Santa Cruz de Tenerife Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net) (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Henk Lam, Michael Becker, Mitko Matov, Alby Set, Ricardo · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Spain
- Region:
- Canary Islands & Madeira
- Coordinates:
- 28.4667° N, 16.2500° W
About Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife and one of the Canary Islands' two capitals. The city has a population of 211,436 within its administrative limits, making it the second largest city in the Canary Islands and the main hub on the island.
The port sits at the heart of the city, with most attractions within easy reach on foot. Parque García Sanabria, a highly-rated park and garden just 0.7 km away, offers green space and local culture. The Museum of Nature and Archaeology lies just 0.3 km from the port, while the Palmetum botanical garden is 1.7 km away. History enthusiasts can visit the Castillo de San Cristobal or the Castle of St John the Baptist, both within 1.3 km of the terminal.
What to see
Close to the waterfront you'll find the iconic Santa Cruz Sign, a popular photo spot. The Reloj de flores (flower clock) and scenic viewpoints round out the day's activities. For those venturing further afield, Mirador Cruz del Carmen in San Cristóbal de La Laguna offers sweeping island views, 7.7 km from port.
Nearby ports
Santa Cruz connects easily to other Canary Islands & Madeira ports, including Las Palmas, Arrecife, Funchal and Agadir.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, commonly abbreviated as Santa Cruz, is a city, the capital of the island of Tenerife, Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and one of the capitals of the Canary Islands, along with Las Palmas. Santa Cruz has a population of 211,436 (2024) within its administrative limits. The urban zone of Santa Cruz extends beyond the city limits with a population of 507,306 and 538,000 within urban area. It is the second largest city in the Canary Islands and the main city on the island of Tenerife, with nearly half of the island's population living in or around it.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Steeve Goudesoone · via Google Maps Scenic point
Mirador Cruz del Carmen
4.6 (8,442) 7.7 km from port
Hiking trails up to this lookout point that offers panoramic views of the island and Teide mountain.
Near: Centro de Interpretación del Parque Rural de Anaga (42 m) · Parque Rural de Anaga (54 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “A magical place from another world! A must-visit! I don't even have the words to describe the Anaga forest—it feels…” — Svetlozara Kukurova
- 5 · “Finally made it up the winding road to about 920 metres above sea level. You really feel like you’re inside…” — Yarys
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Photo: K P · via Google Maps Botanical garden
Palmetum
4.6 (7,489) 1.7 km from port
Started in 1995 on a former landfill, the 12-hectare botanic garden houses hundreds of palm species.
Near: Palmetum (31 m) · Parking (91 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “I definitely recommend visiting the botanical garden; it was a surprisingly pleasant experience. Although finding parking nearby is practically impossible…” — Zala
- 5 · “I really like this park. It’s full of unusual and exotic trees, and the section along the ocean is particularly…” — Ole Gray
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Photo: Matteo Corniglia · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Parque García Sanabria
4.7 (7,426) 0.7 km from port
Lush, roomy green space opened in 1926 featuring fountains & a large clock made of flowers.
Near: Reloj de flores (63 m) · Hotel Taburiente (157 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
- 5 · “It is a lovely park and a wonderful place for a relaxing walk in Santa Cruz. Although not very large…” — Rosi Petkova
- 5 · “The most amazing park in the city, definitely worth a stroll around, sit on a bench and just enjoy the…” — Maciej Polakowski
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Photo: Robert C.R · via Google Maps Museum
Museum of Nature and Archaeology
4.5 (4,833) 0.3 km from port
Museum tracing islands' natural history, with mummies & artifacts from the native Guanche culture.
Near: Museos de Tenerife (3 m) · ABANCA - Particulares y Empresas (86 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “It was a nice experience. Kids will sure remember Mummies exhibition. It was something different to do on holidays. Fairly…” — Miro Faltinek
- 5 · “The Museum of Nature and Archaeology, known locally as MUNA, is a world-class cultural institution in Santa Cruz de Tenerife…” — Yarys
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Tourist attraction
Reloj de flores
4.6 (1,309) 0.6 km from port
Near: Parque García Sanabria (45 m) · Centro Odontologico Troyano (56 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Beautiful flower clock imitation, amazing as many things in this park.” — Maciej Polakowski
- 5 · “Wonderful flower landscape there you can relax very well” — Timo Borges
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Museum
Castillo de San Cristobal
4.3 (652) 0.3 km from port
Underground remains of a 1500s castle & museum with a cannon said to have injured Horatio Nelson.
Near: Santa Cruz Sign (60 m) · Interparking Plaza España (78 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Small free museum under the Plaza De España. The entrance is small and look like is under construction but its…” — G. S.
- 5 · “Fantastic to see how they have recovered the castle from being buried. It's great to read about a piece of…” — Allan Carpenter
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Tourist attraction
Castle of St John the Baptist
4.4 (413) 1.3 km from port
This squat, circular stronghold on the water was erected in the 1640s & renovated a century later.
Near: Escultura móvil César Manrique (59 m) · Infants park (Plaza del Castillo Negro) (60 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “The Castle of St John the Baptist (also known as Castillo de San Juan Bautista or the Black Castle /…” — Darren Ashley Holbrook
- 5 · “The Castle of St. John the Baptist, also known as the Black Castle, is one of the most historically significant…” — Q G
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Tourist attraction
Santa Cruz Sign
4.6 (174) 0.3 km from port
Near: Compostelana Plaza de España (58 m) · Castillo de San Cristobal (60 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “We were here early in the morning, so there was no wait time. However, the sign is cool, and the…” — Marcos Yanes
- 5 · “The Santa Cruz sign is such a fun and vibrant landmark—perfect for photos and a great way to mark your…” — ADTV Adventures
Map of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Cruises to Canary Islands & Madeira mostly sail all year round.
- Jan
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Cruises calling at Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Deals update daily — see all Canary Islands & Madeira cruises.
