San Cristóbal De La Laguna: History and Culture

When looking for a hotel in San Cristóbal De La Laguna, it’s worth first considering which aspects of the destination you want to shape your stay: the city’s history and museums, festivals in the municipality, hiking trails in Anaga or a coastal activity such as swimming in Bajamar.

Historic cityscape and museums

The cityscape comprises two areas with different origins: an upper town that grew organically and a lower town laid out on a grid. The latter is arranged around the founding square, Plaza del Adelantado. The contrast between the city’s layouts makes the town’s development visible in its urban plan.

San Cristóbal De La Laguna was the first unfortified Spanish colonial city with a grid plan that directly served as a model for settlements in Spain’s colonial territories in the Americas. The grid is therefore more than a layout for the lower town: it is also part of the site’s historical significance.

The Casa Lercaro focuses on Tenerife’s development from the 15th to the 20th century—institutionally, socially, economically and culturally. The house also offers cultural and educational activities. Anyone interested in the island’s history can explore several centuries and different aspects of life here.

CEDOCAM offers exhibitions, guided tours and school activities, as well as research and library services. Individuals and groups can visit the facilities by arranging an appointment in advance by phone or in writing. If you plan to visit, book your appointment ahead of time. The Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos focuses on sensory experiences and interactive experiments; check the current visitor information before your visit.

Festivals in the municipality

The Romería de San Benito Abad takes place in the municipality on the second Sunday in July and has been designated a festival of national tourist interest. The celebration features traditional island costumes, folk singing and a selection of notable local culinary products. Check the date and programme for the specific year you plan to travel.

In August, Tejina holds the festival of Los Corazones de Tejina in honour of its patron saint, San Bartolomé. It has been recognised as an event of cultural and tourist interest since 2003. Residents of the three main streets—El Pico, Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo—build the structures and carry them to the church square.

In October, La Librea de Valle de Guerra is performed as part of the festivities in honour of the Virgen del Rosario. It includes a procession and a religious play. Since June 2021, La Librea has been included in Spain’s Intangible Cultural Heritage platform, a recognition awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. For these festivals too, it’s advisable to check the dates and programme before your trip.

Anaga, hiking trails and coast

Parque Rural de Anaga is a biosphere reserve with laurel forests and numerous hamlets traditionally integrated into the landscape. Numerous hiking trails cross the area within the municipality of La Laguna; some run from the mountain region, while others start at the coast. From La Laguna, the main routes into the Anaga massif follow the TF-12 through Las Mercedes. Road and traffic conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information before setting off.

The Chinamada–Punta del Hidalgo section of PR-TF 10 is an approved hiking trail in the municipality of La Laguna. Trail conditions and access may change after adverse weather; check with the responsible authority before setting out. The Cruz del Carmen visitor centre in Parque Rural de Anaga provides information about the park and its trails. It also has an audiovisual programme and a permanent exhibition about the park. As visitor arrangements may change, check opening information before your visit.

The swimming pools in Bajamar offer opportunities for a relaxing swim in the sea. Swimming conditions depend on the swell. If you include a coastal stay in your plans, bear in mind how it differs from the urban and cultural activities.

Market and local speciality

In the municipality, Mercado de San Cristóbal de La Laguna sells, among other things, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and sweets. Check the market’s current location and stall offerings before your visit. Laguneros are a local speciality with their own name: puff pastry rings filled with angel hair.

The tram can also help you get your bearings between the destinations of Santa Cruz and La Laguna: Tenerife’s network has two lines and connects the two places. Check current transport information if you plan to use this connection. This makes it possible to include city visits, a festival or an excursion into nature as different focuses of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Punta Del Hidalgo, Bajamar, Tejina, Guamansa, Valle De Guerra, San Marcos, Arico, La Caleta.

For the overall travel guide: Tenerife.