One-day Friends' Adventure: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spring)
A fun, fast-paced day for a group of friends: local market breakfast, park stroll, breezy coastal ride, beach kayak at Las Teresitas, relaxed tapas and a lively La Noria bar crawl. Designed for groups (4–6+), split costs, and energetic social moments.
Highlights
- Mercado Nuestra Señora de África food stalls
- Parque García Sanabria city-garden chill
- Coastal paseo and group bike/walk
- Kayak / SUP at Playa de Las Teresitas
- Tapas at La Hierbita
- Evening bar crawl in La Noria
Itinerary
Day 1
A lively spring day in Santa Cruz designed for friends who want food, light adventure, and nightlife in a single, social-packed day.
Market Breakfast at Mercado Nuestra Señora de África
Start the day browsing stalls and sharing a casual market breakfast: fresh pastries, local cheeses, Spanish omelettes and coffee. Great for grazing and splitting small plates between the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early (around 9:00) to beat the weekend rush and grab a communal table for your group; many stalls happily plate small portions to share.
- Bring a small amount of cash for quicker payments at some stall counters, but most vendors also accept card for larger purchases.
- Ask stall vendors for quick recommendations (’lo más vendido’) — they’ll point you to the freshest local cheeses and pastries ideal for sharing.
Stroll & Photos in Parque García Sanabria
Short, refreshing walk through Santa Cruz’s main park — colorful flowerbeds, sculptures and shady benches. Perfect for group photos and a quick energy reset.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the park’s shaded benches for a quick regroup or to split shared snacks from the market.
- Look for the central fountain and the floral clock for iconic group photos — it’s easy to find a quiet corner even with a lively group.
- If anyone wants a quick restroom stop or water refill, the park area has nearby cafés and municipal facilities.
Coastal Paseo: Group Walk / Self-guided Bike Option
Enjoy a breezy stretch along the Paseo Marítimo. Choose a relaxed group walk or rent bikes/e-bikes from local rental spots (self-guided) for a playful coastal spin and skyline views.
Tips from local experts:
- If renting bikes, ask vendors for group discounts or a combined price for 4+ bikes — it’s common to negotiate a small group rate.
- Pack sunscreen and a light windbreaker — spring sea breezes are pleasant but can be cool on a moving bike.
- Plan a mini-photo stop at the marina side to capture the harbor and Mount Teide backdrop; it’s a lively spot where locals also meet friends.
Transfer: Taxi or Bus from Plaza de España to Playa de Las Teresitas
Quick transfer out to the golden sands of Las Teresitas (San Andrés). Taxis are fastest (~25–35 min depending on traffic); buses are cheaper if you’re splitting costs.
Tips from local experts:
- For groups, order 2 taxis rather than trying to fit everyone into one — faster and often the same total cost once you split fares.
- If taking public bus (TITSA), buy individual tickets in cash and expect a scenic coastal route; buses can be slower but are wallet-friendly for groups.
- Ask the taxi driver to wait briefly if someone needs to grab a forgotten item — drivers in the area are used to short waits and group logistics.
Kayak / SUP at Playa de Las Teresitas
Two hours of sea play at the famous golden-sand Las Teresitas. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and explore the calm waters — ideal for friendly races and team-feel activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Book rentals together and ask for a group rate or instructor-led short session — rental stands often give discounts for multi-hour or multi-person bookings.
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch and one small dry bag to keep keys, cash and cards safe; leave bulky items locked in the taxi or a car.
- Plan playful team challenges (short sprints or SUP relays) — the gentle waters here are safe for mixed skill levels and make great photo ops.
Return Transfer to City Centre
Head back to Santa Cruz to refresh before evening plans. Taxi or bus options; aim to return early to avoid peak evening crowds if you want a quieter start to dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- If you used taxis earlier, ask drivers for recommendations or numbers — local drivers often wait or can be called back for the return.
- Stash wet swimsuits in a plastic bag inside your backpack to avoid dripping in taxis; most drivers don’t mind if contained.
- If energy is low, plan a short 20–30 minute stop at your accommodation or a café to regroup and change into evening clothes.
Tapas & Canarian Flavors at La Hierbita
Relaxed, group-friendly tapas dinner in a traditional spot. Order plates to share — classic Canarian potatoes (papas arrugadas), local fish and house wines make a great group meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 in advance (or call ahead) — this type of traditional restaurant fills up on spring evenings with groups.
- Ask the staff to bring plates family-style and request local wine by the pitcher or bottle to keep costs down and atmosphere social.
- Try ordering several small plates to share so everyone tastes a few things; ask for portion sizes and combine cheaper plates for even splitting.
Evening: La Noria Bar Crawl & Live Music Stroll
Head to La Noria district for a lively bar crawl—casual bars, occasional live music and a buzzy local scene. Hop between bars, sample cocktails and enjoy live bands or DJ sets depending on the night.
Tips from local experts:
- Start early (around 20:00) to secure a group table at friendlier bars; many places in La Noria welcome noisy groups but tables go fast.
- Split the bill per-drink or use a single card to cover rounds and settle at the end to speed things up in busy bars — many venues accept cards but small cash for tips is appreciated.
- Ask locals at the bar for the night’s best live spot — musicians often rotate and bartenders know which venue has the best vibe for groups that night.
