248 m
Castillo de San Juan Bautista
1.3 km
Piscinas Naturales de Bajamar
13.6 km
Convento Santa Catalina La Laguna
6.7 km
Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís
152 m
Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre
347 m
Playa de Benijo
13.7 km
Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
1.7 km
Tenerife Espacio de las Artes
310 m
Parque Marítimo César Manrique
1.5 km
Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
6.5 km
Bullring of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
1 km
San Andrés Castle
7.2 km
Roques de Anaga
17.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes