The Historic Quarter of Tacoronte
Located in the north of Tenerife, as you journey up from the precipitous coastline to the lush forests of the mountain range, the municipality of Tacoronte awaits you. Here, you will discover unique species of flora and fauna, as well as a beautiful historic quarter that has been declared a Historic Site. You will love roaming its charming streets.
One of the most popular trails to explore the old town sets off from the Santuario del Cristo shrine, that dates all the way back to the 17th century. Head through its great wooden doors to see the singular figure of the Santísimo Cristo de los Dolores and to witness the devotion of the Islanders who come to pray here. Beside the shrine is the former San Agustín monastery, which has been classed as a Monument and currently houses the Casa de la Cultura (the culture centre).
The Jardines de Hamilton park is easy to spot thanks to its exuberant beauty which will no doubt catch your eye. And right were the park ends rises the old Stations of the Cross, amidst pine trees that are said to be the last remains of an ancient forest that ran all the way down from the upper part of the municipality. To the left is the corn exchange, known as La Alhóndiga, which was built as a public granary for storing the bushels of corn that the locals would contribute to the town.
Take a walk to the lovely parish church of Santa Catalina, with its wealth of historical heritage that makes it one of the most important churches in the Canary Islands.
The entire town is an exhibition of the Island's traditional architecture. A great example of its treasures is the building of La Casona. Simply embark on a pleasant stroll around the municipality to take in all of its historical and traditional heritage.
We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the historic centre of Tacoronte
Where is the historic centre of Tacoronte and how can you get there?
The historic quarter is located in the upper part of the municipality of Tacoronte, in the north of Tenerife. It can easily be reached:
- By car: around 20–25 minutes from Santa Cruz de Tenerife via the TF-5 motorway.
- By public transport: several bus routes connect Tacoronte with Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
- On foot (urban route): if you are already in the municipality, the historic quarter can be reached on foot from different areas.
What is the best walking route through the old quarter of Tacoronte?
There are two common routes. The shorter and most popular one begins at Plaza del Cristo, the heart of the historic quarter, and naturally follows the main concentration of landmarks:
- Plaza del Cristo: the Sanctuary of the Holy Christ of Sorrows, the former Convent of San Agustín (now the House of Culture) and the Town Hall, with their stone façades and traditional Canarian balconies.
- Callejón José Izquierdo: one of the most characteristic streets in the historic ensemble.
- El Calvario and La Alhóndiga: a 17th-century monumental complex located just a short walk from the square.
- Jardines de Hamilton: the park stretches from El Calvario to Plaza del Cristo itself, naturally completing the route.
A second, slightly longer route includes the area around the Church of Santa Catalina and La Casona, in the upper part of the historic quarter. It is recommended to do this route on foot if you are already familiar with the first one, or by car if you wish to combine everything in a single visit.
What are the Jardines de Hamilton and what is their connection with the historic centre?
The Jardines de Hamilton are gardens that are physically part of the historic route: the park extends along a gentle slope from El Calvario to Plaza del Cristo, linking two of the most important points in the old quarter. Opened in 2003 on the edges of a ravine, it contains a significant collection of native Canarian flora, with identification panels for most specimens. Admission is free and the gardens are open daily from 10:00 AM to 07.00 PM. They also feature children’s play areas and their own car park, making them a convenient stop for both families and visitors arriving by car.
Why is the Parish Church of Santa Catalina important?
The Parish Church of Santa Catalina is one of the most significant churches in northern Tenerife. Its importance is due to:
- Its historical and artistic heritage
- Its role in the development of the municipality
- Its architecture, representative of Canarian religious heritage
It is an essential stop if you are interested in local history.
When are the Fiestas del Cristo de Tacoronte celebrated and what do they mean for a visit to the historic quarter?
The Fiestas del Cristo take place during the month of September and are the main festivities of Tacoronte. They are held in honour of the Holy Christ of Sorrows and last for almost the entire month, with processions, religious events and popular celebrations. For visitors, this coincides with one of the liveliest periods in the historic quarter: Plaza del Cristo and the area around the Sanctuary take on special importance, processions pass through the streets of the old quarter, and the atmosphere strongly reflects the municipality’s cultural identity. If you visit Tacoronte in September, bear in mind that some streets in the historic centre may be closed during procession days.