Santa Cruz: Self-guided Old Town Walk Sights and Specials

Enjoy the historic charm of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Old Town. This self-guided walking tour lets you explore the area’s vibrant sights and special experiences at your own pace. From the iconic Plaza de España to the lively Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, you’ll uncover the city’s rich history and culture through engaging tasks and insightful commentary delivered straight to your smartphone. Get ready to experience the true spirit of this captivating destination.

Key Points

• Explore the historic center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife through a self-guided interactive tour with tasks, riddles, and historical insights on participants’ smartphones.
• Start the tour at the central Plaza de España, featuring the War Memorial and the grand neoclassical Casino building.
• Discover the vibrant Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a top ten market offering local produce, handicrafts, and an authentic Canarian experience.
• Enjoy the flexibility to start the tour anytime and the convenience of an offline map and audio guide.
• Take advantage of the free cancellation policy and flexible booking options for the self-guided tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Cruz Old Town Walk is a self-guided tour that allows visitors to explore the historic center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at their own pace.

The 2.5-hour tour costs from Kč 197 (£8) per person and features an interactive experience with tasks, riddles, and historical insights delivered to participants’ smartphones.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and booking is flexible – reserve now and pay later.

The self-guided nature and offline functionality make this an accessible way to discover the city’s key landmarks, vibrant street art, and local culture.

Key Features of the Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided tour provides an interactive experience for participants, with each visitor receiving tour information on their smartphone.

The content includes:

1. Entertaining tasks and riddles to engage users.

2. Interesting historical facts about Santa Cruz.

3. An offline map and audio guide for convenience.

4. The ability to start the tour anytime via a link, allowing for on-site or remote access.

The tour’s flexibility and enriching content make it an excellent option for first-time visitors to explore Santa Cruz’s old town at their own pace.

Starting Point: Plaza De España

Though the tour starts at the central Plaza de España, participants can easily access the self-guided experience via the link provided in the confirmation email.

From this iconic square, the tour leads visitors through Santa Cruz’s vibrant Old Town, showcasing its diverse landmarks. The plaza itself features the War Memorial, an impressive monument commemorating the city’s history.

With the plaza as the starting point, the self-guided tour allows participants to explore the area at their own pace, discovering hidden gems and seeing the local culture along the way.

Exploring the War Memorial and Casino

From the central Plaza de España, visitors embark on their self-guided journey through Santa Cruz’s Old Town, starting with the impressive War Memorial. The monument, erected in 1929, commemorates the sacrifices of local heroes during the Spanish Civil War.

Visitors embark on a self-guided journey through Santa Cruz’s Old Town, starting at the impressive War Memorial.

Adjacent to the memorial lies the historic Casino, a grand neoclassical building that once served as a social hub for the city’s elite.

Visitors can:

1. Admire the ornate facade and intricate architectural details of the Casino.

2. Imagine the lively social gatherings and games of chance that once took place within its walls.

3. Reflect on the poignant history represented by the War Memorial.

4. Continue exploring the charming streets and landmarks of Santa Cruz’s captivating Old Town.

More Great Tours Nearby

Castillo Remains and Nuestra Señora De La Concepción Church

Descending from the War Memorial and Casino, visitors encounter the remains of the Castillo de San Cristóbal, an imposing 16th-century fortress that once guarded the city’s coastline.

Though the castle has largely crumbled, its sturdy walls and towers still stand as a testament to Santa Cruz’s tumultuous past.

Nearby, the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church commands attention with its striking neoclassical façade and towering bell tower.

This 17th-century cathedral serves as a hub of local religious life, offering a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling city streets.

Exploring these historic landmarks provides a glimpse into Santa Cruz’s rich cultural heritage.

TEA Art and Cultural Center

Continuing down the path, visitors come across the TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes), a captivating art and cultural center that stands as a hub of creativity in Santa Cruz.

This impressive complex features:

1. Rotating exhibits showcasing contemporary art, photography, and design.

2. Performing arts spaces hosting music, theater, and dance performances.

3. An on-site restaurant and café, providing a relaxing respite.

4. Free admission to the public areas, making it an accessible cultural destination.

The TEA’s striking modern architecture and diverse programming make it a must-visit stop on the self-guided Santa Cruz Old Town walk.

Mercado De Nuestra Señora De África

One of the highlights along the self-guided Santa Cruz Old Town walk is the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, widely regarded as one of the world’s top ten markets.

This vibrant marketplace offers a glimpse into Tenerife’s local culture and cuisine. Wander through the bustling stalls, where vendors sell fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and the island’s signature barraquito coffee.

The market’s colonial architecture and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Canarian experience. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of this captivating market during your self-guided tour of Santa Cruz.

Experiencing Local Culture and Cuisine

Beyond the vibrant market, the self-guided Santa Cruz Old Town walk allows visitors to enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

Explore the city’s vibrant street art, capturing the essence of Canarian life. Savor the signature barraquito, a decadent layered coffee drink, at a cozy cafe.

Local dishes to try include:

1. Papas arrugadas: Boiled new potatoes seasoned with sea salt.

2. Mojo sauce: Spicy green or red sauce served with various dishes.

3. Queso asado: Grilled Canarian cheese, often served with gofio (roasted flour).

4. Bienmesabe: A sweet almond-based dessert.

Experiencing Santa Cruz’s local flavors is a delightful complement to the historical sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Audio Guides Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour includes an audio guide that is available in multiple languages, allowing participants to enjoy the historical insights and cultural information in their preferred language during the self-guided experience.

Can the Tour Be Completed at Our Own Pace?

Yes, the self-guided tour can be completed at one’s own pace. The interactive experience allows participants to start the tour anytime and explore the key sites in Santa Cruz according to their preferences and schedule.

Do We Need to Purchase Tickets to Access Any of the Sites?

No, tickets are not required to access the sites on the self-guided tour. The tour provides information and instructions to explore the highlights of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s old town at your own pace.

Are There Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

There are no student or senior discounts mentioned for this self-guided tour. The standard price is Kč 197 (approx. £8) per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Can We Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Customers can contact the tour provider to request modifications, such as focusing on art, architecture, or cuisine, to tailor the experience to their preferences.

The Wrap Up

This self-guided old town walk in Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a delightful way to take in the city’s historic charm. Strolling through the vibrant streets, visitors can discover captivating sights, savor local cuisine, and engage with the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting destination. With smartphone-delivered insights, the tour provides an authentic, interactive experience that captures the essence of Santa Cruz’s old town.

You can check availability for your dates here: