UNESCO World Heritage
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
The finest old town on the island, colourful, lively, full of history.
La Laguna was the first capital of Tenerife and is still its cultural heart. Its chessboard layout served as a model for many colonial cities in Latin America, reason enough for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage. Thanks to the university the old town is young, lively and full of cafés.
Strolling through the old town
Pastel-coloured mansions, intricately carved wooden balconies and quiet courtyards line the Calle San Agustín and the pedestrian zone. Many patios can be entered, a glance inside is almost always worth it. In between, tapas bars and coffee roasters invite you to linger.
Churches, towers and markets
The cathedral and the Iglesia de la Concepción with its distinctive tower shape the skyline; anyone who climbs up is rewarded with a view over the rooftops. At the Mercado you can taste and buy Canarian cuisine. La Laguna lies higher and cooler than the south, ideal for a city day when the coast is shimmering with heat.
Frequently asked questions
Why is La Laguna a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
For its intact colonial city layout from the 15th/16th century, which served as a model for many cities in Latin America, the first “unfortified colonial city” built to a fixed plan.
Is La Laguna worth it with children?
The old town is car-free and easy to explore on foot, with ice-cream parlours and squares to run around. Combined with a viewpoint in Anaga it makes a varied day.
Discover more
You might also like
Your base camp for all of it
The house sits centrally in the sunny south-west — most destinations are less than an hour away.