Nestled in the hills above Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Cueva Roja is a fascinating rocky cavity traversed by the Camino de Las Lecheras, the ancient path taken by the milkmaids of La Laguna. We were intrigued by these reddish-tinged geological formations, which have unfortunately been abandoned.
In this article, find all our tips and photos for visiting the site.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Cueva Roja?
Is the rock cavity worth a visit? Our opinion:
La Cueva Roja is well worth a visit if you’re a geology enthusiast, looking for a view of Santa Cruz, or in search of an uncrowded hike. We were fascinated by its colourful rock formations and its history. Despite its current state of neglect, the site offers an authentic experience far removed from the traditional tourist circuits, and will allow you to discover a striking panorama of the city.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly appreciated:
- Exploring rock formations
- Panoramic view of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- The start of the hike on El Camino de Las Lecheras
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How to get to Cueva Roja in winter: access and map
Where is the rock cavity?
- North of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- In the Barrio Nuevo district
- 4 de la Calle Cerradura
- Driving time from downtown: 10 to 15min
Consult our map to locate the Cueva Roja in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there? Access road
From downtown Santa Cruz, walk along the Barranco de Santos and into the Barrio Nuevo district. Then take Carretera Los Campitos to Carretera Cueva Roja, indicated by a sign. The road is winding and steep, so drive carefully.
By public transport, take bus line 902 of the TITSA network, which serves the Barrio Nuevo district. Visit the official website for more info here.
Parking
Free parking is available at the end of Carretera Cueva Roja and Carretera Las Lecheras. Note that they are often occupied by local residents.
WHERE TO STAY in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The old town of Santa Cruz
AC Hotel by Marriott Tenerife – Check photos and availability
North of downtown
Hotel Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey – Check photos and availability
The Park Suites by IRES LAR – Check photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Santa Cruz.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The site, which is rarely visited by tourists, is freely accessible all year round. Make sure the weather is clear, especially if you want to take El Camino de Las Lecheras. We advise you to come early in the morning to admire the sunrise over the ocean and Santa Cruz. On the other hand, avoid going there at sunset, as the winding, poorly-lit road can be dangerous, and the place is sometimes frequented by squatters after dark.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30-45 minutes to explore the cave and admire the panoramic view over Santa Cruz. If you want to hike the Camino de Las Lecheras, you’ll need more time.
The site is unguarded and currently derelict. We noticed its deterioration through the tagged walls and the numerous pieces of garbage on the ground. However, a rehabilitation project is under study to enhance its value and make it safer. The terrain is uneven and stony, with steps leading up to the cave and hiking trail. It is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
Start by observing the rock formations from the outside. Then climb down the steps to pass beneath the cave and examine the asperities in the rock. If you wish, climb a few steps on the Camino de Las Lecheras to discover some beautiful views. End your visit at the Mirador de Santa Cruz de Tenerife opposite the Cueva Roja neighborhood association to admire the panoramic view over the city.
Visiting with children
The visit is not recommended with children due to the potential dangers of the site.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
No food or toilet facilities on site. The area is not rich in restaurants. We suggest you head back down to downtown Santa Cruz for lunch.
DISCOVER Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Red rock formations
Cueva Roja takes its name from the characteristic reddish color of its volcanic rock. We were intrigued by this large natural cavity that opens and closes, intermittently revealing the surrounding hilly landscape. Aborigines once used this place as a transit point between the valleys and the coast. Later, the cave was used as a quarry to extract stone for the construction of noble homes in the Barrio Nuevo district.
El Camino de las Lecheras
El Camino de las Lecheras, or “Milkmaids’ Way”, is a little-frequented historic trail offering magnificent views of the surrounding area. It was once used by the milkmaids of La Laguna to transport their goods to Santa Cruz. The Cueva Roja served as a strategic resting point on this demanding route. Today, you can follow a portion of this itinerary, which starts at the Church of La Concepcion in La Laguna and passes through a number of picturesque places such as valleys and ravines.
The view of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Mirador de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, opposite the Cueva Roja neighborhood association, offers spectacular views over the whole city. We were impressed by the sheer size of Santa Cruz, which stretched out at our feet, with the ocean as far as the eye could see. From this vantage point, you can see the emblematic Santa Cruz Auditorium, one of the city’s must-see monuments, as well as the industrial port. The hilly landscape on our left contrasted with this urban panorama.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Cueva Roja with these nearby attractions:
- The lively downtown area of Santa Cruz and its emblematic Plaza de España, the vibrant heart of the historic district
- The Palmetum, a botanical garden specializing in palms overlooking the ocean
- Parque García Sanabria, a green setting surrounded by the city
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