Visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Don’t miss the César Manrique Maritime Park! This open-air leisure complex is ideal for families. We were particularly impressed by the sheer size of the pools and their harmonious integration into a setting combining volcanic rock and palm trees, with the ocean as a backdrop.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
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 the César Manrique Maritime Park?
Is the park worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the maritime park is well worth a visit. This is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife! This unique complex, designed by the famous architect César Manrique, harmoniously integrates natural elements such as volcanic rock and palm trees. We particularly appreciated its huge saltwater pools overlooking the ocean. You’ll also enjoy a host of family-friendly facilities, including a children’s pool, artificial waterfalls, a solarium equipped with deckchairs and parasols, as well as dining areas.
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Why is the park famous?
The maritime park is the posthumous work of the famous architect César Manrique. A native of Lanzarote, he was renowned for his unique ability to harmoniously blend artistic creation with the natural environment. The site has become a symbol of the capital since its opening in 1995, blending seamlessly into the urban fabric of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Several of his works dot the city, such as the mobile sculpture adjacent to the Castillo de San Juan Bautista complex.
History in brief
The creation of the César Manrique Maritime Park is part of a project to revitalize the Santa Cruz de Tenerife waterfront. In his design, the famous architect harmoniously integrated built elements and natural landscapes, using local materials such as volcanic rock. The park finally opened its doors to the public in 1995. This is the great artist’s last posthumous work.
Access: César Manrique Maritime Park, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Where is the park?
- On the island of Tenerife
- South of downtown Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- At 5 Avenida la Constitución
- Between the Tenerife Auditorium and the Palmetum
Our map shows the park’s location in relation to the city’s other tourist attractions:
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- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there?
To reach the maritime park, you can choose between 3 options:
- on foot: from the town center, walk down the main road along the seafront. The ride is not the most pleasant because of the nearby traffic. Allow 25 to 30 minutes for the walk.
- by car: the garden is reached via the TF-4 road, which leads to downtown Santa Cruz. Arriving from the south, slow down at the traffic circle housing the “scorpion fish” sculpture. Signs point the way to the Maritime Park and Palmetum parking lots.
- by public transport: several buses pass through the city. The nearest bus stop to the park is “José Emilio García Gómez”, a 9-minute walk away. Find out more here. Alternatively, the “Intercambiador” streetcar stop is a 13-minute walk away (line 1).
Parking
Ample free parking is available along Avenida la Constitución, with spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. You can also use the Palmetum parking lot next door.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
The spring and summer months are ideal for taking full advantage of the facilities and refreshing yourself. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend the autumn and winter periods. Temperatures remain mild and pleasant all year round. It’s best to visit early in the day, as soon as it opens, to avoid the mid-day and afternoon rushes in high season.
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Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 2 hours for your visit, but you can easily spend half a day or even the whole day here to take full advantage of the pools and deckchairs.
In the complex, the floor can be very slippery. It is therefore forbidden to run and dive in the pools for your own safety. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Facilities include elevators and ramps to facilitate movement, as well as fully adapted toilets equipped with automatic lighting and motion-sensing faucets. Handrails are installed at strategic points and an amphibious chair provides access to the water, guaranteeing a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Advice on how to visit
There’s no direction of travel. Enjoy the freedom of the saltwater pools, each with its own special features and depth. Take a nap in the shade of an umbrella, and don’t forget to put on your sun cream! Then head to the restaurants and terraces for a drink and a breathtaking view of the ocean. Turn towards the Santa Cruz Auditorium to observe its futuristic silhouette. Accompany your children to the games library or the swimming pool with built-in waterfalls. So many activities to share with family and friends on a sunny day!
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Visiting with children
The park is perfectly suited to families. A toy library hosts the Children’s Camp , with activities including storytelling, dancing and face-painting. Children will particularly appreciate the children’s pool, with its waterfalls. The idyllic setting is sure to win them over!
Schedules and rates
The park is open every day:
- June to September: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Rest of the year: 10 am to 6 pm
Prices are as follows:
- Adult: €7.50
- Children under 12: €4
Catering
Several food outlets offer snacks and other options: burgers, sandwiches, sausages and an à la carte menu. There’s also a buffet with individual, family and children’s options.
Vast saltwater pools
To compensate for the lack of beaches in the city, Santa Cruz boasts an impressive maritime park on the waterfront. The main swimming pool, the jewel in the crown, covers a vast area of 6,500m2. It slightly overhangs the ocean, revealing small islets of volcanic rock and palm trees. We were impressed by its size! Near the bar and the Palmetum, you’ll find a second swimming pool fed by 2 waterfalls. Families will love the children’s pool, which also features waterfalls.
A complete change of scenery
The park’s privileged location, nestled between the Tenerife Auditorium and the Palmetum, offers exceptional ocean views. We were won over by this refreshing oasis tucked away to the south of the city, particularly appreciated during the hottest weather. It’s easy to get caught up in the vacation atmosphere here. This posthumous work by César Manrique is a natural invitation to relax and unwind, with the ocean as a backdrop.
Equipment for the whole family
The park has facilities to satisfy every member of the family. The toy library hosts a children’s club in summer, offering a wide range of fun activities. You’ll also find relaxation facilities for parents, such as deckchairs, as well as entertainment areas to keep children occupied. Changing rooms, showers, a solarium and food and beverage outlets complete the facilities designed for the comfort of all.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the park accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the park is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. Elevators, ramps and fully adapted toilets with automatic lighting are available. The site also features motion-sensing faucets, handrails and an amphibious chair for access to the water.
What to do near the park
The park is ideally located near 2 of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s major attractions: the Tenerife Auditorium, famous for its avant-garde architecture, and the Palmetum, a unique botanical garden dedicated to palm trees. These sites are also well worth a visit during your stay.
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