What to do in Tenerife – near the Port
Santa Cruz Port Overview
There are plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife port. Luckily for you the cruise Terminal is ideally located within walking distance of the capital’s city centre. So what are the things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife? DIY Excursion will not only show you what to do in Santa Cruz but how to do it at minimal cost.
Firstly access to a good map is essential. The free leaflet given to you as you leave the dockside is more focused on advertising and unlikely to guide you to all the interesting places to see in Santa Cruz. Most European visitors will have free roaming on their mobile phone and as Tenerife is a Spanish island Google Maps will work just as well here as it would at home with no additional data charges.
DIY Tip: Avoid huge roaming charges. You can use Google Maps for free without using data.
Map of Santa Cruz, Tenerife
1. plaza de españa
Use the free Port of Tenerife shuttle bus from the Santa Cruz cruise terminal and Plaza de España is where your DIY Excursion will begin, bang in the city centre.
For those looking for a proper day out and wanting to explore out of the city should click Things to do in Tenerife. For those staying local and want to know what to do in Santa Cruz port (within walking distance) should read on.
FYI all walking distances are from the Plaza de España (no.1 on the map).
Plaza de España has the largest square on the island with its own artificial lake with a fountain that’s seems to work when the mood takes it. For those curious about the huge statue it is called the Monumento a los Caidos and is a tribute to the fallen in the Spanish civil war.
For the more relaxed cruiser who wants a stress free wander then a simple to follow self guided tour made by a local is just your thing.
2. St. Cristobal Castle
Castillo de San Cristóbal is one of the things to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife and is a 0 minute walk from the Plaza de España? How is that possible? Simply because the castle was knocked down in order to build the Plaza de España.
You may have noticed the thick black lines on the floor of the Plaza. They render a representation of where the castle walls once stood. To see them you need to go underground. Look for the Castillo San Cristobal sign.
Not only can you see part of the remaining castle but you’ll get the chance to learn all about how the small island of Tenerife managed to repel an English invasion against all odds.
The pride of this museum is cannon known as “The Tiger” whose claim to fame was to have shot off the right arm of Rear-Admiral Nelson which contributed to the English surrender. History records they then all sat down together for tea and cakes and even exchanged gifts.
The “Castillo San Cristobal” is a FREE museum and is open Mon-Sat between 10 and 6 (closed Sundays and Festival days). Unless you’re one of those who like to read everything 15-20 minutes is enough time.
3. Auditorium
The “Auditorio ” is a 19 minute walk from the Plaza de España and should be on everyone’s what to do in Santa Cruz port list.
Though there are similarities to the Sydney Opera House the architect was Valencian and inaugurated some 30 years later. At a massive 23,000m2 it’s brilliant white clad mosaic tiling is unique and impressive.
Though there are several halls within the complex the main auditorium is the Symphony Hall with a seating capacity of 1,616 and has hosted an incredible line up of international artists in its time.
Those on the DIY Excursion are unlikely to have timed their visit with a show of any significance so the chances of getting any further than the front desk are fairly slim. Still go in as even the giant reception (and bar) area is still pretty awesome and it’s FREE to look. DIY tip: Position yourself and use the Atlantic ocean as your backdrop for some stunning photos.
Unless your stopping for a drink then 10-15 minutes is enough time to walk the circumference and take a peek inside.
4. Palmetum
The Palmetum is a 28 minute walk from the Plaza de España and is one of the most popular things to do in Santa Cruz especially on a cruise day so get your queue jumping ticket as early as possible.
From what was once the town rubbish dump a 12 hectare botanical garden was born, and as the name suggests it specializes in palm trees.
The only project of this type in the world the Palmetum is the greatest collection of palms in Europe and the largest collection of tropical palms in the world.
Perched on a hill next the Atlantic ocean and bursting with spectacular plant life of all types. With its lakes and waterfalls this is truly a beautiful place to stroll and where you can enjoy the breeze and sunshine equally.
The Palmetum is open everyday of the year from 10am to 6pm with an adult price of a mere €6 and a child €2.80 representing amazing value for money. A guide will cost you €83 and totally unnecessary, a map will do you fine. Palmetum map available here. An hour here is probably plenty.DIY tip: Even on a blazing hot afternoon the Palmetum is ideal to visit as there are plenty of shaded areas.
5. Nature & Archeology museum
The Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología museum is a 7 minute walk from the Plaza de España and a good choice for those wondering what to do in Santa Cruz today.
The multilevel museum starts off very strongly. They impress with videos, projections and bass-heavy sound and lighting effects of earthquakes, rainstorms, volcanoes erupting, that sort of thing.
Onto the 2nd level and the excitement starts to dwindle. The dead stuffed animal section is interesting, whilst being a bit morbid and sad and certainly not to everyone taste.DIY TIP: If boredom sets in walk up the steps leading to the 2nd floor, turn left and follow the corridor all the way to the end, turn right, and there you’ll find the dead.
Nature & Archeology museum is open everyday of the year Mon-Sat 9am-7pm & Sunday and Fiesta Days from 10am-5pm. Adult entrance fee €5 Child fee €3.50. The Audio guide is free and available in 6 languages. You can also access the guide from your own phone or tablet. Click here to see a much more amusing review.
A scholar could easily spend all day here but for the rest of us 1h to 1h 30m is probably enough.
6. garcia Sanabria Park
The Garcia Sanabria Park is a 14 minute walk from the Plaza de España and when considering what to do in Santa Cruz Tenerife this park is the perfect choice for all family members.
Named after the mayor who led the construction of the park back in 1938 who had his efforts rewarded by attributing to him an enormous fountain monument right in the center. It’s kinda difficult to miss.
Although hugely popular with all generations of locals the 17 acres expanse ensures it never feels crowded. The 2 main statue lined pathways running from north to south provide a pleasant enough stroll, but follow the criss-cross tracks wherever they go.
You will discover contemporary artwork and structures, busts and sculptures in both ancient and modern styles of the people who have influenced the city. There are play areas, gazebos, water features, mosaics all whilst being surrounded by tropical flowers and blossoming trees.DIY TIP: The Garcia Sanabria Park is always open but make this your last stop of the day. After a shaded walk just to sit in one of the 3 bars surrounding the park late afternoon/early evening is wonderfully relaxing and a great way to maximize on your time ashore.
7. St. John the Baptist Castle
St. John the Baptist Castle is a 22 minute walk from Plaza de España and just along the coast from the Tenerife Canary island cruise port.
Probably the only reason it features on “interesting things to do in Santa Cruz” lists is due to its location between Auditorium and the Maritime Park, otherwise it would possibly be overlooked by most.
Its grand title is unlikely to meet your expectations as its just a fort, an impressive fort but certainly no castle. In fact now it’s classed as a military museum. What you see in the photo is about all there is to it.
However if you’re lucky enough to turn up on a reenactment day then you’re in for a treat. The acting is awful, its historical accuracy is questionable but its all good fun and the Tenerifians (not the true collective noun) do relish reliving their underdog victory over the English.
Unless you are a historian no more than 5 minutes is needed here.
8. Cesar Manrique Maritime Park
Cesar Manrique Maritime Park on a hot day is one of the most relaxing things to do in the Santa Cruz cruise port and is just a 23 minute walk from Plaza de España.
Cesar Manrique designed this park using natural elements in mind such as Palm tree, volcanic rock and even salt water waterfalls. Perfectly located next to Auditorium with the Atlantic ocean as its open backdrop.
Consisting of 3 saltwater pools that achieve a crystalline clarity the 22,000m complex also boasts a restaurant, solarium, shops and even a gym, as well as the expected changing facilities and showers.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for daily rental and the complex including the pools are child friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Cesar Manrique Maritime Park is open all year round from 10am to 6pm (7pm in summer) the Adult price with a sunbed is €5 Children under 12 €1.50.
9. Military Museum
The “Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias” is just a 12 minute walk from Plaza de España and some may regard visiting as an odd choice when considering what to do in Santa Cruz cruise port.
The museum is set in a fortress originally conceived to bolster the defenses from both land and sea following the 1797 English invasion. Sadly by the time in was finished in 1884 weaponry advancements had rendered it useless.
The main building is spread out over 2 floors. The upper focusing on Canarian military history. The lower dedicated to weapons, models, flags, cartography and art.
Outside in the grounds you can see the heavy artillery, from anti aircraft guns to the pride of the collection , the gigantic 16th century snake shaped “Hercules” Canyon.
The Military Museum is FREE and open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm and weekend and holidays from 10am-2pm. A polemologist could spend hours here, for the rest of us 30 minutes inside and an hour in the grounds is probably enough.
10. Rambla De Santa Cruz
Deciding what to do in Santa Cruz port for some is simple. Sure there are plenty of options, but for many cruisers, fresh air and a stroll in pleasant surrounding ticks all their DIY Excursion boxes.
The “La Rambla de Santa Cruz” is a central pedestrian promenade between two busy traffic lanes in the middle of the city and runs for just over 2km. It sounds uninviting but it isn’t, as it is full flowers, sculptures and lined with jacarandas and flamboyant trees as well as Indian laurels and palms.
The Rambla strolls you past many shops, stalls and cafes as well as a beautiful park and even an abandoned Bullring. With the offering of plenty of shade and benches this is the place to watch the Canarian people go about their everyday lives. DIY TIP: Walk the Rambla de Santa Cruz from the busier west end to the east. In this direction you’ll finish at the gigantic Angel of Peace statue which overlooks the Santa Cruz port. From there you can just walk back onto the ship. If time allows then stop of at the Garcia Sanabria Park and round off your trip with a glass of “blanco afrutado” wine in the “Strasse Park“.
11. African Market
The “Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa” is just a 12 minute walk from Plaza de España and is one of the more unusual things to do in Santa Cruz.
Established in 1943 this market has a long and complicated history due to its ongoing struggle against modern shopping practices, and yet it survives and thrives with all its old world charm.
The colonial pink building houses 3 interconnecting courtyard plazas on the upper level hosting hundreds of very small shops almost all selling fresh produce of some kind, some of it quite unrecognizable.
A Souq or Bazaar would be a better description than a market, as the whole place has such a buzz (and a smell) to it but be warned it can get very crowded. The braver tourist may wish to venture downstairsDIY TIP: Its opens from 6am-2pm everyday so try to get there in the morning to see the African Market at its chaotic best. Those lucky enough to dock at Santa Cruz de Tenerife on a Sunday can also enjoy the Rastro market that surrounds it once a week.