What Is The Difference Between Tenerife And Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
Yes, I know it might be confusing 😀
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is located off the coast of Africa.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on the other hand, is the capital city of Tenerife and is located on the northeastern coast of the island.
Tenerife island is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant nightlife.
It is also home to several historic towns and villages, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Teide National Park, which features the towering Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as the capital city of Tenerife, is the political and administrative center of the island.
It is also a major port city and commercial hub, with a bustling city center that features a mix of modern and historic architecture.
- Is It Worth To Go To Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
- How Long Should You Spend In Santa Cruz?
- Best Hotels For Couples In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Best All Inclusive Hotels In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Best Hotels For Nomads In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Best Beachfront Hotels In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Something Special
Is It Worth To Go To Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
Yes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is definitely worth a visit!
It is the largest city and a capital of the Canary Islands located off the coast of Africa, surrounded by beautiful emerald mountains.
Did you know that Santa Cruz is a host city for THE SECOND largest and most famous carnivals in the world?
It takes place every February, in 2019 more than 400,000 people came there to take part in a vibrant dance show!
In addition to the carnival, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to several museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, which showcases the history and culture of the Canary Islands.
The city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and there are several beaches to choose from, including the awesome Playa de Las Teresitas, which is known for its golden sand and crystal-clear water.
If you are a nature lover, you can take a day trip to the nearby Anaga Mountains, which offer hiking trails and stunning views over the city and the ocean.
And the most important – if you are seeking for an authentic sophisticated Spanish city – this is the right place for you to come!
- Click here to check 10 Best Coffee Places For Nomads In Tenerife
- Click here to check 8 must-visit spots on the island
- Click here to read my post about a secret bar in Ibiza
How Long Should You Spend In Santa Cruz?
Well, there is no direct answer to this question.
For example, at the moment we are staying in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for 4 weeks and we still haven’t explored it all yet.
Although we’ve done quite a lot of activities!
The length of time you should spend in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will depend on your interests and the activities you want to do.
If you’re planning to explore the city itself, a couple of days may be enough time to see the main attractions, such as the Museum of Nature and Man, the Auditorium of Tenerife, the Palmetum botanical garden, and the historic districts of La Noria and La Concepción.
However, if you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of Tenerife, you may want to stay longer.
A week or more would allow you to visit the nearby Anaga Mountains, the Teide National Park, and the stunning beaches in the northeastern part of the island.
If you’re visiting during the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which takes place in February, you may want to spend several days in order to fully experience the festivities and events.
Overall, I would recommend spending at least three to four days in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to get a good taste of the city and its surroundings.
But if you have more time to spare, there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy for longer.
Best Hotels For Couples In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Emblemático F24
Adults only hotel (18+) with an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace with sun loungers.
Exceptional service and nice modern spacious rooms.
Each room is provided with air-conditioning, a coffee machine and a minibar.
The hotel is located within walking distance to the Old Town, the TFN airport is 15 km away.
The lovely Playa de Las Teresitas is 15 minutes to drive.
Hotel Nautico
Another adults only (18+) hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The hotel is just 10 minutes walk from the city center and is perfect for short-trips.
Each room is provided with air-conditioning and a minibar. Some rooms have balconies with outdoor furniture.
The hotel is located 16 km from TFN airport and offers a private parking onsite for all the guests (6 euro per day, reservation is needed).
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife port is a 10 minute walk.
Hotel Boutique San Diego
Lovely elegant hotel located in the former capital of the island – the beautiful city San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
You should definitely visit this city!
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site it has a unique authentic charm.
The hotel is designated as only for adults (18+).
Each room is special, including its own history of the place, and being decorated in a classic style by using aesthetic details and modern features.
The hotel offers wellness service, free private parking and delicious breakfast for all the guests.
The TFN airport is located 5 km away and the distance to Santa Cruz de Tenerife is 12 km.
Check out its spacious suite – it has a lovely well-furnished terrace and direct access to the garden.
Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz
Another great option for couples to stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Located in Santa Cruz’s financial and business district, it provides a rooftop terrace with sun loungers and expansive view over the city and the ocean.
Each room has air-conditioning and a minibar.
The hotel is located 15 minutes walk away from the city center. The TFN airport is 13 km away.
All the hotel guests are welcomed to use a wellness center, rooftop gym with hot tub and a private parking (12 euro per day, reservation not needed).
Best All Inclusive Hotels In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Catalonia Punta del Rey
The closest hotel to Santa Cruz de Tenerife that provides all inclusive for guests.
It is a 15 minute drive to the island capital and a 23 minute drive to TFN airport.
Also there is an adults only area (18+) in the hotel that includes sea view sun loungers with hot tubs and self-service drinks.
Plus the hotel offers live performances in the bar, outdoor weekend parties and a wide range of daytime and evening entertainment options.
A kids club and a playground are available.
Each room is provided with air-conditioning and a balcony. Some rooms have sea views and coffee machines.
There is a public parking spot located nearby (costs 10 euro per day).
Alua Tenerife
This hotel is located in Puerto de la Cruz – a coastal city in half an hour drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The TFN airport is 30 km away.
It has different meal options including an all inclusive system.
Fitness center, kids club, yoga classes, three swimming pools and a hot tub are provided for all the guests.
Check its “My Favorite Club” program, which offers you some privilege service during your stay.
Each room is provided with air-conditioning and a balcony or a terrace. Some rooms have ocean views.
Private parking is available on site (15 euro per day, reservation not needed).
Hotel Las Águilas Tenerife, Affiliated by Meliá
Lovely hotel with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean or Mount Teide.
Located in Puerto de la Cruz in just a half an hour drive to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and 20 minutes drive to TFN airport.
The hotel offers all inclusive (as one of the meal options), three swimming pools (one heated during winter), kids club and live performances.
ALL the rooms are provided with a hot tub. All upper floor rooms have mountain or ocean views.
Free shuttle to the city center and free parking on site are available for all the guests.
H10 Tenerife Playa
Another beachfront hotel located in Puerto de la Cruz, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The city center is a 10 minute walk from the hotel, the TFN airport is 26 km away.
All rooms come equipped with air conditioning, a safe, and complimentary toiletries in the bathroom. Some rooms provide sea views.
H10 Tenerife Playa hotel offers a wide range of facilities and amenities, including two swimming pools, a solarium, a fitness center and a hot tub. All inclusive is also available.
Check its Privilege Club system as it provides privilege service and complimentary deals during your stay.
Best Hotels For Nomads In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Hotel Colon Rambla
The hotel is ideal for those who want to combine travel with remote work.
Firstly, it is located in the very center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, surrounded by many shops and cafes, and the amazingly beautiful park – Parque Garcia Sanabria.
Be sure to take a walk or ride an e-scooter along the Rambla de Santa Cruz – one of the most beautiful streets in the city!
For a more quiet working environment, each room has a desk and a coffee shop on the ground floor of the hotel is also available.
In addition, all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a coffee machine.
The main feature of the hotel is a green quiet area with a pool and sunbeds, where you can rest after a busy working day.
Hotel Adonis Plaza
If you need to be right in the city center – this is the best option.
The hotel is located on the main walking street of Santa Cruz de Tenerife!
The main square – Plaza de España, all the biggest shops, restaurants and even Mcdonalds are just around the corner.
Our favourite nomad coffee shop is a 3 minute walk from the hotel.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a work desk, some rooms have balconies.
Private parking is available on site (EUR 10 per day, reservation is needed).
Hotel Escuela Santa Cruz
Why did I choose this hotel as an option for digital nomads to stay?
First of all, it’s location. It is hidden away from busy hectic city streets but at the same time in a walkable distance from the center.
Secondly, each room is provided with a working desk, air-conditioning and free WiFi. Some rooms have pool or city views.
Thirdly, and what I like most: two swimming pools, panoramic terrace with sunbeds and a city view, gym and gastrobar.
You’ll be quite busy there after finishing your work!
Coffeeshop and parking are also available on site.
The cost of parking is 6 euro per day (reservation needed). The parking lot offers a charger for electric cars.
Urban Anaga Hotel
Modern stylish hotel hidden in one of the small quiet streets of the city center.
It offers spacious rooms with a cool design and working desk. Each room is provided with air-conditioning, soundproofing and a laptop safe.
Check its roof terrace with a relaxation zone and impressive views over the city and mountains.
Coffee shop is also available there or try our favorite nomad coffee place in Santa Cruz.
Parking is possible near the hotel (12 euro per day, reservation is needed).
Best Beachfront Hotels In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz is a port city, so there are practically no beaches nearby.
But there is a beautiful promenade and a huge beach club.
Despite this, in the suburb there are at least two stunning beaches worth visiting, these are Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa Cueva del Agua.
Natural beauty, huge rocks and mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean there are breathtaking!
Hotels are not available in this part of the city, but I was able to find a couple of interesting apartments right on the coast with amazing sea views.
Casa Julia Playa Las Teresitas
The apartment is located right opposite the lovely Playa de Las Teresitas, in the center of the small village San Andres.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops in this area and the bus stop to the city center is a 3 minute walk.
The apartment is fully equipped including air-conditioning, kitchenette, outdoor dining area and a coffee machine.
Free parking is available nearby without reservation.
The TFN airport is 20 km away, you can get to Santa Cruz city center in 15 minutes by car.
Frontline Beach Apartment
This apartment is located on another beach – Playa Cueva del Agua.
It’s a black sand secluded beach, not so busy during the daytime.
The accommodation offers a private beach area, and a fully equipped apartment with a kitchen, dining area, barbecue and a coffee machine.
The TFN airport is a 40 minute drive. You can get to Santa Cruz city center in 20 minutes by car and in 35 minutes by bus.
Apartamento Playa Chica Tenerife
The apartments are located right on the beach.
This area is quite away from the city center, so it’s a perfect choice for those who search for tranquility and quietness. There are fewer people on the beach, which is a benefit.
The apartments are spacious and well-furnished. Each apartment is provided with a fully equipped kitchenette, dining area, a terrace, barbecue and a coffee machine.
Marvelous sea and mountain views are free of charge!
A free parking spot is available (reservation is not needed). Also there is a family restaurant on site where you can enjoy meals of European cuisine.
The city center is a 20 minutes drive, the TFN airport is 27 km away.
NR Urban Torre 2
As I mentioned above, there is a huge beach club in the city center.
That’s why I decided to share one more apartment located right next to it.
Technically it’s not a beach but I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun while visiting it as it has several pools and offers a lot of activities.
The apartment is modern, with a great city and ocean view.
It has a fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, WiFi and a coffee machine.
Parking spot is available, reservation is needed.
There are a lot of restaurants and a shopping mall nearby. The TFN airport is 10 km away.
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Central Lofts
This hotel allows you to bring your pet, but on request.
It is located right in the center of the city, next to the Plaza de Espana and Plaza de la Iglesia.
Just a 3 minute walk there is a big open area where you can go out with your dog and enjoy a breathtaking ocean and mountain views.
Each room is provided with a dining area, wardrobe and flat-screen TV. All rooms except double rooms have an air-conditioning, studios have private kitchenettes.
A small terrace with sun beds is available on the hotel rooftop.
Chayofa Central
The hotel is located in the very center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
So you can enjoy walks with your dog or in the Plaza de Espana area or in the Plaza Weyler.
In this hotel pets are allowed free of charge.
All rooms are modern, including well equipped bathrooms and kitchenettes. Some rooms have a balcony or a terrace with a city view.
WiFi is available on site.
Hotel Emblemático Hi Suites
Another option for staying in the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Pets are allowed with charges.
You can have a walk with your dog in the gorgeous park Parque Garcia Sanabria as it’s located just a 5 minutes walk from the accommodation.
The hotel offers 14 modern spacious lofts and suites, all equipped with a living area and a kitchenette. Also all rooms provide air-conditioning, soundproofing and a coffee machine.
There is a small terrace on the roof, but be aware, it might get busy quite quickly. Moreover the hotel provides a spa therapy service for all the guests.
NH Tenerife
Proper city hotel located just 100 meters from the main walking street.
Pets are allowed with a prior request and an extra charge of 25 euro per stay.
There is a beautiful promenade and several parks within walking distance from the hotel where you can enjoy outdoor time with your dog.
Each room is equipped with WiFi, air-conditioning, working desk and a minibar.
The hotel offers a parking spot with the cost of 16,50 euro per night, reservation is not needed. Or you can use a free city parking lot located here.
The TFN airport is situated 20 minutes away.
Something Special
I am extremely passionate about hotels: chic, modern or featuring unusual concepts.
I can spend hours by going through hotel research or looking for something intriguing for my personal trips.
And I never get tired of it, haha!
Even though it can be quite an exhausting job sometimes!
In every article I write about hotels I include a section about “special hotels” – ones that are unusual or fascinating and instantly captivate your attention.
Hotel Taburiente S.C.Tenerife
The most special thing about it is a rooftop jacuzzi with a gorgeous Parque Garcia Sanabria view.
Honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful and fascinating parks I’ve ever been to!
So after spending just one day in a relaxing hot tub while enjoying the park views and bird singing, your heart will be forever with Santa Cruz de Tenerife!
The hotel is chic and modern, in addition it offers a rooftop pool, a gym and two local cuisine restaurants.
The rooms are provided with air-conditioning, a minibar and a working desk. Some rooms have balconies and a park view.
All rooms are provided with toiletries of Portuguese and French cosmetics brands.
Parking is available on request, the cost is 8 euro per night.
The TFN airport is a 20 minute drive.
AC Hotel by Marriott Tenerife
New stylish hotel, opened in 2021.
Top location of the city – right on the main walking street, next to Plaza de Espana.
It offers spacious rooms with soundproofing, AC, a minibar and a dressing room.
Buffet or gluten-free breakfast is provided for all guests for free.
There is a lovely rooftop terrace with sun loungers and a swimming pool opened all year around.
Get a drink in the bar there and enjoy the breathtaking views over the city!
The nearest airport, the TFN, is located 15 minutes away.
The parking lot is available without reservation, the cost is 15 euro per day.
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
Just WOW!
The hotel whose photos speak for itself!
Gorgeous. Charming. Spectacular.
It holds great historical significance as it was originally opened in 1950 and has been restored to preserve its colonial charm and elegance.
It is located in my favorite city area, next to the Parque Garcia Sanabria which I mentioned quite a few times earlier.
I consider this part of the city to be the best for staying.
You’ll have a great choice of restaurants and shops nearby, the cost and the beaches will be in 5-15 minutes drive by car.
The hotel belongs to the Iberostar hotel brand and keeps the company’s main concept.
It offers spacious rooms of classic and contemporary design. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, minibars, a coffee machine and a balcony with city or garden view.
The hotel boasts several restaurants and bars, including Los Menceyes Restaurant and Papa Negra restaurant, offering gourmet dining with a focus on local and international cuisine.
There is also a Los Laureles pool bar and a Iballa Cocktail Bar where guests can relax and enjoy a drink.
The TFN airport is the closest airport to the hotel, located 15 km away.
Already been to Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
What to visit another magic city?
