Is Central Park the oxygen of New York? Maybe so. We could say that it’s of equal importance as the García Sanabria Park is for Santa Cruz de Tenerife: relaxation, tranquility and contact with nature. It seems inevitable visiting the capital of Tenerife and not getting lost in its wide gardens.
The park was built almost 100 years ago from the former local mayor that also names the place. But don’t think that it has stayed the same ever since, as in 2006 its last big alterations were finally carried out. However, this idea actually proceeds from way back, when an important local journalist suggested its construction but no one listened to him, so he had to wait for the idea to be completed one century later.
The García Sanabria it’s the perfect place for nature lovers, formed by varied exotic plants, canarian species and the centenary Palm tree of the Park, especially loved by the chicharreros (locals). Olive trees, canarian palm trees, dragon trees or canarian pine trees are some of the most visited species. A place where photographers and ‘posing’ lovers will enjoy, taking the best photos next to the clock of fresh flowers found at the entrance of the park.
In addition, at the centre of the park you will be able to find a monument of its creator, next to the most famous sculpture of the area, called ‘La Fecundidad’ (The Fertility), a tribute to the Tenerife woman. Around it, during festive periods like May, they put stands with typical food: mojo (typical sauce), honey, sweets, gofio (traditional flour), and on top you can taste them for free! In other spots of the park, you will also find tributes to important people of the Canary Islands such as the canarian writer Ángel Guimerá.
It would be the best place to visit if you’re thinking of travelling with the whole family, since throughout the year there are many activities taking place for the children. There are two parks where children can enjoy attractions, draw on boards or read a good book while parents enjoy nature.
Some will certainly prefer to approach the water streams of the fountains to contemplate the frogs, and see how they jump around the plants. However, we recommend you continuously watch them because the park is so big, that you can lose sight of them at the slightest distraction.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes if you want to enjoy your stay to the fullest, since several paths in the park area have not been paved. Furthermore, for many it’s the perfect place for doing sports and it can adapt to people with disability.
But don’t think that the whole day you’ll be walking under the heat of the islands, around the 67.000 of square metres of the park. It can also be the perfect excuse to drink a nice, cold beer at the kiosks found at the exit and rest under the shadow of the trees.
The tourist information service of the local town hall has different guided routes inside the park for which you can get information from the nearest tourism offices. Also, you will be able to enjoy other activities in the park, such as the Book Festival, handicraft market or exhibitions during the holidays of May.
The sound of birds, the green of the plants or the falling water in García Sanabria will momentarily make you disconnect from the world. A small piece of nature and peace right in the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
How to arrive at the García Sanabria
Arriving at the park is quite easy by car, however parking at the adjoining streets isn’t. There are three solutions of paid parking for public venues that we will detail below.
- Parking in Calle Santa Rosalía, number 87. This one has the pedestrian exit right in front of the park and it is open throughout the day. The first parking hour costs around 1,45 euros, while the following hours the price rises.
- Parking El Pilar in Calle San Clemente, number 36. This parking is very economic (around 1,15 per hour) and it is open the whole day.
- Parking of Centro Comercial Parque Bulevar, in Calle San Clemente. In this parking the cost is 1,75 euros per hour, becoming 2,90 euros during the second hour. It is open the whole day and it has lots of parking spots.
All three of them cost between 1,10 and 2 euros per hour approximately (9.90$ per 24 hours), a quite affordable price for the convenience of parking next to your destination. If you prefer not wasting time by car and getting stuck in the traffic jam of the capital, we recommend you take the bus, or the “guagua” as we locals like to call it.
In case you want to take the bus, you can do so from Intercambiador of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (bus station) taking the 902 or 915 line. You can also get there from different locations, such as Las Teresitas, using the line 911. For further information regarding bus lines, click here.
You can also reach to your destination by taxi, simply by asking at any taxi stand located close to where you are. If you need to call for a taxi click here.