Built in 1498, the Tenerife Church of the Immaculate Conception is Tenerife’s oldest church and one of Santa Cruz’ most prominent landmarks. Legend dictates that the original church was erected under order of Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, commander of the Spanish conquerors, making it a key site in the founding of the city.
Las Águilas Jungle Park on Spain's largest Canary Island, Tenerife, is a treasure trove of exotic birds, big cats, lemurs, primates, penguins, reptiles, and more. Explore the park, marvel over daily flight and feeding exhibitions, get adventurous on toboggan runs, and then refuel at the onsite snack bars.
Explore the world of doll art and teddy bears at Artlandya, an unconventional museum unlike any other in Europe. Wander through a traditional Canary Island house filled with over 600 dolls and teddies made from porcelain, felt, wood, and other materials, then stop by the adjoining workshop for a crash course in porcelain doll-making.
Lush, green mountains are the gorgeous backdrop for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife’s only cruise port. The historic city offers excellent access to the entire island, from the south coast’s sandy beaches to towering volcanoes and national parks. Compact Santa Cruz has many attractions, including museums, shopping, and dining.
Just north of Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s southwest shore, the lively marina of Puerto Colón welcomes private boats and yachts. Boat cruises and scuba diving excursions set out from the port along the Teno-Rasca Marine Strip, where you can spot bottlenose and common dolphins, pilot whales, and loggerhead and green turtles.
There’s no shortage of beaches along the sun-kissed shores of Tenerife’s southwest coast, but Playa del Duque stands out for its golden sands and gentle waves. Just north of Costa Adeje, the palm-studded beach is framed by a rocky headland and has shallow azure waters ideal for swimming and splashing.
Situated near the western coast of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, the town of Santiago del Teide offers a picturesque setting in the foothills of the Macizo de Teno mountains. It is conveniently close to the charming mountain town of Masca and overlooks the awe-inspiring Cliffs of the Giants, which dramatically plunge into the sparkling ocean.
Located in Santa Cruz, the Mercado Nuestra Señora de África is instantly recognizable by its salmon-colored facade. This vibrant marketplace beckons locals and tourists alike to browse among vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and fish, as well as items such as cheeses, wines, and gourmet specialties. The market also features charming cafés and tasting stalls so you can eat on-site.
Located in the southern part of the island, Monkey Park Tenerife is a breeding and refuge center for endangered primates. The park is home to free-roaming lemurs, gibbons, and squirrel monkeys—to name a few—and gives you the chance to enjoy close contact with the semi-wild primates.
Ancient volcanic activity from around 7-9 million years ago formed the Anaga Mountains in northeast Tenerife. Hikers come to enjoy a range of trails that showcase laurel forests, quaint villages, and dramatic coastal scenery. The area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has one of Europe’s largest collections of endemic species.
With sweeping views over the Atlantic and Los Gigantes cliffs, Oasis Los Gigantes swimming pool complex boasts a shallow children’s pool with slides and a heated saltwater infinity pool for older kids and adults. Beyond taking a dip, you eat at the restaurant, grab a drink from the bar, bowl on the green, and relax on the daybeds.
Serving as Tenerife’s capital up until the 18th century, the lively student town of La Laguna—or San Cristóbal de La Laguna—is the historic heart of the island. Visitors come to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, where the cobbled streets and colonial architecture afford endless photo opportunities.
Tenerife’s unique landscapes—sculpted over centuries of volcanic activity—and anthropological history—inhabited by the Guanche people since the 6th century BC—are the focal points of the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA). Located in Santa Cruz, it’s a fascinating deep-dive into the history and cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.
If you’ve ever dreamed of lifting up a car with a single finger or being parted from your own shadow, you’ll likely be in your element at the Museum of Science and the Cosmos (Museo de las Ciencias y el Cosmos). The innovative museum is filled with fun interactive exhibitions and hands-on sciences experiments to challenge curious minds.
