Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the Canary Islands’ capital of rhythm and light—home to one of the world’s greatest Carnivals, a futuristic waterfront by Santiago Calatrava, and boulevard cafés shaded by Indian laurels. Founded in 1494, the port grew rich on Atlantic trade; today it’s a lively, walkable city that opens onto wild mountains, golden-sand coves, and volcanic moonscapes within an hour.

In one week you can taste Tenerife’s many faces: the UNESCO old town of La Laguna, the cloud forests of Anaga, the glinting pools of Lago Martiánez, and Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. Food is a highlight—grilled vieja (parrotfish), wrinkled papas arrugadas dipped in mojo, and island wines from steep, terraced vineyards.

Practical notes: Tenerife has two airports (TFN in the north, TFS in the south). Public transport is excellent—green TITSA buses and a modern tram link the metro area. Rent a car for Teide and remote Anaga villages, or plan buses and taxis. Book the Teide cable car in advance (and a free summit permit if you aim for the very top).

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Sunny plazas, palm-lined Rambla de Santa Cruz, and contemporary culture define the capital. Don’t miss the oceanfront Auditorio de Tenerife, the tropical Palmetum, and colorful produce at the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África. Beaches? A quick hop brings you to Playa de Las Teresitas, a golden crescent imported from the Sahara.

Top sights nearby include San Cristóbal de La Laguna (UNESCO old town via tram), Anaga Rural Park for soulful hiking, and Teide National Park for otherworldly landscapes and stargazing. Add a coastal day in Puerto de la Cruz for seawater pools at Lago Martiánez.

• Stay (Hotels.com or VRBO):
  • Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey – classic 5-star with a lush garden, spa, and the atmospheric Café del Mencey.
  • Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz – sleek 4-star near shopping and the waterfront.
  • Hotel Escuela Santa Cruz – modern rooms, roomy balconies, easy parking.
  • Hotel Adonis Capital – budget-friendly, central on Plaza de la Candelaria.
  • Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Santa Cruz de Tenerife | VRBO – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Getting there:
  • From Europe: search flights to TFN/TFS on Omio (Flights). Typical nonstop from Madrid/Barcelona: 2.5–3 hours, ~$60–$200 round-trip.
  • From outside Europe: compare fares on Trip.com (Flights). Many routes connect via Madrid, Barcelona, or Lisbon.
  • By sea from mainland Spain (Cadiz/Huelva): check sailings on Omio (Ferries); overnight crossings are common.
• Local transport: The Tranvía (tram) links Santa Cruz and La Laguna in ~40 minutes; single rides ~€1.35. TITSA buses reach beaches and towns; tap on with a rechargeable Ten+ card for discounts.

Day 1: Arrival, Waterfront Stroll, and Canarian Welcome

Afternoon: Arrive at TFN or TFS and check into your hotel. Stretch your legs around Plaza de España and the seawater lake, then wander the Rambla de Santa Cruz beneath jacarandas to Parque García Sanabria for sculpture-dotted paths and city views.

Evening: Start with a vermouth at Café del Mencey (grand-hotel ambiance) before dinner at La Hierbita—a 19th‑century townhouse serving rabbit in salmorejo, ropa vieja, and grilled local fish. Nightcap at El Gusto por el Vino, an excellent island wine bar where staff can guide you through volcanic whites from Tacoronte‑Acentejo.

Day 2: Markets, Museums, and the Palmetum

Morning: Breakfast at Palmelita near García Sanabria—order a cortado leche y leche and an almond croissant. Explore the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África (La Recova): taste goat cheeses, tropical fruits (cherimoya, papaya), and pick up mojos to take home.

Afternoon: Dive into culture at TEA – Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (striking concrete by Herzog & de Meuron) or the MUNA – Museum of Nature & Archaeology to learn about the Guanche people. Walk the waterfront to the Auditorio de Tenerife, then continue to the Palmetum, a unique hilltop palm garden with Atlantic views (allow 1.5–2 hours; entry ~€6).

Evening: Dinner at San Sebastián 57—island produce meets modern technique (try tuna tartare with avocado and citrus). For a lively late-night terrace, head to Isla de Mar near the harbor for cocktails and DJs.

Day 3: La Laguna’s UNESCO Old Town

Morning: Take the tram Line 1 to San Cristóbal de La Laguna (~40 min; €1.35). Coffee and a tostada with tomato at a historic café on Calle Herradores, then stroll pastel mansions with carved canary-pine balconies. Visit the Cathedral, Casa Salazar, and hidden patios.

Afternoon: Lunch at La Tasca de Nino—go for octopus with papas and local red. Pop into boutiques and the lively Plaza del Adelantado. If you love pastry, detour to a classic bakery for bienmesabe and quesadilla herreña.

Evening: Splurge on a tasting menu at NUB (Michelin-starred, Latin American and Italian roots reimagined with Canarian ingredients; book well ahead). Tram back for a quiet drink near Plaza Weyler.

Day 4: Anaga Rural Park—Laurisilva, Clifftops, and Benijo Sunset

Morning: Drive or take a taxi/bus up to Cruz del Carmen (45 min). Warm layers! Walk the family-friendly Sendero de los Sentidos through mossy laurel forest (30–60 min), or the longer PR‑TF 8 to Chinamada cave-houses if you’re fit.

Afternoon: Wind down to the remote village of Taganana. Lunch at Casa África—grilled vieja, limpets with green mojo, and house papas. Continue to Playa de Almáciga and Playa de Benijo for wild Atlantic vistas; swimming can be rough—respect the flags.

Evening: Stay for the golden-hour silhouette of the Roques de Anaga at Benijo. Return to Santa Cruz (~1–1.25 hrs). Light, late dinner at Bodeguita Canaria—order gofio escaldado and wrinkled potatoes with mojos rojo and verde.

Day 5: Teide National Park—Volcanic Landscapes and Stargazing

Morning: Drive from Santa Cruz to Teide National Park via La Esperanza (~1.5 hrs). Stop at viewpoints over the sea of clouds. Prebook the Teide cable car (return ticket ~€40); at the upper station (3,555 m) follow short trails to overlooks. Summit access requires a free permit booked weeks ahead.

Afternoon: Explore the caldera by car: Roques de García loop (1–1.5 hrs), lava rivers, ochre badlands. For a late lunch, descend to La Orotava to wander noble houses and courtyards; share tapas and a barraquito coffee at a traditional tascón.

Evening: Return to the park for stargazing—the skies are among Europe’s best. Bring warm layers, a headlamp, and download a stargazing app. Back in Santa Cruz, toast the day with a neat ron miel (honey rum).

Day 6: Puerto de la Cruz and Lago Martiánez

Morning: Bus 103 from Santa Cruz to Puerto de la Cruz (~50–60 min; ~€6), or drive 35–45 min. Start at the old fishermen’s quarter by the fishing port and Iglesia de la Peña de Francia.

Afternoon: Claim a sunbed at Lago Martiánez, César Manrique’s 1970s complex of seawater pools, art, and lava stone. Break for lunch at El Taller de Seve Díaz (book ahead; creative tasting menus) or enjoy a casual feast at La Cofradía de Pescadores above the harbor—go for fried moray and grilled squid.

Evening: If time allows, stop at the Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico) for towering ficus and palms. Back in Santa Cruz, dinner at Taberna Ramón—classic grilled meats and local fish, lively and old-school.

Day 7: Las Teresitas Beach and San Andrés Farewell

Morning: Bus 910 to Playa de Las Teresitas (every ~10–15 min; ~20 min ride). Swim in calm, golden waters sheltered by breakwaters. Grab a barraquito and a bocadillo de tortilla from a chiringuito.

Afternoon: Walk or bus to nearby San Andrés. Long lunch at the Cofradía de Pescadores de San Andrés—octopus salad, lapas with mojo, and chilled island white. Return to pack, then last-minute shopping on Calle del Castillo.

Evening: Departure day. If your flight is later, unwind at the Parque Marítimo César Manrique saltwater pools beside the Auditorio. Head to TFN (15–20 min by taxi) or TFS (~45–60 min) with ample time.

Optional swaps and extras

• Whale and dolphin watching from Puerto Colón or Los Cristianos (year-round pilot whales): allow half a day.
• Siam Park waterpark in Costa Adeje (often ranked the world’s best). Bus 110/111 from Santa Cruz to Costa Adeje ~70–85 min.
• Wine country (Tacoronte‑Acentejo and El Sauzal): tour vineyards and pair volcanic whites with smoked goat cheeses.

Optional Madeira add‑on (if you extend your trip)

If you add a short flight (approx. 1h30) to Madeira Island (Portugal), these highly rated tours offer lush levadas and dramatic coasts—very different from Tenerife’s volcanic plateau.

• Majestic West Tour and Fanal Forest

  

  Explore laurel forests, cliffside villages, and photogenic viewpoints in western Madeira.
• Amazing East Tour

  

  A full day of Pico do Areeiro viewpoints, traditional houses in Santana, and rugged coastlines.

In seven days you’ll have tasted Tenerife’s full palette: a cultured capital, laurel-green mountains, lava deserts, and sun-blessed Atlantic shores. Santa Cruz makes an ideal base—efficient transport, great dining, and easy day trips in every direction. You’ll leave with sandy shoes, starry memories, and a craving for mojo and volcanic wines.