Ports of Tenerife: ferry guide, routes and inter-island connections

Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago and one of the main maritime transport hubs in the Atlantic. Thanks to its strategic position, the island has several ports that connect Tenerife with other Canary Islands and with different destinations on the Spanish mainland.

Although Tenerife has several port facilities and marinas, only two ports concentrate the main passenger ferry routes: the  Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Port of Los Cristianos.

If you are planning a trip or want to better understand how to move between islands, in this guide you will discover how many ports there are in Tenerife, which ones have ferries and what you can see near each of them.

Ports of Tenerife with ferry

Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the main port of the island and one of the most important in the Canary Islands.

Located in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this port is a major logistics hub that combines commercial traffic, passenger ferries and international cruise ships.

From here numerous maritime routes depart to other islands of the archipelago and to mainland Spain. Thanks to its modern terminals and strategic location, thousands of travellers use this port every year to move between the islands.

What does the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife offer?

• Modern passenger terminal with inter-island connections.
• Cruise terminal with docking for large international ships.
• Large port areas with passenger services.
• Direct access to the centre of Santa Cruz.
• Restaurants, shops and walking areas near the port.

Ferry routes available from Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Kikoto Ferries

The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife connects Tenerife with other islands of the archipelago and with mainland Spain.

From here depart short, medium and long-distance ferry routes.

Through Kikoto Ferries you can check updated schedules and book your ferry easily. These are the main routes:

• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Agaete (Gran Canaria)
• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Cádiz
• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Morro Jable (Fuerteventura)
• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura)
• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Gran Canaria)
• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Huelva
• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Santa Cruz de La Palma (La Palma)
• Ferry Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Arrecife (Lanzarote)

What to see near the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife?

If you arrive in Tenerife by ferry through the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you will find several interesting places very close by to start discovering the island’s capital. The port is practically integrated into the city, so within just a few minutes you can walk to cultural areas, parks, seafront promenades and commercial districts.

Below we show some of the most interesting places to visit near the port of Santa Cruz.

1. Auditorio de Tenerife

The Auditorio de Tenerife is one of the most emblematic buildings on the island and one of the great architectural icons of the Canary Islands. It was designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and its characteristic curved white structure resembles a large wave or sail open towards the sea.

This auditorium hosts concerts, festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Even if you do not plan to attend a show, it is worth visiting to admire its architecture and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean from the surroundings.

The area where it is located forms part of the Maritime and cultural Park of Santa Cruz, a modern space ideal for walking, taking photos or relaxing after your ferry arrival.

2. García Sanabria Park

The García Sanabria Park is the most important urban park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and one of the most pleasant green spaces in the city.

This park, located about 15–20 minutes walking from the port, has wide tree-lined avenues, tropical gardens, fountains and outdoor sculptures. It is a perfect place to rest after the ferry journey or enjoy a relaxing walk while discovering the characteristic vegetation of the Canary Islands.

Among its best-known features is the floral clock, one of the symbols of the park, as well as different contemporary sculptures spread throughout the gardens.

3. Plaza de España

Plaza de España is the central hub of Santa Cruz and one of the first places many travellers visit after arriving at the port.

This large square is located just a few minutes walking away and stands out for its large artificial lake in the centre and its wide open spaces. From here begin some of the main streets of the historic city centre.

In the square you will also find the Monumento a los Caídos, one of the most characteristic elements of the location, as well as several accesses to nearby shopping areas and restaurants.

4. Shopping area and city centre streets

Very close to the port you will find some of the main shopping areas of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The best known is Calle Castillo, a lively pedestrian street full of shops, cafés and restaurants. It is one of the best places to walk, shop or try typical dishes of Canary Islands gastronomy.

In the surrounding area you will also find:

• bars and terraces where you can taste fresh fish or Canary tapas
• ice cream shops and cafés to take a break during your visit
• shops selling local products and crafts

If you have time, you can also visit the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, one of the most famous markets on the island, where you will find local products, tropical fruits and Canary gastronomic specialties.

Thanks to the proximity between the port and the city centre, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a very easy city to explore on foot. If you arrive by ferry, within minutes you can begin discovering some of the most interesting places in the capital before continuing your trip around the island.

Port of Los Cristianos

The Port of Los Cristianos is located in the south of Tenerife, in the tourist town of Los Cristianos.

This port is one of the most important in the archipelago for inter-island transport, especially for routes to the western islands.

Thanks to its location in the south of the island, it is a very convenient option for travellers staying in nearby tourist areas.

Why choose the Port of Los Cristianos?

• Fast connections with other islands.
• Location in one of the most important tourist areas of Tenerife.
• Modern passenger terminal.
• Wide range of restaurants and leisure options near the port.
• Easy access from the main tourist complexes in the south of the island.

Ferry routes available from Los Cristianos with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Los Cristianos depart some of the most important ferry routes to the western Canary Islands.

Through Kikoto Ferries you can compare schedules, prices and availability between different ferry companies.

These are some of the available routes:

• Ferry Los Cristianos – Valverde (El Hierro)
• Ferry Los Cristianos – San Sebastián de La Gomera (La Gomera)
• Ferry Los Cristianos – Santa Cruz de La Palma (La Palma)

These routes are widely used both by tourists who want to discover several islands and by residents travelling between islands.

What to see near the Port of Los Cristianos?

The Port of Los Cristianos is located in one of the liveliest tourist areas in southern Tenerife. When you arrive by ferry, you will find beaches, seafront promenades, restaurants and multiple leisure options just a few minutes away on foot.

Thanks to its location within the town of Los Cristianos, it is very easy to start exploring the area as soon as you disembark. These are some of the most interesting places to visit near the port.

1. Los Cristianos Beach

Los Cristianos Beach is the main beach in the town and is located just a few metres from the port. It is an urban beach with golden sand and calm waters, protected by the port itself, which makes it a very pleasant place to swim.

The beach has numerous services for visitors:

• sun lounger and parasol rental
• showers and adapted access
• restaurants and cafés on the seafront
• water activities such as kayaking or paddle surfing

In addition, from the beach it is possible to enjoy beautiful views towards the port and towards the nearby island of La Gomera on clear days.

2. Los Cristianos seafront promenade

From the port begins a lively seafront promenade that runs along much of the coast of Los Cristianos and connects with other tourist areas in southern Tenerife.

This promenade is one of the most pleasant places to walk by the sea, especially at sunset. Along the route you will find:

• Canarian and international cuisine restaurants
• bars with terraces facing the sea
• souvenir shops and local products
• ice cream shops and cafés

The atmosphere is usually very lively throughout the day, especially during the tourist season. It is a good place to relax after a ferry trip or to start discovering the southern part of the island.

3. Las Vistas Beach

About a 10-minute walk from the port is Las Vistas Beach, one of the most popular beaches in southern Tenerife.

This beach stands out for its large stretch of golden sand and very calm waters, which makes it ideal for families and for swimming comfortably. The sand was brought from the Sahara to enlarge the beach, creating a wide space to enjoy the sun and the sea.

Its main attractions include:

• large sandy areas to relax
• seafront promenade with restaurants and shops
• water activity rentals
• a very lively atmosphere all year round

In addition, from this beach you can continue walking towards the Playa de las Américas area, one of the best-known tourist areas on the island.

4. Maritime excursions from the port

The Port of Los Cristianos is also a usual starting point for maritime excursions along the southern coast of Tenerife.

From here you can book activities such as:

• whale and dolphin watching excursions
• boat or catamaran trips
• sport fishing excursions
• boat routes to nearby cliffs and coves

The coast between Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje is one of the best places in Europe to observe cetaceans in the wild.

Thanks to its proximity to the port, all of these visits can be done within a few minutes on foot, which makes Los Cristianos a very convenient place to start enjoying Tenerife as soon as you arrive by ferry.

Other ports in Tenerife worth visiting

In addition to the ports with ferries, Tenerife has several marinas and small fishing ports that can also be very interesting for travellers. Although regular passenger ferries do not depart from them, many of these places have great tourist appeal thanks to their seafront promenades, seaside restaurants and nautical activities.

Visiting some of these ports can be a good way to discover another side of the island, quieter and linked to maritime tradition.

Below we show you some of the best-known marinas and sports ports in Tenerife.

1. Puerto Deportivo Colón

Located in the popular tourist area of Costa Adeje, this marina is one of the main centres for nautical activities in the south of the island.

From here, numerous boat excursions depart for whale and dolphin watching, as well as catamaran trips, jet skis and sport fishing activities. The port area also has bars, restaurants and terraces with sea views.

2. Puerto Deportivo Radazul

Located a few kilometres from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the marina of Radazul is a modern harbour much frequented by sailing and water sports enthusiasts.

In the surrounding area you will find restaurants with sea views, walking areas and diving centres from which dives are organised to explore the seabeds of Tenerife’s eastern coast.

3. Puerto Deportivo Marina del Sur

This port is located in the fishing town of Las Galletas, in the south of the island. It combines a small traditional port with a modern marina.

It is a pleasant place to walk by the sea, observe the activity of the fishing boats or enjoy the restaurants in the area, where fresh fish and typical Canarian dishes are commonly found.

4. Port of Garachico

The port of Garachico is located in one of the most beautiful historic towns in northern Tenerife. This small fishing port preserves a very traditional atmosphere and is surrounded by the town’s historic centre.

Very close to the port are the famous natural pools of El Caletón, formed by ancient volcanic lava flows. It is one of the most picturesque places on the island and a highly recommended stop if you travel along the northern coast.

Many of these ports are ideal places to walk by the sea, enjoy local gastronomy or take part in nautical activities. Even if they do not have regular ferry routes, they can be very interesting stops during a trip around Tenerife.

Ferry companies operating in Tenerife

The main companies operating ferry routes from Tenerife are:

• Naviera Armas
• Fred. Olsen Express

Through Kikoto Ferries you can compare routes, schedules and prices to find the ferry that best suits your trip.

Frequently asked questions about the ports of Tenerife

How many ports does Tenerife have?

Tenerife has several port facilities including commercial, sports and fishing ports. However, the two main ports for passenger ferries are Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos.

What is the main port of Tenerife?

The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the main port on the island and one of the most important in the Canary Islands archipelago.

What is the most tourist-oriented port in Tenerife?

The Port of Los Cristianos stands out for its location in the south of the island, close to the main tourist areas.

Ready to travel to Tenerife by ferry?

Now that you know the ports of Tenerife and the available routes, you can choose the port that best suits your trip.

If you travel from other islands or from mainland Spain, the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife will probably be your arrival point. If you want to move between the western islands of the archipelago, the Port of Los Cristianos is one of the best options.

At Kikoto Ferries you can compare schedules, ferry companies and prices to book your ferry to Tenerife in just a few minutes and start your journey through the Canary Islands.