Is it possible to enjoy Santa Cruz de Tenerife in just 48 hours without a car? The answer is yes, thanks to the efficient public transport system and the fact that almost everything can be done on foot. This guide shows you how to make the most of a full weekend using the bus network and the tram, with the Hotel Taburiente as your base for sleeping and resting throughout your getaway.

Located right opposite García Sanabria Park, in the heart of the city, the Hotel Taburiente offers the perfect strategic location for these city breaks. The ideal guest profile includes couples looking for a romantic getaway, professionals extending a business trip by a couple of days, or people who prefer not to drive during their holidays in the Canary Islands.

The island’s mild climate all year round allows you to enjoy the beach, culture and cuisine without having to travel far. This makes the area an ideal destination at any time of year.

The first day begins right outside the Hotel Taburiente. The advantage is immediate: just cross the road and you’re already in García Sanabria Park, one of the island’s most iconic spots.

Recommended walking route:

• García Sanabria Park (30–45 mins): Stroll amongst the outdoor sculptures, admire the historic floral clock and enjoy your first coffee at one of the shaded cafés. If your visit falls on a Friday, the City Council offers a free botanical tour at 10:00 (Spanish/English) to discover the park’s history and plant species. Find out more here.
• Rambla de Santa Cruz (10–15 min walk): Walk down towards the centre along this pleasant, almost flat boulevard, taking in the Modernist buildings and urban viewpoints.
• Iglesia de la Concepción and Puente Serrador (15–20 mins from the hotel): Icons of the historic centre, perfect for photos. The church was built on the site of the first Christian chapel erected by the conquistadors upon reaching the island’s coast, and houses the wooden cross that gave the city its name.
• Nuestra Señora de África Market – La Recova (mid-morning stop): Local produce, tropical fruits, Canarian cheeses and the perfect time to try a barraquito, the traditional Canarian drink that’s almost a dessert.

This entire morning itinerary is done on foot. You won’t need a car or bus, highlighting the convenience of staying right in the centre.

The afternoon focuses on the harbour area and the seafront, which can be reached on foot from the city centre.

Recommended route:

• Plaza de España: Starting point, featuring a central pond, historical significance and views of the harbour. Don’t miss the underground passage to see the remains of San Cristóbal Castle, the wall that protected the city from pirate attacks.
• Tenerife Adán Martín Auditorium and San Juan Bautista Castle (Castillo Negro): From Plaza de España, walking along the seafront promenade takes 20–25 minutes. The architecture of the Auditorium is an experience in itself.
• TEA - Tenerife Espacio de las Artes: An indoor cultural alternative, ideal if you prefer contemporary art or if the weather isn’t on your side. A different way to experience the city’s cultural scene.
• Palmetum: For the late afternoon, this botanical garden built on a former rubbish tip offers views of the sea and a unique collection of palm trees.

When you’re done, you can return to the hotel by city bus, tram to a nearby stop, or on foot. All options are car-free. The Hotel Taburiente awaits you for a rest before dinner.

There’s no need to go out for a special dinner. Cayote Restaurant is the hotel’s signature restaurant, blending Mediterranean, Latin American, Asian and Canarian cuisine into a unique dining experience.

What to expect at Cayote:

• Fusion cuisine that takes you on a journey through Asia, Latin America and the Canary Islands.
• Original dishes prepared with skill and attention to every detail.
• High-quality meat and fish, prepared in a way that brings out their natural flavour.
• Authentic pairings with a carefully curated selection of local and national wines.
• Signature desserts with their own unique character to round off the experience.

Dining at Cayote is a convenient way to end the day without worrying about transport back, ideal after a day spent exploring Santa Cruz on foot. If you’re travelling as a couple or celebrating a special occasion, ask about our tasting menu, available upon prior reservation for a complete experience.

The second day begins with a beach outing that’s very popular with the locals: Las Teresitas. Accessible by bus from the centre of Santa Cruz, you don’t need to hire a car.

How to get there:

• Departure from Hotel Taburiente after breakfast
• Short walk to a stop on the 910 bus route towards San Andrés
• Frequency: every half hour or at most every hour
• Journey time: approximately 20 minutes

What you’ll find at Las Teresitas:

• Golden sand imported from the Sahara
• Calm waters ideal for families
• Beach bars serving seafood, local tapas and cocktails
• Spectacular views of the Anaga mountains

For the more active, there’s the option of taking a bus or taxi up to the nearby viewpoint for panoramic views of the bay.

Practical tips:

• Bring sun cream and a hat
• Have cash ready for the beach bars
• The frequency of the 910 bus means you can return comfortably at midday

On your return, head back to your base: the Hotel Taburiente, to shower and get ready for the afternoon.

Alternative option: a short trip to La Laguna by tram
As an alternative or complement to the beach, especially if you’ve already visited Las Teresitas or are travelling outside the bathing season, San Cristóbal de La Laguna offers a unique cultural experience.

How to get there:

• From the Hotel Taburiente, walk a few minutes to the La Paz or Weyler stop
• Take the tram line to the La Laguna interchange
• The service runs every five minutes during the day
• Journey time: approximately 25–30 minutes

La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its colonial layout. You’ll find pedestrianised streets, colourful houses, a university atmosphere and historic sites such as the Cathedral and the Church of La Concepción.

Everything is within walking distance of the tram stop. The return journey to Santa Cruz is on the same tram, arriving back at your accommodation in the early afternoon without the need for a car.

The afternoon of the second day calls for a more leisurely pace: shopping, some light cultural exploration and a rest before your final night in Santa Cruz.

Shopping areas within walking distance:

• Calle del Castillo: the main shopping street
• Around Plaza Weyler: local shops and cafés
• Meridiano Shopping Centre: for more contemporary options

Local products to take home:

• Wines from Tenerife
• Mojos and gofio
• Local crafts and fashion

Additional cultural highlights: The Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) is within walking distance of the hotel, offering a window into the island’s natural history. You can also visit the Casa del Carnaval, an interactive space to discover the spirit and costumes of our most iconic festival.

In the late afternoon, the Hotel Taburiente awaits you to enjoy the rooftop pool, a jacuzzi overlooking García Sanabria Park and, if you need it, the gym for those who wish to maintain their fitness routine.

This is the perfect time for sunset photos from the rooftop, making the most of the advantages of a city centre hotel with a rooftop pool. A way to capture the beauty of the city before your final night.

The final evening is the perfect opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere, whether by returning to Restaurante Cayote, trying out the Sagrario restaurant (also within the hotel), or exploring nearby venues.

The area is easily accessible on foot, with no need for taxis or a hire car. The nightlife invites you to wander the streets a little, observing the city’s daily life.

Whether you land in the north or south of Tenerife, there are direct and frequent public transport links to Santa Cruz. Here are the specific options:

From Tenerife North Airport (TFN):

• The Airport 20 bus will take you to the bus interchange.
• Then, take one of the city bus routes 905, 914, 920 or 921, which stop near the hotel.
• Total journey time: 30–40 minutes

From Tenerife South Airport (TFS):

• Airport bus 10 will take you to the bus interchange.
• Then, take one of the city bus routes 905, 914, 920 or 921, which stop near the hotel.
• Journey time: 60–70 minutes

To round off this guide, here are some specific recommendations to make your car-free break even smoother:

Transport:

• Get a Ten+ card for buses and trams. It’s easy to top up and offers discounts on all journeys: Las Teresitas, the airport, La Laguna and urban routes.
• Check up-to-date timetables on the TITSA and Metrotenerife websites or apps. Timetables vary at weekends and on public holidays.
• Google Maps also works well for planning public transport routes in Tenerife.

What to bring:

• Comfortable footwear is essential. Most of the suggested routes are on foot.
• Bring sun cream and some cash for small shops, although most places also accept cards.

Advantages of the Hotel Taburiente for this getaway:

• Location opposite García Sanabria Park: the perfect starting point
• Rooftop pool and jacuzzi with views
• Cayote or Sagrario restaurant for dining without having to go anywhere (we also offer half-board and full-board options at our Tigaiga restaurant)
• Private car park for those arriving with a hire car for just one day
• Meeting rooms to combine work and leisure if you extend your stay
• High-quality service and easy access

The Hotel Taburiente is the perfect urban base, whether you’re visiting for a weekend without a car or planning a longer stay combining Santa Cruz with organised excursions around the island: Teide National Park, hiking in Anaga or the Masca Gorge, or whale watching from Las Américas Beach to the Gigantes Cliffs – all with departures from the hotel.

Email us at reservas@hoteltaburiente.com with the details of your trip and our team will be delighted to help you plan every detail of your stay. Santa Cruz awaits you as the perfect destination and urban paradise, with the Hotel Taburiente as your trusted home away from home.