An icon by the Atlantic
Some buildings help you recognise a city even before you have visited it. The Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín is one of them.
Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, its great white silhouette facing the Atlantic has become one of the most recognisable images of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The first impression is inevitably architectural. The curved forms, the whiteness of the building and the openness of the surroundings mean its appearance changes noticeably depending on the angle and the light of the day.
Even if you have no plans to attend a performance, it is worth going to take in the exterior, walk around the building and continue exploring this part of Santa Cruz.
For those who enjoy architecture and photography, it is one of the most singular points on the urban route.
Much more than a photograph
The Auditorio is also one of Tenerife's main cultural venues.
Its programme brings together music, opera, dance and other performances throughout the year, so it is worth checking the schedule before your trip.
A visit that started as a purely architectural outing can easily turn into one of the cultural highlights of your stay.
The building also offers guided tours that allow you to explore its interior spaces and architecture in more depth.
Because of the Auditorio's own schedule of events, visiting hours and the availability of certain spaces may vary. We therefore recommend always checking the official website before planning your visit.
What to see around the Auditorio de Tenerife
One of the advantages of visiting the Auditorio is that the experience does not end at the building itself. Several interesting places are concentrated in this area and can easily be combined in a single walk through Santa Cruz.
Castillo de San Juan
Next to the Auditorio stands the Castillo de San Juan, also known as the Black Castle.
Its scale and historic character contrast with the contemporary forms of the Auditorio and evoke a very different period in Santa Cruz's development.
There is no need to plan it as a separate visit: it forms part of the image and the route through this part of the city.
Parque Marítimo César Manrique
Very close by is the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, a complex of pools beside the ocean.
It can be a good combination for those who want to alternate a morning exploring Santa Cruz with some rest.
Opening times, prices and conditions may vary, so we avoid reproducing operational information that may become out of date.
Palmetum de Santa Cruz
The Palmetum completes this cluster of places near the Auditorio.
This botanical garden, specialising in palm trees, occupies a reclaimed elevated space beside the Santa Cruz coastline.
As well as its plant collection, it offers a different perspective on this part of the city.
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
On the way back towards the centre, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África offers a complete change of atmosphere.
Architecture, traditional stalls and local produce make the market one of the most characterful places in Santa Cruz.
A walk through this part of Santa Cruz
- Auditorio de Tenerife Architecture and culture
- Castillo de San Juan History by the sea
- Parque Marítimo César Manrique Atlantic and rest
- Palmetum Botanical garden
- Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África Flavours and local life
- Santa Cruz city centre Streets, squares and shops
There is no need to complete all the stops in a single day. The proximity between them allows you to adapt the route to the time available, the weather and each traveller's pace.
If you only have a few hours, combining the Auditorio, its surroundings and the Mercado de África gives you a glimpse of two very different sides of Santa Cruz in one walk.
When is it worth visiting?
There is no single right time to visit the Auditorio and its surroundings.
During the day its architecture is particularly easy to appreciate and it is straightforward to combine the visit with nearby places.
Late in the afternoon, the light changes the perception of the building and the walk through this area takes on a different atmosphere.
And if there happens to be a concert or performance during your stay that interests you, the Auditorio can also become an evening plan.
Before travelling specifically to attend an event or take a guided tour, always check the official information first.
SANTA CRUZ AT YOUR OWN PACE
A city best enjoyed on foot
Markets, architecture, museums, parks, shopping streets and spaces by the Atlantic let you discover different sides of Santa Cruz without needing a car for every visit.
DE VILLA SUITES is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and these guides are created to help you plan your days, discover the city at your own pace and use it as a base from which to explore the rest of Tenerife.
YOUR STAY IN SANTA CRUZ
Discover Santa Cruz from DE VILLA SUITES
A complete apartment to enjoy the city at your own pace and a base from which to keep discovering Tenerife.