Tenerife, Spain cruises

Santa Cruz de Tenerife port guide.

Nestled in a natural harbour on the northeast coast of the island, the port sits less than a kilometre from the main town square, Plaza de Espana.

Its location makes it easy for you to branch off and experience the wonders that the island of Tenerife has to offer, but the port has an enchanting presence in itself too. It’s full of brightly painted buildings and rich, historical architecture, as well as plentiful shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Here’s our guide on everything you need to know about the welcoming port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Top landmarks and sights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Spend an afternoon strolling through the Palmetum, a 30-acre botanical garden that plays host to the most pristine palm tree collection in Europe, as well as over 200 more tropical and subtropical plant species. The gardens are also a haven for birdwatchers, with blackbirds, blue tits, hoopoes, and many other aviary species that call this blissful space home.

An impressive peak rising over 12,000 feet above sea level, perhaps ascend the iconic Mount Teide – the third-tallest volcanic structure in the world. There are many ways to experience the beauty of this active volcano, which is found within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Teide National Park. Choose from several hiking trails, a cable car ride, an observatory, and an astronomy tower, for the best views.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to numerous squares and plazas from which you can take a moment to relax and watch the world pass by. Some of the more notable include Plaza el Príncipe de Asturias and Plaza Los Patos.

Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Should you be looking for a slow-paced day on the beach, you’ll find no shortage of blissful bays to choose from in Tenerife, from the volcanic black sands of Playa del Ancón to the golden shores of Playa de Lad Teresitas.

On the other hand, for a more active experience, maybe take a trip to the eastern side of the island to gaze at the ancient Pyramids of Güímar. The site comprises six pyramid-shaped structures made of lava stone, replicating similar formations found in Egypt, Mexico, and Peru.

Adventure seekers can enjoy a day in Siam Park. This is one of the world’s most famous water parks complete with gravity-defying water slides, lazy rivers, and expansive pools, all housed within a stunning park inspired by Thai architecture. An option for animal lovers is to visit nearby Loro Parque, a zoo home to many different species of animals and marine life.

Maybe you want to indulge in a little shopping, and would relish a stroll down Calle del Castillo. This is the main pedestrian street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is lined with a range of well-known brands and smaller boutiques.

Eating and drinking near Santa Cruz de Tenerife cruise port.

When it comes to culinary experiences, the island of Tenerife does not fall short. The traditional dishes of the island do not rely on flamboyance or complexity, but instead, make expert use of simple processes and locally sourced goods.

One of the most popular dishes to sample is Papas Arrugadas, also known as wrinkled potatoes. You’ll often find these hearty treats paired with another island staple – Mojo. Mojo is a traditional sauce that can contain a variety of ingredients including vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, red peppers, cumin, and black garlic.

Find a range of local goods to sample at the Our Lady of Africa Market, known locally as La Recova, a Neo-Colonial style market surrounded by picturesque fountains, statues and floral displays. This colourful market offers an incredible array of fresh local fruits, vegetables, and seafood, and regularly hosts tasting nights where you can sample mouth-watering cuisine prepared by locals.

Shopping in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

There is no shortage of shopping experiences in Tenerife. Delight in everything from small homemade souvenirs and family ran boutiques in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, to extravagant designer stores found along the Avenida de la Américas in the popular town of Las Americas.

Getting around: Santa Cruz de Tenerife transport.

Once docked at the port, free shuttle busses are provided by the Tenerife Port Authority to transport you to Plaza de Espana, the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. However, the port is only a short walk from the city centre and is easily accessible by foot. There is also a handy hop-on hop-off bus that operates around the city, stopping at 12 different locations.

Taxis are readily available, as is the local bus system, TITSA, which is useful if you’re looking to travel to other cities and sights across the island.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife port facilities.

A vibrant cruise hub, the port at Santa Cruz de Tenerife opened a stunning new terminal in 2016 and welcomes a large number of cruise ships every year.

Depending on where your ship docks, free shuttles may be provided to ferry you to the terminal building.

The entrance to the port leads out onto a beautiful promenade named the Avenida Maritima, which has several streets and avenues branching off into the city.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife quick tips.

Currency.

Tenerife and the Canary Islands are part of Spain, and the official currency used is the Euro. There are a number of currency exchange bureaus available across the island, as well as plenty of ATMs.

Many establishments will accept debit or credit cards, however, it is advisable to carry some cash with you for purchases at smaller stores or restaurants.

Tipping is generally expected in bars and restaurants in Tenerife, with the norm sitting at around 10% of your total bill. Alternatively, many guests choose to round up to the nearest Euro amount ending in zero. This is typically the same for taxi drivers, so be sure to let your driver know how much change you want back if handing them cash.

Weather.

Tenerife enjoys a warm climate throughout most of the year, with some of the most popular times to visit the island being during the winter months when daily temperatures usually reach over 20°C.

Typically, temperatures on the island reach their hottest between June and September, where you can expect a daily average of 31°C.

Those visiting the island in February or March might catch a glimpse of a snow-capped Mount Teide, with temperatures during this period a little more varied than the rest of the year.

Tenerife is soothing on the ears, too. Listen for the timple, a distinctive element of Canarian folk music, or perhaps catch a recital at the Auditorio, home to the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.