Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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Plans, activities and things to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

44 Plans and activities · 3 What to see · 4 Destinations & areas

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Discover Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife combines the volcanic singularity of Teide with an Atlantic coast active year-round. Teide National Park (3,718 m) concentrates the most iconic hiking routes on the Canary Islands: the crater ascent (route 10, permit required) and the trails around the Roques de García. In the north of the island, the laurel forest of Parque Rural de Anaga offers 20 trekking routes between 200 and 1,024 m, with frequent mist and relict vegetation. The north coast, with consistent swells year-round, is a recognised surf zone; the south concentrates coastal kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in waters at 19–23 °C. The subtropical climate allows outdoor activities all 12 months. Summer (June–September) is the warmest period (25–30 °C on the coast, 15–20 °C on Teide) with highest demand for water activities. Winter is mild (18–22 °C) with possible rainfall in the north. Tenerife Norte airport serves the capital; Tenerife Sur connects to international destinations.

Highlights

  • • Hiking to the Teide crater (3,718 m) and Roques de García in the National Park
  • • 20 trekking routes through the Anaga laurel forest (200–1,024 m)
  • • Surfing on the north coast of Tenerife with consistent swells year-round
  • • Coastal kayaking and paddleboarding in Atlantic waters at 19–23 °C

Best time to visit

May to October for Teide hiking under clear skies; year-round for surfing on the north coast and kayaking in 19–23 °C Atlantic waters.

Practical tips

To hike to the Teide crater (route 10), apply for the free permit on the National Park portal weeks in advance: only 200 permits are issued per day and they sell out in peak season.

Plans and activities in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The best experiences and plans available in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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Activities near Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Experiences available in nearby towns

What to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Hidden corners, places and points of interest you should not miss

Spots near Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Places to see a few kilometres from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, from the closest to the farthest

Frequently asked questions about Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Spots near Santa Cruz de Tenerife, from the closest to the farthest:

In Santa Cruz de Tenerife there are activities of these types:

Near Santa Cruz de Tenerife there are also activities of these types: Horseback Riding / Horse Riding Routes, Gymkhana, Bicycle Rental, Multiadventure Park.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife has 11 kid-friendly activities.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has over 58 activities on Picuco: hiking in Teide National Park and Anaga, surfing and surf lessons on the north coast, kayaking and paddleboarding on the south shore, paragliding from Teide, MTB through Anaga trails and whale and dolphin watching in the Atlantic.
Teide is accessible year-round, but May to October offers the best chance of clear skies and a snow-free caldera. In winter, snow may appear above 2,000 m. For the crater ascent, permits are mandatory and must be requested weeks in advance during peak season.
For activities in the north (surfing, Anaga), Tenerife Norte airport is most convenient. For the south (kayaking, paddleboarding), use Tenerife Sur. Both areas have activity companies on Picuco with pick-up in the main towns. For Teide, book transport through your activity company as the park car park fills up quickly in summer.

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