Visit La Laguna
La Laguna whose full name is San Cristobal de La Laguna, is situated on the north of the island of Tenerife, one of the Western Canary Islands. It is a beautiful town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore San Cristobal de La Laguna
Spain This Way comment: San Cristobal de la Laguna is a charming town with colourful colonial style houses adorned with balconies and pretty patios. It is one of the prettiest of the Tenerife towns.
If you are visiting Tenerife La Laguna is a must. La Laguna's town plan became the model for new towns built in the Americas. These include Old Havana in Cuba and Cartagena de Indias in Colombia. Its streets are filled with colourful buildings, beautiful old villas, palaces and buildings of the 17 and 18th centuries. The old town is very well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
La Laguna was the capital of Tenerife until 1723 and is home to the University of San Fernando which was the first to be built on the Canary Islands. It is Tenerife's second largest town which means it also has great shops and a lively night scene.
The old quarter of La Laguna is full of colourful streets laid out in a linear pattern and with a large number of churches and palaces. Its main square is the Plaza de los Remedios where you will find the cathedral of La Laguna, the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. The cathedral was built in the early 20th century in a Neoclassical style inspired by the cathedral of Pamplona.
The church of Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion is a particularly lovely with its Mudejar (kind of Moorish style) wooden ceiling and a stone tower. You can climb the tower and get some excellent views over the town. The church is extremely similar in design to the church of the Conception of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Santa Domingo church is also worth a visit.
One of the most important religious buildings in the town is the Real Santuario del Cristo de La Laguna which is home to the Cristo de La Laguna which is a very revered statue of Jesus on the cross
The Plaza del Adelantado is a another fine square and is home to the town hall, a convent and the lovely Palacio de Nava around its edges.
Whilst here be sure to go to to the Parque de los Dragos near the university to see the amazing dragon trees.
La Lugana has an airport, the Los Rodeos, which is used by various low cost airlines and so making visits to La Laguna and to Tenerife easy to organise.
Take a drive into the Bosque d'Esperanza a large pine wood on the edge of La Laguna. Drive through the woods and there are some great viewpoints with views over Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz and the volcano Le Teide. There are plenty of walking trails in the forest if you have time to stop and explore.
Where to visit nearby?
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife and is one of the busiest ports in Spain. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is right next to La Laguna and the two cities merge into each other forming one large urban area. The two centres are linked by tram making visits between them very easy.
La Orotava is another elegant town and worth a visit.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Western Canary Islands guide.
Photos of La Laguna
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Map of La Laguna and places to visit
La Laguna places to visit
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has plenty to see and is the capital of Tenerife. The most popular beach is Las Teresitas made by importing tons of Saharan sand.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife guide
Anaga Rural Park
The beautiful Anaga Rural Park is home to the Anaga mountains and the ancient Mercedes forests.
Anaga Rural Park guide
La Orotava
La Orotava has wide streets, handsome squares and lovely churches and like Puerto de la Cruz is beautifully situated at the foot of Mount Teide.
La Orotava guide
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is a lovely little harbour town situated at the foot of Mount Teide. It has colourful stucco buildings and lots of attractions nearby.
Puerto de la Cruz guide
Loro Park
Loro Park is one of the top attractions of Tenerife. It is a large zoo with a dolphin display and tree-tops jungle walkway.
Loro Park guide
Park Teide
In Park Teide is Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Spain. The park is a treat and not to be missed.
Park Teide guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Western Canary Islands