San Cristobal de La Laguna

San Cristobal de La Laguna (commonly called La Laguna) is a UNESCO World Heritage City on Tenerife, and was the island's original capital before Santa Cruz. Its perfectly preserved colonial grid layout, elegant mansions, and numerous churches make it one of the finest examples of a non-fortified Spanish colonial town in the Americas and the Canaries. It is also a vibrant university town, giving it a youthful energy.

By Plane

The nearest airport depends on the island (TFS, TFN, ACE, LPA, FUE, SPC, VDE, GMZ). Taxis and car hire are available at all airports.

By Car / Road

Hire car is the most practical way to explore. Roads are well maintained, though some interior routes are winding and narrow. Free parking is generally available outside town centres.

Within towns, walking is the best option. For inter-town travel, public guaguas (buses) are reliable and affordable. Taxis are metered and available in larger towns. Car hire offers the most flexibility for exploring the island.

• Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna — a neoclassical cathedral with an ornate interior and a museum of religious art.

• Plaza del Adelantado — the main square surrounded by historic buildings, a perfect spot for people-watching.

• Palacio de Nava — a magnificent 16th-century mansion with a striking Baroque facade.

• Museo de Historia de Tenerife — housed in the Palacio Lercaro, tracing the island's history from pre-Hispanic times to the 20th century.

• Iglesia de la Concepción — the oldest church on Tenerife, with a 28 m high Mudéjar bell tower.

• Take a guided walking tour of the UNESCO old town to appreciate the colonial architecture and hidden courtyards.

• Visit on a Saturday for the street market around Plaza del Cristo, selling local crafts and produce.

• Climb the Torre del Convento for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

• La Hierbita (Pl. Junquillo) — a charming restaurant set in a historic building serving classic Canarian dishes. Mid-range.
• Los Limoneros (C. Dean, 27) — traditional food with beautiful terrace seating. Mid-range.
• Cafetería Guaydil — a local institution for coffee and pastries, popular with students.

Canarian wines — particularly the Malvasía from Lanzarote and the Listán Blanco from Tenerife — are excellent. Local beers include Dorada and Tropical. Fresh fruit juices and tropical smoothies are widely available.

Budget

Budget guesthouses and hostales offer private rooms from €30–50 per night. Many smaller towns have affordable casas rurales.

Mid-range

Mid-range: Hotel Laguna Nivaria — a former 16th-century convent converted into a boutique hotel, doubles from €55–90.

Upscale

Upscale: Aguere — a elegantly restored townhouse hotel with a courtyard garden, doubles from €80–130.

• Local crafts: traditional Canarian pottery, basketwork, and textiles
• Gourmet specialities: local cheeses (especially queso majorero), mojo sauces, gofio, and wines
• Aloe vera products — the Canary Islands are known for high-quality aloe-based cosmetics

• Tenerife — the largest Canary Island with Teide National Park and vibrant resorts
• Lanzarote — Timanfaya National Park and César Manrique's artistic legacy
• Gran Canaria — the dunes of Maspalomas and the historic quarter of Vegueta
• Fuerteventura — pristine beaches and world-class windsurfing