There are many reasons to plan a trip to Santa Cruz de Tenerife: contemporary art, Carnival, botanical diversity and a swimming complex right by the sea. To choose what to focus on, it helps to consider the differences: a visit to TEA revolves around exhibitions and other cultural offerings, the Palmetum focuses on plant life, and the Anaga trail network offers a variety of hiking options. For attractions with changing programs or current operating conditions, check the relevant information for your travel dates.

Art, museums and Carnival

TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes is a contemporary art centre in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Its offerings include exhibitions, films, workshops and guided tours, as well as activities for children and families. Individual program items may change. If you plan to visit TEA, check which offerings are available during your visit. In addition to its program, the centre has a core collection of works by Óscar Domínguez, an artist from Tenerife. This brings changing formats together with a clearly defined collection focus.

MUNA, the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, offers a different focus: it is housed in a historic building and has extensive collections on Guanche archaeology and the natural sciences. Visitors interested in both subjects can explore them as distinct areas of the museum. Parque García Sanabria complements the art offerings with an open-air sculpture museum. Works by contemporary artists stand alongside palm trees and other tropical plants. Unlike a museum collection, art and vegetation come together here in the park.

Carnival is also an important part of the city’s cultural profile. The festival is recognised as an event of International Tourist Interest; its annual program varies. Casa del Carnaval opened in 2017 to provide information about Carnival and bring it to life throughout the year. This gives visitors two different reasons to plan a trip: the festival dates and program are relevant for a visit during Carnival, while Casa del Carnaval serves an educational purpose year-round. Check the event dates if Carnival is the deciding factor for your travel dates.

Botanical diversity, the sea and hiking trails

The Palmetum in Santa Cruz was created by transforming a former landfill into a place for recreation and botanical culture. It is home to more than 2,000 plant species from tropical and subtropical climates, including more than 500 palm species. These figures may change as the garden develops. The landscape also features views of the sea and city, as well as waterfalls, lakes and streams. Those seeking botanical diversity will find a different focus here than in art and museum collections.

The Anaga trail network offers self-guided hikes and walking routes of varying lengths and layouts, from short strolls to long hikes. The availability of individual trails and any temporary restrictions may change; check the latest conditions before setting out.

As an alternative to hiking, there is Parque Marítimo César Manrique, a swimming complex right by the sea, designed by the artist from Lanzarote. Operating conditions may change, so check the latest information before your visit. The port of Santa Cruz welcomes ferries serving the eastern Canary Islands. If a ferry connection is important to your trip, check the schedules in advance.

Canarian cuisine and travel planning

Typical Canarian dishes featured in Santa Cruz de Tenerife include papas arrugadas and mojos. These dishes offer a taste of Canarian cuisine; they are not a tradition exclusive to Santa Cruz. Which dishes appear on the menu depends on the establishment. Together with the cultural and natural attractions, they provide a range of reasons to choose the destination: you can plan your stay around art, Carnival, plant life, hiking trails or cuisine. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide which of these aspects of the trip matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Igueste De San Andrés, Maria Jimenez, San Andres, Santa María Del Mar, Taganana, El Draguito, Benijo, Cueva Bermeja, Barranco Hondo.

See the overview of the wider destination: Tenerife.