Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Soak up the history and culture of beautiful Santa Cruz during this approximately three-hour walking tour through the streets and plazas that define this cosmopolitan city. An English-speaking guide will be with you every step of the way offering interesting commentary as you go along. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture each memorable sight.

Your tour begins at the pier; from here, you'll walk to the heart of the city to Plaza de España, the largest square in Santa Cruz. Built in the 1940s, the site is home to an intriguing part of island history. Under the beautiful plaza lays the remains of Castillo de San Cristóbal, a 16th century fortress built to fend off pirates and other invaders. Discovered during a 2006 renovation, there are only a few walls of the original building on display in an underground tunnel under the square.

Nearby is the Guimerá Theater. Built in 1849, it's the oldest theater in the Canary Islands. From here, you'll walk to Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. Constructed in 1498, it's believed that the first mass ever held within the church was to celebrate the victory of the Spanish conquistadors. Though this church was built in 1498, its present appearance is the result of reconstruction work carried out in the latter half of the 18th century.

Not far away from here, you'll visit Noria Street, home to the famous "murga" groups who use songs to criticize and poke fun at social and political figures during the annual Carnival. You'll notice that each murga has its own colonial style house where they secretly record their own unique music.

Your journey continues to the municipal market known as Nuestra Señora de África where you can enjoy some free time shopping for local fruits, vegetables, breads and cheese. From here you'll make you way over the Serrador Bridge towards Calle Castillo, home to most of the city's shops, and on to Weyler Square. This expansive area stretches over 4,000 square feet and boasts shady lanes, rows of apartments and a gentle pace so it may be hard to believe that it was formerly a graveyard.

Continuing on, you'll visit Garcia Sanabria Park. At 723,700 square feet, this serene oasis is the largest park in the Canary Islands. Graced with abstract statues, tropical plants, floral arches, lily ponds and a number of fountains, it's probably the ever-changing Flower Clock that garners all the attention.

As you return to your ship you'll make your final stop at Iglesia San Francisco, recognized as one of the best examples of 17th century Baroque architecture in the Islands.