San Cristobal de La Laguna, colloquially known as La Laguna, is considered to be the loveliest town in Tenerife. The city makes for an easy day trip from both Santa Cruz or Puerto de la Cruz. Its unique historic town center with straight narrow streets rimmed by historic mansions, traditional bars, and quirky small shops offer a variety of fun things to do in La Laguna. Although it’s not the largest city on the island, it is by far the oldest. In fact, since 1999 the town enjoys protection under UNESCO World Heritage Site program. Formerly, the area was first called Aguero by the indigenous inhabitants (Guanche) and was once a pilgrimage site due to a large lake that used to be nearby (hence its name, La Laguna).
However, following, after the Spanish conquest of Tenerife, the Spaniards set up their own settlement in the area in 1496 which served as the island’s capital until 1723.
Due to this unraveling of events, the town features two historical centers, each pertaining to a different time in history. The so-called La Laguna’s Upper Town is the town center of the original settlement located next to the lagoon and has a lovely unplanned urban structure. The Lower Town, sitting 1 kilometer to the east, was designed upholding philosophical principles and Royal regulations. It is the first example of an unfortified grid-model town which centers around the founding square, Plaza del Adelantado. The plan was so successful; the Spanish used it as a universal model for their colonial cities in the New World including Lima, Oaxaca, and Havana.
However, architecture enthusiasts are not the only one who will the place fascinating. What to do in La Laguna? Well, firstly, the town offers a perfect escape from the unbearable heat of summer. It sits at a higher elevation than Santa Cruz. Hence, the climate is noticeably cooler than other towns and villages. The freshness does come in handy in the height of broiling summer sun! Besides, you can explore museums, art galleries, surrounding countryside, or simply chill in the ever-bustling bars, restaurants. If you stay for the night, the city’s nightlife won’t disappoint either. Browse the page to find more things to do in La Laguna.
