Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port is in the capital of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. It’s a wonderful year-round holiday destinations but it’s a particular popular winter sun cruise destination, for those of us in the UK and Northern Europe! So if your cruise will be calling on Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port, I’ve got the DIY guide with the top things to see and do around Santa Cruz Cruise Port. From the beautiful Playa de las Teresitas beach, to the attractions and water park nearby the cruise port, let’s get your DIY Tenerife excursion planned!
Note on Embarkation: Many cruise lines such as P&O who use Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port on their winter sun itineraries will sell a flights inclusive cruise package with transfers to Santa Cruz cruise port included. You’ll typically be flown into Tenerife North airport, a short 20 minute drive away, as it’s only 15 km (~9 miles) from Santa Cruz Cruise Port. If you’re booking your own flights, be sure to check that you’re booking flights to Tenerife North airport, as Tenerife South airport is about 45 mins to an hours’ drive away.
This is Part 4 of my Canary Islands Cruise Port Series. If you’re on a Canary Islands cruise, then check out my other DIY port guides at:
- Part 1: Arrecife (Lanzarote) Cruise Port Guide: Castles, Lagoons & Beaches
- Part 2: Fuerteventura Cruise Port Guide: Beaches & Sand Dunes
- Part 3: Las Palmas Gran Canaria Cruise Port: Beach Bliss & Markets
This blog post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no cost to you.
On This Page
Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
Wondering whether you can do a DIY excursion at Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port? Absolutely! Here’s why I rated it 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy:
- Free Port Shuttle to Plaza de España: Even if your ship is docked in the outer pier, there’s a free port shuttle to Santa Cruz’s main square, the Plaza de España. That’s convenience!
- Walkable City Centre: From the Plaza de España port shuttle stop, you can easily walk to the major attractions and shopping areas on foot.
- Short Bus Ride to Stunning Beach: 20 minute bus ride from Plaza de España to the stunning beaches in Tenerife! And if it’s a bit chilly, don’t worry, head to the water park about 20 minutes walk away!
Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need To Know
- Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port Address: Cruise Terminal itself is at Av. Francisco la Roche, 29, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain – see this marked on my Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port map below 🗺️📍👇
- Currency: Euros
- Language: Spanish
- Official Tourism Website is the Heart of Tenerife
- Recommended Transport App: Use Google Maps for general walking directions. Google Maps will also show live bus departure times.
- eSim for roaming in Spain: For a great data connection without huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout
Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port: Top Things to Do
1. Plaza de España: The Heart of Santa Cruz
Plaza de España is the largest square in the Canary Islands, so it’s very convenient that the free port shuttle bus will drop you off here! Use this as your landmark to find your way back to Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port. (Depending on where your ship is docked, you can also walk here. But if your ship is docked in the outer pier, then the free port shuttle bus will definitely save you some steps!)
Besides being a handy landmark, you’ll also immediately notice the Monument to the Fallen (aka “Triumph of the Cross“) and a large fountain next to it. This towering structure commemorates those who lost their lives in the Spanish Civil War. The “Santa Cruz Sign” is also here! It’s the perfect place to take a selfie or group photo to say that “I’ve been to Santa Cruz”!
If your ship is docked in Santa Cruz Cruise Port till late, then be sure to come back at night. The square is completely illuminated at night and will give you some great photo opportunities, too.
2. Castillo de San Cristobal
Unfortunately, only remnants of the former Castillo de San Cristóbal is available to view today. But the Castillo de San Cristóbal served as the primary defence for Santa Cruz for over 300 years, with robust walls, cannons and its strategic positioning right at the harbour. And to my British readers, I think the Interpretation Centre is particularly interesting from a historical perspective.
Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Historical Context
The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife took place on the night of July 24-25, 1797 between the British Royal Navy, under the command of the then-Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson, against Spanish forces defending the island of Tenerife.
The British aimed to capture Santa Cruz, the island’s capital, a valuable strategic outpost for controlling maritime routes in the Atlantic. Nelson personally led a daring assault on the Castillo de San Cristóbal but was forced to retreat. Nelson was severely wounded in his right arm which eventually led to the amputation of his arm below the elbow. And of course, I’m talking about the same Horatio Nelson who eventually got promoted to be Vice Admiral and who led the British Royal Navy to a decisive victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805. (Nelson was killed by a French sniper and died onboard the HMS Victory, which can still be visited at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in the UK.)
Castillo de San Cristobal: What’s Left to See
The castle was demolished in the early 20th century to make way for urban expansion. The Plaza de España was constructed on its site, incorporating some remnants of the original fortress into its design, as we see it today.
- Cannon Batteries: Several of the castle’s original cannon batteries have been preserved and are on display in the square.
- Underground Tunnels: Parts of the castle’s underground tunnels and chambers have also been excavated and are accessible to the public.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm. It’s free to enter.
After your visit at Castillo de San Cristobal, you can either walk west on Calle del Castillo – the main pedestrian only shopping street in the city centre – or walk south to continue sightseeing.
3. La Concepción Church
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, often referred to simply as “La Concepción”, is one of the oldest churches on the island, dating back to the 16th century. The church is an interest mix of Baroque and Moorish styles and you won’t miss the church’s usual bell tower. The church’s interior has stunning Mudéjar-style coffered ceilings. The intricate yet complex geometric pattern, vibrant colours and coffered construction makes this church a worthwhile stop on your DIY excursion!
- How to Get There: Less than 5 minutes walk from Plaza de España
- Opening Hours: Mornings then from 5:30pm onwards. The church is free to enter.
4. Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA)
MUNA is a fascinating museums that offers exhibits on both the natural and archaeological history of the Canary Islands. The Archaeology section houses a vast collection of artefacts from the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, who first arrived between the 5th century BC and 1st century AD. The collection including mummies, their pottery and daily tools. (The Guanches’ declined after the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century and by the 17th century, the Guanches as a distinct ethic group had largely disappeared.)The Natural Sciences exhibits showcase the incredible diversity of life found in the Canary Islands, from rare birds and reptiles to endemic plant species.
- How to Get There: 2 minutes walk from La Concepción Church or about 5 minutes walk from Plaza de España
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm. Sunday 10am to 5pm.
- Tickets: €5 adults, €3.50 for students, seniors 65+, free for kids under 8.
5. TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes
The TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes is a multi-faceted cultural centre with exhibitions of contemporary art and photograph. Housed in a striking modern building designed by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, it’s definitely worth a visit for the architecture itself. The building also houses a municipal library and if you need free WiFi or WC, this is the place to find them! The building and the exhibitions are free to enter.
- How to Get There: TEA is next to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA)
- Opening Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday to Sundays 10am to 8pm. Library generally opens earlier and closes later.
6. Mercado Ntra. Señora de África
The Mercado Ntra. Señora de África is affectionately known locally as “La Recova“, translated as “The Arcade” or “The Covered Walkways”. The ground floor is the fresh produce market, with loads of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. There isn’t much stuff that’s ready to eat but there’s a few tapas bars and lots of artisan craft stalls if you’re interested to pick up some souvenirs. There’s also a supermarket & WC at the basement level, if you need to buy some essentials.
- How to Get There: it’s opposite the TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes or about 15 minutes walk from Plaza de España.
- Opening Hours: 6am to 2pm daily, except on Sundays when it opens at 7am.
7. Castle of St John the Baptist: The Black Castle
The Castle of St John the Baptist, also known as the “Castillo Negro” due to the dark volcanic stone used in its construction is about 20 minutes’ walk along the waterfront. The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s a circular design. Built in the 1640s, the cylindrical tower was added in 1765. It served as a military fort until 1924. It’s currently closed to the public. Stop by here for a stunning contrast to the modern Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín (a concert venue) in the background 👆
8. Parque García Sanabria
Parque García Sanabria is largest urban park in Santa Cruz. If you love gardens, then this is a good one to visit, because of the diverse collection of exotic plants and trees, from towering palms to sprawling cacti. But the most iconic feature is probably the charming floral clock, a gift from the Consul of Denmark. The gardens are meticulously manicured and there’s many shaded walkways, which makes this a nice spot for an afternoon break too.
- How To Get There: About 15 minutes walk from Plaza de España, in the north-westerly direction. The park is free to enter.
Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port: Nearby Beach & Water Park 🏖️🩴
1. Playa de las Teresitas
A short bus ride away from Plaza de España is Playa de las Teresitas – probably the best beach close to Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port. Unlike some of Tenerife’s volcanic beaches, Las Teresitas is all soft, golden sand, supposedly imported from the Sahara Desert! The beach is protected by a breakwater, so it’s a relatively calm beach. There’s also a palm-fringed promenade, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. All the usual amenities such as sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rental, plus kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats.
- How to Get There: Bus #910 leaves from Plaza de España or Intercambiador bus station further south, if you’ve been sightseeing. See the stops marked on my Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port Map above 🗺️📍👆
- Journey Time: About 20 minutes one-way
- Timetables: See Titsa website – select Bus #910 from the drop down box. Buses run every 15 minutes or so, after 7am. Google Maps will also give you accurate live departure times.
- Tickets: €1.25 one-way, pay with cash or card with driver. (Fares vary based on distance, so you need to tell the driver where you’re going before tapping your card.)
- Where to Get Off: The last stop on #910 route is Playa de las Teresitas. Once you get off the bus, you’ll see the beach right away.
2. Parque Marítimo César Manrique
Designed by the renowned Canarian artist and architect César Manrique, Parque Marítimo is a saltwater pool park close by Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port. Yes, I know this is not the same as the beach. But if you’re been walking south from Plaza de España to do some sightseeing, then this is close by the Castle of St John the Baptist, just next to the white canopy roof of the Tenerife Auditorium.
I also mention it as it’s quite good value for a water park and the pools are beautifully designed. Also, as Tenerife is popular as a winter sun destination, you may not want to head to the beach during the winter months, despite the sunny weather. So the water park is a good alternative!
There’s a series of inter-connected saltwater pools, plus beautifully landscaped gardens. There’s also a children’s play area.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 7pm from June 15 – Sept 8, out of season hours are 10am to 6pm daily
- Tickets: €7.50 adults, €5 seniors 65+, €4 kids aged 3-12, free for kids under 3. This price includes a sun-bed but umbrellas are €3 extra to hire.
Next door to the water park is the Palmetum of Santa Cruz, a 12-hectare botanical garden that specialises in palm trees! It’s open from 10am to 6pm. If you’re a keen horticulturist, then it’s really worth a visit. Tickets are €6 adults, €2.80 for kids.
Featured Image by Hans from Pixabay
I hope that this guide has helped you plan a DIY shore excursion at Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port! And if you’re heading off to a cruise to the Canary Islands, why not join my just-launched Facebook page, so you can see all my upcoming blog posts about the Canary Islands. In the meantime, happy cruising!
