Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, also Province of Santa Cruz (Spanish: Provincia de Santa Cruz de Tenerife), is a province of Spain, consisting of the western part of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. It consists of about half of the Atlantic archipelago: the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma. It also includes a series of adjacent roques (those of Salmor, Fasnia, Bonanza, Garachico and Anaga).
Its capital is the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (commonly known as Santa Cruz), on the island of Tenerife, which is also the capital city of the Canary Islands. As of 2025, the province has a population of 1,087,319 in an area of 3,375.88 square kilometres (1,303.43 sq mi) across its 54 municipalities, resulting in a population density of 322.1/km2, making it the province of Spain with the 6th-highest population density, higher than that of the province of Las Palmas (the eastern half of the Canary Islands). 19.5% live in the capital, Tenerife is the most populated island of the Canary Islands and most populous island of Spain. In addition, the island also has the highest mountain of Spain and all of the Atlantic Islands, Teide 3,718 metres (12,198 ft).
Earlier issued vehicle license plates in this province bear the first two letters "TF" (named after Tenerife). Nowadays the plates share the same numbering system as in mainland Spain.
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History
This province was established in 1927, when the Canarias province (with Santa Cruz de Tenerife as the capital city) was divided into two provinces: Las Palmas and the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In 1982, both provinces became part of the newly founded autonomous community of the Canary Islands.
Municipalities
The province has 54 municipalities:
Demographics
As of 2025, the population is 1,087,319, of which 49.0% are males, and 51.0% are females. Minors make up 14.2% of the population, and seniors make up 19.1%.
Immigration
As of 2025, immigrants make up 25.5% of the population. The 5 largest foreign countries of birth are Venezuela, Cuba, Italy, Colombia, and Germany.
Sights (Tenerife)
Mount Teide: is a volcano on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Its 3,718-metre (12,198-foot)-high summit is the highest point in Spain, the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic, and it is the third highest volcano in the world measured from its base on the ocean floor, after Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea located in Hawaii. The volcano and its surroundings comprise the Teide National Park, is also one of the most visited National Parks in the world, with a total of 2.8 million visitors, according to the Instituto Canario de Estadística (ISTAC). The park has an area of 18,900 hectares (73 sq mi) and was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 29 June 2007.
Auditorio de Tenerife: Was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, construction began in 1997 and was completed in 2003. The auditorium was inaugurated on 26 September of that year with the presence of Felipe de Borbón, Prince of Asturias, and was later visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The building is framed within the tenets of late-modern architecture of the late 20th century. The majestic profile of the auditorium has become an architectural symbol of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is also regarded as the finest modern building in the Canary Islands and one of the most emblematic buildings of Spanish architecture.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria (in Candelaria): The place where the image of the Virgin of Candelaria (saint patron of the Canary Islands) can be found, this sanctuary is built in neoclassical style, and is visited daily by the parishioners, who visit the Villa Mariana out of devotion to the Virgin. Is the first Marian shrine of the Canary Islands, the principal catholic center of peregrination of the Canary Islands and one of the principal ones of Spain, the basilica hosts more than 2,5 million visitors annually.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna: The third-most populous city of the archipelago and second-most populous city of the island. Its economy is business-oriented while agriculture dominates the northeastern portion of the city. The urban area dominates the central and the southern parts. Tourism covers the northern coast. The main industry includes some manufacturing. La Laguna historical center was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1999. In 2010 after a survey, La Laguna was listed as the city with the best reputation in the Canary Islands and the third no provincial capital city of Spain with the best reputation, but behind Gijón and Marbella.
National parks
This province contains three of Spain's national parks, more than any other province: the Caldera de Taburiente National Park on La Palma, the Garajonay National Park on La Gomera, and the Teide National Park on Tenerife, encompassing Teide, Spain's highest mountain and also an inactive volcano.
Transport
Air
The province is served by these airports:
Tenerife North Airport
Tenerife South Airport
La Palma Airport
La Gomera Airport
El Hierro Airport