Parque La Granja
The locals' favorite park: royal palms, bamboo groves and 200+ plant species across 64,000 m². A world-class skatepark, playground, sports areas, pet zone, plus a cultural space with theater, arthouse cinema and library. FREE 24h.
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Parque de La Granja is the second great green lung of Santa Cruz: 64,310 m², slightly larger than Parque García Sanabria. Built between 1969 and 1976, the name comes from a former botanical installation of the Ministry of Agriculture that previously occupied the site. Accessible from Avenida de Madrid, Avenida de Bélgica and Avenida Benito Pérez Armas. Where García Sanabria is a botanical garden and sculpture gallery, La Granja is the city's 'sporting lung': the favourite spot for running, yoga, calisthenics, dog walking and family picnics.
The park has over 620 trees of various species: native drago, Canarian palms, royal palms (Roystonea regia), oil palms (Elaeis guineensis), bamboo groves, walnut trees, ombú, ficus, jacarandas and flamboyants. Dirt and asphalt paths bordered by raised garden plots with rows of basalt rocks create a natural labyrinth among the greenery. Wide lawns for picnics, a playground, sports zones, two dog parks and a fountain from 2017 with nine coloured projectors.
The skatepark, inaugurated in 2017, is the main attraction for urban sports fans. Designed by architect and skater Daniel Yábar, its 2,360 m² are split into two zones. The street skatepark (994 m²) features kerbs, stairs and railings. The ramp skatepark (1,370 m²) offers dunes and transitions. The design is inspired by Tenerife's diverse landscape: the Teide and the Paisaje Lunar. Materials: tinted concrete, granite and basalt. Red Bull filmed a video here with Team Nomad. The skatepark attracts skaters from across Europe, and every district in Santa Cruz has since requested something similar.
The park holds a sculpture honouring Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, the iconic naturalist and creator of the programme El Hombre y la Tierra, by Tenerife sculptor María Belén Morales (1984), donated by the Peña Rambla Pulido association. Next to the park: Espacio La Granja (cultural centre) with the State Public Library, the Canarian Film Archive (Tenerife headquarters), the Contemporary Art Gallery (SAC) and a regular programme of performing arts (theatre, music, dance, circus).
Avenida de Madrid / Avenida de Bélgica / Avenida Benito Pérez Armas. Look for underground parking nearby.
Several TITSA lines stop on Avenida de Madrid. Tram: La Granja stop (direct access).
Get here by busLook for underground parking in the area - there are options near Avenida Tres de Mayo. The park has no parking of its own. Alternative: park on the residential streets nearby (less central area, much easier to find a spot than in the city center).
Navigate to parkingLa Granja is the locals' park in Santa Cruz: less touristy than García Sanabria, but just as attractive and larger. Perfect for families: a big playground, lawns ideal for picnics, two dog parks. Daniel Yábar's skatepark (2017) is a masterpiece: inspired by the Teide and Paisaje Lunar, with granite and basalt materials. It attracts skaters from across Europe, and Red Bull filmed a video here with Team Nomad.
The dirt paths between basalt rocks and royal palms are very photogenic. Look for the sculpture of Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente (Belén Morales, 1984): a large bronze piece on the plaza by Avenida Bélgica.
Check the programme at Espacio La Granja: theatre, arthouse cinema from the Canarian Film Archive, often free or very cheap. The Public Library in the neighbouring building is a great option if it rains. La Granja is quieter than García Sanabria: ideal for a peaceful morning with a coffee.
Parque La Granja (30-60 min, stroll + playground) → Parque García Sanabria (12 min walk, flower clock) → Rambla de Santa Cruz (terraces, flower kiosks) → city center.
Royal palms (Roystonea regia) and bamboo groves
The clusters of royal palms (Roystonea regia) and the bamboo groves create a spectacular tropical atmosphere. The dirt paths bordered by basaltic rocks winding through the vegetation are very photogenic.
Daniel Yábar Skatepark - one of the best in the world
The Daniel Yábar skatepark is a piece of architectural art in its own right - innovative design, considered one of the best in the world. It looks amazing in photos even without skaters on it.