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Historic village · Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Former capital of Tenerife, 10 km from Santa Cruz, with a late‑15th‑century centre laid out on a grid plan — a model for colonial cities in the Americas. UNESCO World Heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About San Cristóbal de La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna was founded in 1496 by Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the conqueror of Tenerife, on a plateau about 550 metres above sea level, beside a lagoon that gave the city its name and later dried up. It was the island’s capital until the 18th century and is home to the university and the bishopric.
The historic centre was planned as a city without walls, with straight streets forming squares, which became a model for many Spanish colonial cities in the Americas, such as Havana and Cartagena de Indias. For this reason La Laguna was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999.
The pedestrian streets, like Calle San Agustín and Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, have colourful colonial houses with wooden balconies and plant-filled courtyards. Among the monuments are the cathedral, a igreja da Concepción, with an 18th‑century tower open to climb, and palaces such as the de Nava.
The city has a student atmosphere, bars and restaurants, and is cooler and more humid than Santa Cruz.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day, on foot.
Best time
In the morning, for open churches and houses, or late afternoon and evening when the bars are busy. Bring a jacket: it is usually cooler than Santa Cruz.
How to get there
About 10 km from Santa Cruz. The tram links the two towns in about 40 minutes; by car it’s roughly 15 minutes. Tenerife North Airport is adjacent.
Tip
Walk along San Agustín and Obispo Rey Redondo streets, looking into the courtyards of houses that are open. Climb the tower of the Concepción church. Use the tram so you don't have to worry about parking.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Why is La Laguna a World Heritage Site?
Because of its late 15th-century town center, with straight streets and no walls, which served as a model for colonial cities in the Americas.
How to get from Santa Cruz to La Laguna?
By tram, in about 40 minutes, or by car, in roughly 15 minutes.
Is La Laguna cooler than Santa Cruz?
It is usually cooler and more humid, because it is at about 550 meters elevation.