San Cristobal de La Laguna is a city and municipality in the most northern part of the island of Tenerife. It is the third most populated city of the island, with its historic center, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are many museums to visit in San Cristobal de La Laguna, with many of them depicting the historical details of Tenerife, which includes its agricultural history.
Table of Contents
- Weather in San Cristobal de La Laguna
- Thing to do
- Museum of the History of Tenerife
- Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands
- Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman
- Nava Palace
- Museum of Science and the Cosmos
- Hotels
- La Laguna Gran Hotel
- Hotel Aguere
- Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa
- Sogno di Gio
- Casa del Casco Historico
- Restaurants / Bars
- Manamme Pizzeria
- La Tasca Faracho
- Tapaste
- La Comarca
- La Bruma Tapas Bar
- Getting to San Cristobal de la Laguna from the airport
Weather in San Cristobal de La Laguna
San Cristobal de La Laguna in Tenerife is known for its perfect year-long weather, with its long summers and mild winters. Even in October, it isn’t unusual to encounter daily averages of about 27°C, while the winter lows reach only around 14°C at night. The summer weather often stays at around 28°C, with light breezes keeping the heatstroke at bay.
Thing to do
San Cristobal de La Laguna is brimming with cultural experiences, as there are many historical sites to visit, as well as museums. This town also boasts of churches which were built in the 16th century – a real treat for Catholics and religious tourists.
Museum of the History of Tenerife
The Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife was opened in 1993 and is known for its mission to preserve the history of the island of Tenerife. The artifacts and info stored in this museum focus around the institutional, socio-economic, and cultural development of Tenerife, between the 15th and 20th century. As the museum is hosted in what used to be a mansion, where the owner committed suicide by jumping into a pit, it is also rumored that the museum has since been haunted.
Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands
The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands is one of two research facilities in the Canary Islands. It caters to the advancement of the science of astrophysics. The light pollution in the Canary Islands is minimal, which allows researchers and visitors alike to enjoy stargazing, even without the use of telescopes. A museum on site can be visited to learn more about the stars and life beyond our planet – a fun way to spend an afternoon with the whole family.
Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman
In the city center, one can find the famous Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzman – a Roman Catholic church from the 15th century. This church has two naves, as well as some examples of Mudejar coffering and an array of paintings by Cristobal Hernandez de Quintana, who was a baroque painter from the 16th and 17th century. It has become a popular attraction for devout Catholic tourists, due to its impressive history.
Nava Palace
The Palacio de Nava is a flamboyant mansion made in baroque style, with traces of neoclassical styles, and can be found on the Adelantado Square of San Cristobal de La Laguna. Listed as a building of Cultural Interest since 1976, it is known for the artifacts and artwork it houses, as well as the unique constructions of its interiors. The main interior staircase is a sight to behold, as well as the arcaded courtyard columns carved in basalt.
Museum of Science and the Cosmos
El Museo de las Ciencias y el Cosmos is a science museum which also focuses on astronomy and technology. The museum was opened in 1993 and is considered the first astronomy and science museum of the Canary Islands. Kids especially love this museum, as it allows them to learn while having fun. The price to get into the museum is only €5 but is free for those entering after 4 pm.
Hotels
La Laguna Gran Hotel
The La Laguna Gran Hotel is a stunning hotel decorated in stylish modern and art deco furnishings and can be found in central San Cristobal de La Laguna. There is a Spanish and international restaurant on-site, as well as a bar, a fitness center, and 24-hour room service. Guests can enjoy a daily continental breakfast buffet, before venturing out to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool or the wellness-spa.
Hotel Aguere
The Hotel Aguere can be found right by the famous Leal Theater in San Cristobal de La Laguna, about 800 meters from the San Cristobal de La Laguna Cathedral. This hotel is popular among visitors traveling as a couple, not only for its services but also due to its ideal location. Guests will be able to enjoy the breakfast buffer here each morning, which is perfectly prepared and made of only the freshest local ingredients.
Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa
The Hotel Laguna Nivaria used to be a mansion from the 16th century, which has been converted into a hotel. It consists of two buildings and has a reception area, a restaurant, and meetings rooms. A free gym is available to guests, who have the option of booking either a suite or a superior room. The elegant, colonial-style hotel is a fabulous place to book for a stay in the city center of San Cristobal de La Laguna, close to many of the attractions in the town.
Sogno di Gio
This hotel is a popular choice among visitors who would like to be conveniently located right by public transportation, and close to the city center’s attractions. Sogno Di Gio is an Italian style hotel, with an Italian restaurant on-site, decorated in classic Italian style. Guests will get to choose between a superior single room, a deluxe double room, and an apartment suite, which all have a private bathroom, a flat-screen satellite TV and free toiletries.
Casa del Casco Historico
This beautiful historical holiday home is located only one kilometer from the center of San Cristobal de La Laguna. Each of the units available is equipped with a kitchen, a seating area, a private bathroom, and a satellite TV. This holiday home rates highly among visitors who are traveling as a couple, as it is close to many of the stops they would like to visit, such as the churches in the city center.
Restaurants / Bars
Manamme Pizzeria
A restaurant, which serves hands down the best pizza in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Manamme Pizzeria is touted as the best pizzeria in the area. It is always packed, as it is no doubt one of the most popular restaurants in La Laguna, so one might have to make reservations to grab a table here. It makes for a great and inexpensive place to enjoy a dinner, with the portions being generous and guaranteed to fill one up.
La Tasca Faracho
La Tasca Faracho is the perfect place for those who appreciate authentic Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, and all its flavors. Every plate tastes home-made here and is made with much love and care in mind. The owner himself caters to the guests, explaining each dish, and recommending the best options available. The croquettes, bacalao, and fried cheese are some of the items one should try at the La Tasca Faracho.
Tapaste
Another excellent choice for a beautiful meal is Tapaste, which serves Mediterranean and Spanish classics, insignificant and generous portions. A daily menu for €10,60 includes two choices of soup, three choices of main dishes and three options of desserts – all served fresh and made of local produce. As the restaurant itself is quite small and doesn’t host many tables, one should consider making a reservation, to be able to dine here.
La Comarca
La Comarca is a vegetarian-friendly Spanish restaurant with vegan options, with a menu based on Asturian delicacies. The place itself is small, while the serving sizes are large – a definite must-visit for those who appreciate Spanish food. It is a little challenging to find, as it is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but is definitely worth the effort. As there are only four tables available here, it can only be recommended that those coming with a larger party should make reservations in advance.
La Bruma Tapas Bar
Located on the outskirts of San Cristobal, La Bruma Tapas Bar is a delicious Spanish restaurant, which serves up an array of dishes made fresh. A tasting menu for only €33 per person allows for a complete introduction to the tapas menu, which is perfect for guests who would like to try a little bit of everything. Wines served by the glass make for an ideal pairing for the tapas menu.
Getting to San Cristobal de la Laguna from the airport
San Cristobal de La Laguna is only about 3 kilometers away from the Tenerife Norte Airport, which makes it easy to reach upon arrival on the island. At the airport, one can rent a car via the many companies present there, or else take a taxi, which is a steal at only about €7. The Line 20 bus can also take visitors from the airport to the city center of La Laguna.
