Nord-Est (Santa Cruz & La Laguna)

Where to stay in North-East Tenerife : Santa Cruz & La Laguna

In north-east Tenerife, Santa Cruz and La Laguna form a lively tableau where urban energy meets historic squares. Colourful façades line Santa Cruz’s bustling harbour while La Laguna unfolds its UNESCO-listed cobbled streets. Scents of spices drift from markets, students animate cafés, and the Atlantic glitters beyond green hills. This zone reveals authentic Tenerife, far from resorts, with soft light and a cultural, maritime atmosphere.

Safety score: 9/10midCulture and history loversSolo travellers and studentsCouples seeking authenticityFamilies who enjoy cities

Pros

  • Authentic UNESCO heritage
  • Lively local atmosphere
  • Easy airport access
  • Many museums and theatres
  • Less touristy than the south

Cons

  • Heavy traffic at peak times
  • Fewer natural beaches
  • Fewer luxury hotels

The 5 best hotels in Nord-Est (Santa Cruz & La Laguna)

NH Tenerife - Vue d'ensemble
1

NH Tenerife

3-star hotel
8.3946 reviews
Top pick

Located in the north-east of Tenerife, in Santa Cruz, the NH Tenerife offers a modern and functional setting. The property features a fitness centre and a restaurant. Room service and Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel ensure optimal comfort. Private parking facilitates access for travellers by car.

Centre de remise en formeÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesService d'étageWi-Fi disponible partoutRestaurantParking privé
From ~754EUR / night
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Hotel Principe Paz - Vue d'ensemble
2

Hotel Principe Paz

3-star hotel
8.01 329 reviews
Excellent

Set in the heart of Santa Cruz in the north-east of Tenerife, Hotel Principe Paz is appealing for its central location. It features a restaurant and attentive room service. Free Wi-Fi and private parking complete the offering. A practical choice for discovering the island's capital.

Service d'étageWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéRestaurantConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteParking
From ~322EUR / night
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La Laguna Gran Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
3

La Laguna Gran Hotel

4-star hotel
9.14 705 reviews
Recommended

Located in La Laguna in the north-east of Tenerife, this historic four-star hotel combines elegance and modernity. The property includes a swimming pool and a fitness centre. The restaurant and room service ensure a refined stay. Its excellent positioning makes it a benchmark in the region.

1 piscineCentre de remise en formeÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesService d'étageWi-Fi disponible partoutRestaurant
From ~438EUR / night
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Barceló Santa Cruz Contemporáneo - Vue d'ensemble
4

Barceló Santa Cruz Contemporáneo

4-star hotel
9.0227 reviews

Located in Santa Cruz in the north-east of Tenerife, the Barceló Santa Cruz Contemporáneo emphasises modern design. It offers a swimming pool and a fitness centre. The restaurant and room service complete the offering. A contemporary hotel ideal for combining business and urban discovery.

1 piscineCentre de remise en formeÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesService d'étageWi-Fi disponible partoutRestaurant
From ~325EUR / night
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Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey - Vue d'ensemble
5

Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey

5-star hotel
8.81 922 reviews

Nestled in the centre of Santa Cruz in the north-east of Tenerife, the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey embodies classic luxury. The hotel features two swimming pools and a fitness centre. Its refined restaurant and attentive room service make it an exceptional address. A five-star hotel with timeless charm.

2 piscinesCentre de remise en formeÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesService d'étageWi-Fi disponible partoutRestaurant
From ~393EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

The north-east seduces with its harmonious mix of city and nature. Santa Cruz offers a dynamic harbour atmosphere with lively quays and shaded parks, while San Cristóbal de La Laguna provides a peaceful historic centre of cobbled streets and colonial buildings. Surrounding hills are covered in laurel forest and banana plantations. The light is softer than in the south and sea breezes constantly refresh the air. Plazas invite leisurely strolls and ocean views from miradors create unforgettable contemplative moments.

Things to see and do

Visit La Laguna Cathedral and its peaceful cloister, wander the UNESCO-listed casco antiguo, explore Santa Cruz’s Nuestra Señora de África market for its colours and flavours. Do not miss the Guimerá Theatre, García Sanabria Park and the Museum of Nature and Man. Art lovers will appreciate TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes while hikers can climb the path to Monte de las Mercedes for exceptional views over the valley and ocean.

Where to eat and drink

Local gastronomy celebrates fresh fish and produce. Enjoy grilled fish with mojo, papas arrugadas with spicy sauces, or a delicious watercress soup. Santa Cruz restaurants also offer excellent goat’s cheese and regional wines. In La Laguna, traditional taverns serve slow-cooked dishes such as goat stew or sautéed limpets. Lively terraces are perfect for a glass of local wine at the end of the day.

Transport & access

The north-east is easily reached from Tenerife North Airport in minutes by taxi or bus. The tram efficiently links Santa Cruz and La Laguna while TITSA buses serve the whole area. Car hire facilitates trips to miradors and neighbouring villages. Public parking exists in town centres but traffic can be heavy at peak times. Both towns are also connected by a pleasant coastal cycle path.

Who is it for?

This zone suits travellers seeking authenticity and culture. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate La Laguna’s heritage. Couples looking for a romantic, calm atmosphere will find it here. Students and solo travellers enjoy a dynamic student scene and numerous cafés. Families appreciate parks, interactive museums and the safety of well-connected town centres.

Other neighborhoods in Tenerife

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