Auditorio de Tenerife
The Canary Islands' most iconic building: a 58-meter white concrete wave defying gravity over the Atlantic. 1,616-seat Symphony Hall with a unique 3,835-pipe organ, opera, jazz, dance. Daily guided tours ~€5. Free parking.
The Auditorio de Tenerife is probably the most photographed building in the Canary Islands. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated on 26 September 2003 in the presence of Prince Felipe and Queen Sofía, this giant white structure clad in trencadís rises 58 metres above the Atlantic. Calatrava described it: 'It has no facade, and its multiple suggestions are like music.' For some it is a wave about to break, for others a sail or a cobra's tongue.
The geometry of the building is strikingly precise. The roof consists of two intersecting cone segments, and the concert-hall dome is a solid of revolution generated by an ellipse. The wing raised above the whole structure weighs 3,500 tonnes and stays aloft thanks to reinforcement of the highest-purity concrete: titanium oxide is added to the mix, increasing whiteness and resistance to sea salt. Over this comes trencadís, the same ceramic mosaic Gaudí used.
The building occupies 23,000 m² on a promontory by the port. Two spectacular terraces create two completely different worlds just 60 metres apart: the Atlantic Terrace (400 m², with curtains of cobalt and turquoise glass, facing straight out to the ocean) and the City Terrace (350 m², with a panorama of Santa Cruz and Torres de Santa Cruz, the tallest buildings in the Canary Islands).
Inside are the Symphony Hall (1,616 seats) and the intimate Sala de Cámara (421 seats). The organ in the main hall has 3,835 pipes designed by virtuoso Jean Guillou and built by Albert Blancafort of Collbató, installed in 2005. Instead of a traditional layout the pipes emerge from both sides of the stage, surrounding listeners with sound from every direction.
The inauguration was a global event: covered by the New York Times, Financial Times, Le Monde and Corriere della Sera. Bill Clinton visited shortly after the opening. In 2011 the Cabildo renamed it 'Adán Martín' in honour of the Canary Islands president who championed the project, but locals still say simply 'el Auditorio'. In 2026 scenes for the American thriller 'Day Drinker' starring Johnny Depp were filmed in the building.
The Auditorio is home to the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra (founded 1935), Tenerife Opera and the Atlantic Jazz, Tenerife Danza and Festival de Música de Canarias festivals.
Easy access from TF-1 (south) and TF-5 (north) - both motorways lead almost directly to the building. Avenida de la Constitución, 1.
Any TITSA bus ending at the Estación de Guaguas de Santa Cruz - it's just meters from the Auditorio. Also tram (nearby stop).
Get here by busThe Auditorio has its own underground car park: 189 spaces + 14 motorcycle + 8 disabled. Access from Avenida Constitución. Tip: collect your ticket on entry and pay in advance at the machine to avoid queues when leaving. It's the most convenient parking in the area and practically empty outside concert times.
Navigate to parkingThe guided tour (~45 min, ~€5) is well worth it: you will see the Symphony Hall, the 3,835-pipe organ, the terraces and learn the secrets of the construction. Book by email at visitas@auditoriodetenerife.com. Tours Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Saturday until 14:00.
The Atlantic Terrace at sunset is magical: sunlight pours through the cobalt and turquoise glass curtains straight onto the ocean. If you do not want to pay, the exterior and terraces are free.
Tickets for the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra start at €5. A chance to hear a national-level orchestra in an acoustically exceptional hall. Trencadís update: after 9 years of litigation Calatrava delivered the repair design in February 2026. The Cabildo is reviewing it and restoration work is expected to begin soon.
The idea of building an auditorium first arose in 1970. Santiago Calatrava was engaged in 1989 and in 1991 publicly presented his design. Original location: Avenida Tres de Mayo. In 1996 it was changed to the present site (Castillo de San Juan). Construction: 1997-2003. Budget: planned €30M, final €72M. Inaugurated 26 September 2003 with Penderecki's 'Royal Fanfare' before Prince Felipe and Queen Sofía. Covered by NYT, FT, Le Monde. Organ (3,835 pipes, Jean Guillou / Albert Blancafort) installed in 2005. Renamed 'Adán Martín' in 2011 (controversial). In 2017 trencadís damage and moisture leaks were detected. The dispute between the Cabildo, Calatrava, Acciona and Dragados went through the courts. In February 2026 Calatrava delivered the final repair design. In 2026 scenes for the film 'Day Drinker' with Johnny Depp were shot in the building.
Auditorio de Tenerife (guided tour or exterior + terraces) → walk down to Parque Marítimo and Castillo de San Juan (5 min walk) → Palmetum (10 min walk) → if time remains, tram to Santa Cruz center.
Side view from Avenida de la Constitución with the Atlantic in the background
The classic side view: from Avenida de la Constitución looking toward the sea, with the concrete 'wave' silhouetted against the Atlantic. Works at any time of day, but afternoon light brings out the white trencadís beautifully. Also spectacular at night with illumination.
Atlantic Terrace at sunset
The Atlantic Terrace: free access. Cobalt and turquoise glass curtains reflect the ocean. Magical at sunset. From here you can also see the Parque Marítimo and Castillo de San Juan below.
Alisios Café by López Echeto
Café / Brunch / Fusion
Official Auditorio café, built into the lower level of the building. Atlantic-view terrace. Breakfasts, lunches, weekend brunch (book in advance, ~€22/person). Menu: ceviche, tuna tartar, squid, steak tartar, croquetas + pastries from López Echeto's own bakery in La Laguna. Prices from €5 for coffee and cake to €25 for a menu for two. Open 9:00-20:00 daily.