San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Historic UNESCO City)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and the former capital of Tenerife. La Laguna's historic centre is one of the best-preserved examples of a 16th-century colonial city layout, designed on a grid pattern that later served as a model for Latin American colonial cities. The historic streets are lined with colourful pastel buildings, ornate wooden balconies, churches, and convents. Key landmarks include the Cathedral of La Laguna (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, 16th century with a neoclassical façade completed in 1915), the Iglesia de la Concepción (the island's oldest church, 1511), and the Palacio de Nava. The city is home to the University of La Laguna (ULL, founded 1792), with over 25,000 students giving the city a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. Connected to Santa Cruz by the Tranvía de Tenerife tram (Line 1, 15 km, 34 minutes). The surrounding area includes the Anaga Rural Park.