Santa Cruz de Tenerife is preparing for the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV on 12 June, with major traffic and parking restrictions set to be introduced across the city to ensure the safety of both the Pontiff and the thousands of people expected to attend the event.
The Pope will travel through parts of the city before celebrating a Holy Mass at the Port of Santa Cruz, which will conclude his pastoral visit to Spain.
Major Road Closures Planned
The City Council, through its Mobility Department and in coordination with the Local Police, has announced a series of road closures affecting both Santa Cruz and the main access routes into the city.
Key restrictions include:
✔ TF-4 inbound to Santa Cruz closed from 03:00, with further restrictions from 09:00 except for authorised and escorted vehicles.
✔ The event zone, including Avenida de la Constitución, Avenida Marítima and Avenida Francisco La Roche, will be closed from 06:30 until 17:00.
✔ Avenida Manuel Hermoso Rojas will be partially closed between 06:30 and 17:00.
Pope’s Route Through Santa Cruz
Additional traffic restrictions will be in place between 10:00 and 12:30 as the papal convoy travels through the city. Roads affected include:
✔ TF-5 access routes
✔ Avenida Manuel Hermoso Rojas
✔ Avenida La Salle
✔ Calle Galcerán
✔ Calle Méndez Núñez
✔ Calle El Pilar
✔ Calle Villalba Hervás
✔ Calle La Marina
✔ Plaza de España
✔ Avenida Marítima
✔ Avenida de la Constitución
✔ Access roads to the Port of Santa Cruz
Following the event, further closures are expected between 13:00 and 14:00 during the Pope’s departure from the city.
Parking Restrictions
A large number of parking areas will be temporarily suspended from 00:05 on 12 June until the event has concluded. Areas affected include:
✔ Méndez Núñez
✔ El Pilar
✔ Villalba Hervás
✔ La Marina
✔ Plaza del Cabildo
✔ Avenida Marítima
✔ Avenida Tres de Mayo
✔ Avenida José Martí
✔ Areas around Plaza Poeta Luis Feria
✔ Various streets surrounding government and security buildings
In addition:
✔ The Parque Marítimo car park will be reserved for authorised vehicles and people with reduced mobility.
✔ Parking at Palmetum and the Recinto Ferial dirt car park will be unavailable.
✔ The Intercambiador parking area will be used for TITSA buses.
Changes to Public Transport
Public transport services will also be affected throughout the day.
TITSA Bus Services
The following Anaga routes will start and finish at Muelle Norte:
✔ 910
✔ 916
✔ 917
✔ 945
✔ 946
✔ 947
A shuttle service will operate between the Intercambiador and Muelle Norte to assist passengers.
Tram Services
✔ From 06:00, the tram’s final stop will be Ángel Guimerá.
✔ From 10:30, services will terminate at Plaza La Paz.
✔ Normal service will resume once authorised by the relevant authorities.
Taxi Services
Taxi ranks within the event zone will be temporarily closed. Alternative taxi stands will remain available at:
✔ Calle General Gutiérrez
✔ Avenida San Sebastián
City Council Advice
Santa Cruz City Council is encouraging residents and visitors to plan journeys carefully, use public transport where possible and follow updates through official municipal channels, as security measures may change at short notice depending on operational requirements.