Day Trips & Excursions: Santa Cruz De Tenerife

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

This UNESCO World Heritage site, Tenerife's former capital, offers a delightful pedestrianized old town for exploration.

La Laguna is easily accessible from Santa Cruz via Tram Line 1. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes from the Intercambiador (main bus station) in Santa Cruz. Buses also operate frequently.

Highlights & Access

Independent travel is straightforward with the direct tram link.
The compact city center welcomes pedestrian exploration.
Guided walking tours offer historical insights.
A half-day to full-day allows comfortable exploration.

Natural Escapes

Tenerife’s natural landscapes are diverse and dramatic, presenting opportunities for incredible outdoor excursions.

Puerto de la Cruz

A historic resort town on the north coast, known for its botanical garden, Lago Martiánez saltwater pools, and Loro Parque.

Travel Details

Direct buses (TITSA Line 102 or 103) from Santa Cruz.
Journey approximately 45-60 minutes.
A full-day allows time for Lago Martíanez, town exploration, or Loro Parque.

Teide National Park

Home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, this UNESCO World Heritage site presents an unique volcanic lunar landscape.

Visit Essentials

Rental car recommended for flexibility; organized tours also available.
Snow possible in winter months; stargazing is exceptional.
A full-day is needed for park exploration, cable car rides, or hikes.

Anaga & Las Teresitas Beach

Anaga Rural Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its ancient laurisilva forest, dramatic cliffs, and traditional villages.

Las Teresitas: Santa Cruz's golden sand beach, a man-made wonder with sand from the Sahara, adjacent to San Andrés fishing village.

Features

Ancient laurisilva forest in Anaga.
Dramatic cliffs and deep ravines.
Golden sand from the Sahara at Las Teresitas.
Fresh seafood restaurants in San Andrés.

Travel At A Glance

Puerto de la Cruz:45-60 mins by bus
Teide National Park:1.5-hour drive
Anaga Rural Park:20-40 mins drive
Las Teresitas Beach:15-20 mins by bus

La Laguna (Tram):20-25 mins
Güímar Pyramids (Bus):40-50 mins
Candelaria (Bus):25-35 mins
La Orotava (Bus):1 hr 10 mins

Expert Tip

Take the tram to La Laguna for a quick cultural escape. For nature, prioritize day trips to Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park.

Cultural Excursions

Explore more of Tenerife’s cultural and historical fabric beyond the capital.

Güímar Pyramids

Enigmatic stone structures whose origin remains debated by archaeologists and historians.

Casa de los Balcones

Traditional Canarian house in La Orotava with intricate wooden balconies, demonstrating impressive craftsmanship.

Taganana Village

A traditional village nestled within Anaga Rural Park, offering insights into rural Canarian life.

Pilgrimage & Rural Insights

Explore sites of spiritual significance and villages where time moves at a different pace.

Cultural Highlights

Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, a pilgrimage site.
The statues of the nine Guanche kings at Candelaria.
Experience local hospitality and food in Anaga villages like Taganana, Afur, Chamorga.

Explore Local Heritage

Support local museums and craft workshops that preserve Canarian heritage.

Respectful Visits

Respect historical sites; do not climb on or deface them.
Adhere to any restrictions on photography or access.
Engage with locals; a simple 'Hola' and 'Gracias' are appreciated.

Cultural Snapshots

Güímar Pyramids:Historical Mystery

Casa de los Balcones:Traditional Craftsmanship

Taganana:Rural Canarian Life

Afur:Authentic Village Experience

Chamorga:Tranquil Country Living

Candelaria Basilica:Patron Saint Significance

Cultural Tip

Support local museums and craft workshops to preserve Canarian heritage.
Respect historical sites; do not climb on or deface them.
Adhere to any restrictions on photography or access.
Engage with locals; a simple 'Hola' and 'Gracias' go a long way.
Experience traditional cuisine in family-run restaurants.

Multi-Day Extensions

Tenerife’s excellent connectivity welcomes easy multi-day extensions to other Canary Islands, each with a distinct character.

La Palma: The Beautiful Isle

Known for lush forests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and exceptional stargazing due to protected night skies.

Extension Details

Ideal for extensive hiking.
Premier stargazing opportunities.
Benefits from protected dark skies.

La Gomera: Nature's Oasis

A small, verdant island famous for Garajonay National Park and its ancient laurel forest.

Island Charms

Explore ancient laurel forests.
Ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
Discover the unique Silbo Gomero whistling language.

Gran Canaria & Beyond

Gran Canaria offers diverse landscapes, from Maspalomas dunes to rugged mountains and a bustling capital.

Gran Canaria

Experience city culture, beaches, and hiking. Add 2-3 days.

Mainland Spain

Flights from Tenerife to Madrid, Barcelona are frequent.

Island Hopping

Combine ferry and flight for diverse island adventures.

Transportation Links

Ferry Services:Frequent connections from Santa Cruz.
Destinations:La Palma, La Gomera, Gran Canaria.
Los Cristianos:Ferry departures to La Gomera also from the south.
Inter-Island Flights:Quick connections from Tenerife North Airport (TFN).

Faster Travel:Flights offer a quicker alternative.
Regional Travel:Combine ferry and flight for island-hopping.
Mainland Flights:Frequent to Madrid and Barcelona.
Onward Travel:Convenient for onward European travel.

Planning Suggestion

Take the tram to La Laguna for a quick cultural escape. For nature, prioritize day trips to Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park. Book tours and experiences efficiently with GetYourGuide Day Trips.

Day Trips & Excursions