San Cristóbal de La Laguna is one of the most pleasant places on Tenerife for a relaxed city walk. The historic centre is largely flat, and the main squares, churches and mansions are located within a short distance of one another.
La Laguna was founded at the end of the fifteenth century. The historic city consists of two sections. The older upper town developed in a less organised way, while the lower town was designed with straight streets and open squares according to a clear plan.
Geometric city plan
UNESCO regards La Laguna as the first example of an unfortified city with a grid-shaped street plan that later served as a model for colonial cities in the Americas.
A suitable walk begins at Plaza del Adelantado. Several historic buildings surround this square. From here, visitors can continue along Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, which many local residents still call Calle de la Carrera.
Calle San Agustín is a logical next stop. This street formed an important part of the geometric city plan and is lined with former merchants’ houses and religious buildings.
World Heritage Site
Along the way, the colourful façades, stone door frames and wooden balconies immediately stand out. Traditional courtyards can be found behind some of the façades. These patios provided light, ventilation and a sheltered living space.
La Laguna did not require a large city wall. Its inland location offered greater protection against attacks from the sea than coastal towns such as Santa Cruz or Garachico. This allowed the city to develop with broad streets and open squares.
The historic centre was added to the World Heritage List in 1999. However, La Laguna is not a static open-air museum. People live there, students attend classes, and shops, cafés and markets form part of everyday life.
Often cooler
It is precisely this combination that makes the city so interesting. Old monasteries and mansions stand beside modern businesses, while both residents and visitors gather on the terraces.
For visitors aged fifty and over, the walk is not particularly strenuous. Comfortable shoes are still important, however, as some streets are cobbled and uneven in places. Those who wish to take regular breaks will find plenty of benches, cafés and squares throughout the centre.
At an altitude of approximately 550 metres, La Laguna often has a cooler climate than the coast. A light jacket or jumper can be useful, even in August and September. Clouds and wind are more common here than in the south of Tenerife.
Forward-thinking design
The tram connects the centre directly with Santa Cruz, making La Laguna easy to reach without a car. Visitors arriving by car can use the parking areas around the historic centre.
A visit to La Laguna shows that Tenerife was shaped by more than volcanoes, beaches and tourism. The city also tells the story of government, trade, religion and urban planning.
By calmly following its straight streets, visitors walk through a design that was later reproduced thousands of kilometres away.
Photo: AI ChatGPT
Interested in Tenerife?
Subscribe to our newsletter and always stay informed about the news on Tenerife.
Enter your first name and a valid email address below. Then click on Subscribe.
