
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Santa Cruz, Canary Islands, Spain
1. Anaga Rural Park
A breathtaking, protected natural area showcasing La Gomera's indigenous laurel forests and unique flora and fauna.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for all levels, exploring the park's rich biodiversity.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours with local experts to learn about the park's ecosystem and cultural heritage.
- Sustainable Practices: Committed to sustainable tourism practices, promoting minimal impact on the environment.
2. Tasarte Beach
A secluded, golden sand beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Blue Flag Award: Holds the prestigious Blue Flag award for cleanliness, water quality, and environmental education.
- Marine Life Sanctuary: Lies within a marine life sanctuary, promoting conservation and responsible tourism.
- Eco-friendly Facilities: Features eco-friendly facilities such as solar panels and recycling stations.
3. Tenerife Whale Museum
A research center dedicated to the study of whales, providing educational exhibits and eco-tours.
- Whale Watching: Offers guided whale watching tours, promoting respectful and responsible interactions with marine life.
- Research and Conservation: Engages in scientific research and conservation efforts for the protection of whales and their habitat.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about marine life, encouraging eco-consciousness among visitors.
4. El Drago Milenario Park
A forest reserve home to the millennial Drago tree, an iconic symbol of Santa Cruz.
- Natural Beauty: Features lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, showcasing the natural beauty of Santa Cruz.
- Eco-friendly Facilities: Boasts eco-friendly facilities to minimize its environmental impact.
- Cultural Significance: Emphasizes the cultural significance of the Drago tree, educating visitors about its historical importance.
5. Teide National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing volcanic landscapes, unique flora, and stellar views.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for exploring the park's diverse ecosystems.
- Stargazing: Provides exceptional opportunities for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution.
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes sustainable tourism practices within the park boundaries.
6. Garachico Volcanic Pools
A picturesque town with volcanic pools created by lava flows, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
- Volcanic Landscapes: Showcases unique volcanic landscapes, offering a glimpse into the island's geological history.
- Eco-friendly Facilities: Features eco-friendly facilities to minimize its environmental impact.
- Swimming and Relaxation: Provides a serene atmosphere for swimming, relaxation, and reflection.
7. La Orotava Valley
A lush, fertile valley filled with banana plantations, historic architecture, and picturesque villages.
- Historical Architecture: Boasts historic architecture dating back to the 15th century.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promotes sustainable agriculture practices and responsible tourism.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the valley's lush greenery and towering mountains.
8. Los Gigantes Cliffs
Impressive sea cliffs offering stunning views, dolphin watching, and fishing.
- Dolphin Watching: Provides opportunities for responsible dolphin watching tours.
- Fishing Villages: Showcases traditional fishing villages with local cuisine and culture.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and clear waters.
9. Isla Bonita Ecological Park
A nature reserve featuring birdwatching, hiking trails, and a botanical garden.
- Birdwatching: Offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 100 species present.
- Hiking Trails: Provides various hiking trails through diverse habitats.
- Eco-education: Promotes eco-education and conservation efforts, focusing on the park's unique flora and fauna.
10. La Caleta Beach
A charming, secluded beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Blue Flag Award: Holds the Blue Flag award for cleanliness, water quality, and environmental education.
- Marine Life Sanctuary: Lies within a marine life sanctuary, promoting conservation and responsible tourism.
- Eco-friendly Facilities: Features eco-friendly facilities such as recycling stations.
11. Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo
A botanical garden housing over 500 plant species native to the Canary Islands.
- Native Plant Species: Showcases a wide variety of native plant species, many of which are endemic.
- Conservation Efforts: Engages in conservation efforts for the protection and preservation of native plant species.
- Eco-education: Promotes eco-education through guided tours, workshops, and exhibits.
12. Isla Chica Ecological Reserve
A nature reserve with mangrove forests, birdwatching opportunities, and hiking trails.
- Mangrove Forests: Features extensive mangrove forests that support diverse wildlife.
- Birdwatching: Offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 100 species present.
- Eco-education: Promotes eco-education and conservation efforts, focusing on the reserve's unique habitats and wildlife.
13. Mirador de Humboldt
A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Santa Cruz, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains.
- Panoramic Views: Provides stunning panoramic views of Santa Cruz and its surroundings.
- Eco-friendly Facilities: Boasts eco-friendly facilities to minimize its environmental impact.
- Cultural Significance: Celebrates the city's cultural heritage and commemorates famous naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.
14. Isla de la Gaviota
A small island with a lighthouse, offering birdwatching opportunities and stunning views.
- Birdwatching: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly for sea birds.
- Historical Landmark: Features a historic lighthouse dating back to the 19th century.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the coastline and clear waters.
15. La Ranita Park
A charming park featuring a lake, birdwatching opportunities, and recreational facilities.
- Birdwatching: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, with various species present.
- Recreational Facilities: Offers picnic areas, a playground, and other recreational facilities for visitors.
- Eco-friendly Practices: Promotes eco-friendly practices such as recycling and minimizing waste.