Under the same name. The name of the city was given by the silver Holy Cross of the conquistadors, which in 1494 Alonso Fernandez de Lugo placed on the coast of Añazo (Spanish: Añazo), after the Spaniards landed on Tenerife. More than 500 years have passed since then, but the cross is carefully preserved - you can see it in the National Museum of Tenerife.
Today, the population of the city is a little over 206 thousand people. In 2012, the city entered the top five places for human life on Earth.
Tourists love Santa Cruz de Tenerife for its cosmopolitan nature, beautiful tropical parks, unusual futuristic buildings (one of these is the Auditorio de Tenerife), a fairly decent number of attractions for a small city and, of course, for the annual traditional carnival, the second most popular after the carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
People go to the city to make quality shopping, sit on the evening terraces of small cozy restaurants, enjoying the sunsets and delicious coffee.
Where is Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The municipality is located in the northeast of the island of Tenerife, its neighbors are the municipalities of San Cristobal de la Laguna and El Rosario.
Geographical coordinates:
- latitude - 28.4698 north latitude
- longitude -16.2549 west
The coastline of the Atlantic Ocean near the municipality stretches for as much as 58 kilometers and is divided by the Santos Gorge. Ships from all over the world arrive at the port of the city, which is considered the main one in Tenerife.
Weather and climate
The climate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and its environs is tropical desert. In winter it is quite warm and humid, and in summer it is hot and dry. The average air temperature in the winter months is +17 C, in summer +25 C, the temperature of ocean water in summer is +21+23 C.
Geography and features of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Anaga mountain range is located in the vicinity of the city, its slopes are covered with forests, the climate here is quite humid, therefore, excellent climatic conditions have been created for the neighborhood of completely different ecosystems - humid wooded areas, rural parks, natural thickets of heather and fay - they all coexist quite peacefully in a small area .
Thanks to such a variety of natural and geographical features, several interesting hiking trails have been laid around Santa Cruz de Tenerife, following which you will get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of the island, the inhabitants of the Canarian villages.
Directly in the city, tourists like to walk along the charming central streets, where interesting historical buildings have been preserved, complemented by new futuristic city objects.
What to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
First, pay attention to museums and exhibition halls. Secondly, another interesting topic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is unusual tropical gardens and parks. They simply exhibited in the open air the works of famous artists - Joan Miro, Henry Moore, Oscar Dominguez, Martin Chirino and others.
Thirdly, of course, the beaches. We advise you to look into the secluded corners of Taganan and Benijos, see the beach with palm trees - Teresitas near the fishing village of San Andres. Those who love fun water activities should visit Cesar Manrique Marine Water Park. It was built recently in a new area of the city.
Active holidays in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
It's about hiking, which is very popular in Tenerife. The PR-TF 2 hiking trail starts from the municipality and connects the village of Taborno with the area called Valleseco, which can be found on the Atlantic coast.
Another interesting route under the number PR-TF 5 Chamorga - Igueste de San Andres - can only be passed by experienced hikers. On the way they are waiting for ups and downs, very difficult sections of the transition.
From Chamorga, a circular route starts - PR-TF 6, it passes through Las Palmas de Anaga and El Dragillo.
And, finally, the ring route PR-TF 8, of medium difficulty, is laid through Afur, Taganana and the Tamadite gorge. By the time it takes about 7 hours.
Attractions and interesting places in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
To get an idea of the city, the first step is to take a sightseeing tour of the capital. In the itinerary, write down a visit to the Plaza of Spain, which was founded in 1929 and is adjacent to the historic fortress of San Cristobal. The square houses the Municipal Council of Tenerife. The decoration and the main architectural element of the composition of Plaza de España is the Monument to the Fallen, which was erected here in 1944. The style of the monument clearly traces the style of the architecture of Italian fascism during the period of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.
From the Plaza of Spain in Santa Cruz, tourists go to get acquainted with the Square of the Presentation and the city's promenade Avenida Maritima. Near the embankment there is a sea commercial and fishing port, from where ferries go to the islands of the Canary archipelago - Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Next, it is worth taking a walk along the alley of Del Duque de Santa Elena, which was laid at the end of 1787. As conceived by the architects, the alley serves as a natural continuation of the square. Next to it is the building of the Municipal Council of the island, a large city entertainment center, a modern casino, and the building of the main building of the seaport.
Read more about the sights of Santa Cruz de Tenerife...
Shopping in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Experienced shoppers know that shopping in European countries, including Spain, must go in the midst of discounts. The best shops in Santa Cruz are located on Castillo Street (Calle Castillo - Caia di Castilla). Look for her next to Plaza de España.
Calle Castillo is the best place for shopping in the center of Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is here that the shops of famous world brands "live", including Zara, Springfield, Bershka, Sfera, HM, Desigual, CA, Stradivarius, Women's Secret, etc. Here you can find everything from unique watches to the rarest cigars.
Another important object for shoppers is Continente Centro Commercial, a large shopping center in the south of the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. About 150 of the best European (and not only) stores have been collected under its roof. Here you can buy everything - groceries, goods at discounted prices, fashion items, an assortment for home comfort, you can take a break from the tiring shopping trips in one of the delicious cafes or bistros.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island to which our site is dedicated, as well as the province of the same name. In addition to Tenerife, it includes the islands of El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera.
Once, not far from Santa Cruz, the Spanish history of the island began. In 1494, the conquistadors landed for the first time in the town of Añasa, now located eight kilometers from the capital. However, in those days it was not safe to settle on the coast, so after the conquest, the Spaniards built their first city in a sheltered valley. This is how San Cristobal de la Laguna was born. In the same place where Santa Cruz is now spread out, there was only a fishing village.
Later, an important port appeared here, which already in 1723 allowed Santa Cruz de Tenerife to receive capital status. Today it is the second largest port in Spain, where the most famous and largest ships call. The population of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is more than 220 thousand inhabitants, which, by Canarian standards, gives the city the right to be considered very large.
Many major European cities today are an amazing synthesis of modernity and history. Such is the capital of Tenerife, the largest of the islands of the Canary archipelago. On the one hand, there are huge shopping centers, brands known to the whole world, the latest tram line ... on the other hand, narrow old streets and small houses that keep the secrets of the past centuries.
Attractions Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Auditorio de Tenerife
One of the symbols of the capital, built by the infamous architect Santiago Calatrava. Inside there is a large concert hall, which hosts performances of both local bands and world stars.
Castillo de San Juan
The fort, now in the shadow of the huge Auditorio building, is one of Santa Cruz's oldest landmarks. It was built on the coast in the middle of the 17th century to protect the port, famous at that time for the slave trade from Africa, from attacks from the sea. Named after John the Baptist. The second name of the fort is Black Castle (Castillo Negro).
Every year at the end of July, a performance is held here that restores the events of 1797, when the British attack led by the legendary Admiral Nelson was repulsed at the Battle of Santa Cruz. It was in this battle that he lost his arm.
Torres de Santa Cruz
Not far from the Auditorio, you can see two skyscrapers - twin residential towers built in 2004 and 2006. Their height is 120 meters. These are the tallest buildings in all of the Canary Islands and the tallest pair of twin towers in all of Spain. Interestingly, a quarter of the total area of buildings is underground.
Carnival emblems on the Avenue of the Constitution (Avenida de la Constitución)
For many years, in February-March, Tenerife hosts a carnival known throughout the world (in terms of scope, it is considered the second after the Brazilian one). Each carnival has its own emblem. You can see the images invented for the celebrations of past years on the Avenue of the Constitution (Avenida de la Constitución). You need to go from the old fort, towards the exit from the city. The emblems are built right into the footpath.
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa (Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África)
This curious building, recognizable by its arched vaults and pink clock tower, is located on San Sebastian Avenue. The most unusual thing about it, perhaps, is its purpose: the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa, despite all the architectural sophistication, is a two-story market built in 1943. And the market is active. You need to come before lunch, and best of all - in the morning: at this time you can buy the freshest vegetables and fruits, flowers, seafood (including oysters), cheeses, poultry, spices. On Sundays, in the morning, there is a flea market where they sell souvenirs and various original items.
Teatro Guimerá
The attention of passers-by, first of all, is attracted by a bronze sculpture installed in front of the theater facade. The sculpture in the form of a huge female face bears the name Per Adriano ("For Adriano"). It was created in 1993 by the famous Polish sculptor Igor Mitorai, whose “faces” adorn more than one world capital.
The theater itself is also remarkable - the oldest in the Canary Islands. The building was built in 1849 in the classical Romanesque style, after which it was repeatedly completed and reconstructed. The name of Angel Gimer (the author of many famous plays, a native of Santa Cruz de Tenerife) has been borne by the theater since 1925. On this stage, you can see not only dramatic, but also dance and musical performances.
Masonic Temple
The building, located at the intersection of Calle San Lucas and Viera and Clavijo (Calle Viera y Clavijo), was built over a hundred years ago by order of the local Masonic workshop. The temple has been under reconstruction for quite a long time, so it will be possible to study it only from the outside.
When decorating the temple, ancient Egyptian symbols were used: under the very roof there is an eye with rays diverging from it (“Radiant Delta”), figures of sphinxes are installed below, and an eagle spread its wings above the entrance.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
Among the Catholic churches of the city, this one occupies a special place. Here, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is a cross erected on the coast of Añas by the conquistadors who arrived here to conquer the island at the end of the 15th century. There was also a place for captured British flags, preserved from the time of the Battle of Santa Cruz.
The chapel on this site was built already in 1498, literally two years after the final conquest of Tenerife - after all, in those days, conquests went hand in hand with Christian missionary work. It is no coincidence that the Church of the Immaculate Conception has the title "Mother Church" (Iglesia Matriz), emphasizing its importance in the spread of Catholicism in the Canaries. In addition, it was from this square that the city grew.
The current appearance of the building, the distinctive feature of which is the spire, is the result of reconstruction carried out after the fire of 1652 and completed only in the second half of the 18th century. This unique five-nave church in the Canary Islands is also interesting for its interior - in particular, the altar.
Plaza de España
The central square of the city and the entire island, as conceived by the architects, was turned into a kind of bowl with sea water and a fountain in the middle. The original lighting also corresponds to this idea: light bulbs placed in garlands around the perimeter are made in the form of water drops of different sizes.
The architectural dominant of the square is a huge obelisk (Monumento de los Caidos) in the form of a cross, dedicated to the inhabitants of Tenerife who died during the Spanish Civil War. In the upper part of the obelisk there is an observation deck, below there is a now empty underground chapel. Part of the composition is a group of sculptures.
Behind the obelisk is the building of the government of Tenerife - Cabildo Insular (Cabildo Insular), an example of architecture of the 1930s. In the same monumental building with a clock, the main tourist information office of the island is located, where you can buy a good map of the city with sights marked.
Plaza de España was built on the site where the castle of San Cristobal used to stand, protecting the city from pirates. Now the walls of the castle can only be seen underground, where galleries were built specially for this - outwardly they look like angular dark buildings covered with plants. The exposition is called Centro de Interpretación "Castillo de San Cristóbal". Admission is free, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.
The continuation of the square is the green and shady Alley of the Duke of St. Helena (Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena). There is a marble fountain brought from Genoa in the year the alley was built.
Candelaria Square (Plaza de la Candelaria)
Plaza de la Candelaria, located next to the Plaza de España, was founded much earlier - back in 1701. Previously, there was a source of drinking water here, and the name was appropriate - La Pila (literally - "pool, reservoir"). Subsequently, instead of a spring in the center of the square, a monument dedicated to Saint Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands, was erected.
The obelisk "Triumph of Candelaria" symbolizes the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the indigenous population of the archipelago, the Guanches, and their conversion to Christianity. The composition consists of four mensei (rulers of the Guanches) and the Virgin. Previously, they were complemented by four angels riding dolphins - symbols of the seasons. However, this part of the composition was damaged in 1825, after which it was removed.
Among the buildings located on the square, it should be noted the Palace of Rodriguez Carta (Palacio de los Rodriguez Carta), dating from the 17th century. If you go inside, you can see a luxurious courtyard with verandas and stairs made of dark wood.
On the pedestrian street Castillo (Calle del Castillo), going up from Candelaria Square, there are many small shops. For tourists who want to spend time shopping, combining it with a walk through the city streets, this is the most suitable place. But do not forget that many shops close for siesta from one to half past five.
Duck Square (Plaza de los Patos)
This small but very green area is loved by the people of Santa Cruz. The stone benches installed here are decorated with ceramic tiles with various patterns, and in the center of the backs there are tablets stylized as announcements of the previous era. Duck Square is called because of the fountain, in the center of which there is a stone duck.
Rambla de Santa Cruz
One of the largest and most beautiful streets in the capital of the island. Consisting of elegant buildings, numerous restaurants and cafes, it stretches in a semicircle through almost the entire city. Where the street goes to the coast and intersects with Avenida de Francisco la Roche (Avenida de Francisco la Roche), there is a huge monument to General Franco. The street itself was named after him for a long time (on many maps it is still marked today as the Rambla del General Franco).
The street is decorated with palm and laurel trees, as well as modern sculptures, which makes it a kind of art boulevard. On the trees there are plaques with the names of great artists: Warhol, Michelangelo, Vermeer and others. On Sundays, a flea market unfolds here.
Park Garcia Sanabria (Parque García Sanabria)
Park Garcia Sanabria, named after the mayor who approved its construction, is the largest urban park in the entire Canary archipelago, rightfully considered the "lungs" of the city of Santa Cruz. It was established in the 1920s and today has a rich collection of plants, mostly tropical and subtropical. Here you can also get acquainted with a brief summary of the history of the island: on the backs of three benches, the landing of the conquistadors, the everyday life of the Guanches and their defeat in the battle of Acentejo are depicted.
At the entrance to the park, which can be reached along Calle del Pilar, there is a large flower bed with a clock built into it, next to which guests of the capital like to take pictures. Citizens often make appointments here. Two main staircases to the right and left of the clock lead to the central fountain, where, at the intersection of two alleys, there are monuments to Mayor Garcia Sanabria and Dr. Guigo, who at one time proposed to build a park.
Las Teresitas beach (Playa de las Teresitas)
Those who want to combine a “metropolitan” holiday with a beach holiday should go to the town of San Andres, located seven kilometers from Santa Cruz. It is here that the beautiful artificial beach of Las Teresitas is located, over a kilometer long, surrounded by mountain ranges. It was equipped in the 1970s, when about four million bags of yellow sand were brought here from the Sahara desert, and Canary palm trees were planted along the coast.
A stone dam built along the entire beach protects it from waves and allows the water to warm up. This is a serviced area: sun loungers and umbrellas are rented, there is a shower, parking, restaurants and a medical center. Access is free, like all beaches in Spain.
Mirador de los Campitos
The Mirador de los Campitos viewpoint overlooks the residential area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the port and the lower part of La Laguna. On a clear day, you can see Gran Canaria almost in detail; especially interesting to study the surroundings with binoculars. To get to the observation deck, you need to drive along the Los Campitos highway (Carretera de los Campitos).
View of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (weather online) via webcam
How to get to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island, located on its northeastern tip. Santa Cruz is hardly suitable as a traditional resort, there are other places in Tenerife for this, but as a center of the cultural life of the island it is quite. The capital of Tenerife is located at a distance from all the main resorts of the island, so if you decide to visit Santa Cruz, then you will have to go here separately. By the way, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered one of the largest cities in the entire Canary archipelago, so it really is always lively here.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife can boast of its architectural objects, and promenades for shopping, and all kinds of entertainment. Few people know, but in the vicinity of the city there is the only beach with yellow sand on the island - this is Las Teresitas beach, so if you have time, be sure to visit here, this is one of the best beaches on the island. There are also many diving centers on the coast near Santa Cruz. It is this side of the island that is most suitable for sea diving.
You can get to Santa Cruz de Tenerife by public transport, namely by regular bus. Transportation on the island is carried out by a local company titsa. You should be guided by buses No. 110 and 111, the first departs from the famous triangle of resorts Playa de las Americas - Costa Adeje - Los Cristianos, the second - from South Airport. If you are relaxing in Puerto de la Cruz, then use buses number 101 or 102. At a cost it will be about 10 euros one way from the resort triangle, 9 euros from the airport, 5 euros from Puerto de la Cruz.
Of course, you can also take a taxi. You can order a transfer from your place of poisoning to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in advance; special international services such as , etc. Travel time, for example, from the South airport will be approximately 1 hour.
For independent travelers, it will not be difficult to get to the capital of Tenerife on a rented car, you need to move along the TF-1 highway from the airport or the resorts of Playa de las Americas - Costa Adeje - Los Cristianos or along the TF-5 highway from Puerto de la Cruz. - the option is quite in demand, because. public transport is poorly developed on the island.
Jonathanfh/Beach near Santa Cruz
Where to stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
If you plan to stay in Santa Cruz for more than one day, then you should think about where you can spend the night. In general, in the capital of the island you can find any accommodation options, but bed and breakfast hotels or rent apartments prevail. This is explained by the fact that it is rare that tourists stay here for more than a few days. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is not a popular resort, but just a place for sightseeing holidays. One of the pleasant things is that you can stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on a fairly budget, there are a lot of affordable accommodation options.
If you plan to relax on Las Teresitas beach, then it is recommended to look for accommodation nearby, because if you stay in the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you will have to take a bus to the beach. In the vicinity of Las Teresitas, the main types of accommodation are renting apartments or staying in holiday homes.
To find the best accommodation option in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in terms of price and quality, it is recommended to search and book accommodation in advance, this will provide you with a greater variety of hotels on offer. You can compare all hotel offers in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for specific dates using special hotel booking services. These include, in particular, Booking, Hotellook and others.
For example, the following hotels are popular in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Hotel Colon Rambla (Location - in the city center. On the territory there is a swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, a restaurant-bar. You can stay in rooms of various sizes, meals - breakfast. There is paid public parking nearby);
- Silken Atlantida Santa Cruz 4* (Location - city center. The hotel has a rooftop terrace, fitness center, 2 saunas, hydromassage. Guests can stay in rooms of various sizes, meals - breakfast. Paid private parking can be found on site);
- NH Tenerife 3* (Location - close to the center. The hotel offers its guests a restaurant, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, rooms of various sizes, meals - breakfast. Private paid parking and free Wi-Fi are also available);
- Chalet Codivilla (Located in a quiet and cozy area of the city and has a swimming pool, a terrace, free parking. You can stay in rooms of various sizes with sea views. Meals - breakfast).
Jose Mesa/One of the churches of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Attractions Santa Cruz de Tenerife
In itself, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is both an independent destination for a trip, and an excellent starting point for various attractions of the island. In addition to beaches and shopping, the “must-see” of the capital of Tenerife includes the main square of the city Plaza de España, adjacent area - Plaza Candelaria, Church of Saint Francis And La Concepción, building Opera Auditorio Tenerife and even skyscrapers named after the capital - Torres de Santa Cruz.
After going around all the main attractions of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, head to the beach, the only one of its kind on the island. The thing is that the beach cover is golden sand, which you simply cannot find anywhere else on the island. The local sands were brought from the Sahara desert, i.e. in fact, the beach has an artificial bulk coating. On the natural beaches of Tenerife, you can only find dark gray volcanic sand - this is the main feature of the island, so do not miss the opportunity to sunbathe and relax on the golden sands of Las Teresitas beach if you are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is convenient to go to other attractions of the island, for example, to Teide Volcano National Park, where you can see a real (albeit extinct) volcano, or go to the mysterious the pyramids of Guimar, which are also considered the universally recognized decoration of the island. Read more in . By the way, from Santa Cruz de Tenerife you can also go to another island of the Canary Archipelago, namely to the island of La Gomera, which is considered the greenest and most lush in terms of vegetation of the island. La Gomera is the real tropics. The main attractions of La Gomera are the Garajonay National Park, the Agando Mountains, and the Mahona Nature Reserve.
Susanne Tofern/Skyscrapers of Santa Cruz de Tenerife If you are not ready to go on a voyage, albeit not far away, but at the same time want to see the exotic corners of the Canaries, then by land you can get to the very north of Tenerife - to the resort . The climate of the northern tip of the island is significantly different from the rest of Tenerife, there is much more precipitation, therefore, much more vegetation. One has only to visit the local botanical garden to see all the delights of the local tropics.
Read more about how to organize yourself .
jonathanfh/Las Teresitas We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!
Going on a trip to the Canary Islands, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of applying for a tourist visa. You can take out insurance on your own without leaving your home. For this, there are special services, such as , and others. You can buy a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.
Photo at the beginning of the article: Jaume Escofet
Plaza de España is the most important and largest square of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located in the Canary Islands.
The square was erected in 1929 between Morskoy Prospekt and Sreteniya Square. The main attraction of the square is the Monument to the Fallen, built after the Civil War according to the plan of Garcia Escamez. The monument is a tower in the form of a cross, at the top of which there is an observation deck. Under the monument there is an underground chapel, which is already empty today.
Over time, the square was rebuilt according to the design of architects from Switzerland who won the competition. The result of the reconstruction of the square was a fountain with sea water, installed in its center. At night, Plaza de España is illuminated by many lights and garlands.
Taganana
Taganana is a small beautiful mountain village located in the southeastern part of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Its area is 1.5 hectares, which housed several white houses and a small church, made in a medieval style. The locals mostly work in small fields or gardens. From here, magnificent views of the ocean and mountains open up, you can take unique photos and breathe fresh air. A narrow serpentine leads to the village, passing through which you will experience many extreme sensations.
When you reach your destination, you will be pleasantly surprised by the many homemade fish restaurants where you can taste delicious Canarian cuisine - fried octopus, goat cheese, the freshest fish and Canarian rosé wine, which has a unique taste and aroma. Not far from Taganana there are three natural wild beaches: Playa de Benigio, Playa de Almaciga and Playa de Roque, which are considered the most beautiful on the island of Tenerife. The special flavor of Taganan will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions that will be remembered for many years.
And what sights of Santa Cruz de Tenerife did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
La Arena beach
La Arena beach is located in the center of the resort town of Puerto Santiago, nestled in the western part of the island of Tenerife. This area is securely sheltered from the northern winds, so the local climate is stable and very mild. Throughout the year, the temperature varies by 5-6 degrees, reaching its peak in August. La Arena beach does not stand out for special frills; it is not the best place for people who prefer extreme pastime. There are no noisy discos and large crowds of people in the vicinity of the beach, so this place is suitable for those who want to relax and take a break from the noisy city.
La Arena Beach attracts tourists from all over the world every year due to its black sand, blue ocean and wonderful scenery. Almost every place here seems to be copied from the pictures, so professional photographers often come here. Two panoramic elevators have been built near the La Arena beach, which take everyone to a beautiful observation deck. Entrance to the beach is absolutely free, but you will have to pay for renting a sunbed or umbrella. A lifeguard team is on duty around the clock at La Arena.
San Agustin Beach is a small urban beach that is designed for a relaxing holiday. This is a cozy place for those who seek peace and tranquility. Usually on weekdays there are not many vacationers on the beach. Locals who live nearby come here on weekends. San Agustin Beach is sandy. There are several showers on the beach. Entrance to them is free. There is a small shop next to the showers where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers. The total length of the beach is six hundred and seventy meters.
Near the beach there is a convenient parking for two hundred cars. There are several hotels and inns along the coastline of San Agustin Beach. A beautiful promenade has been built near the beach. There are several shops, bars and cafes here. In them, visitors will be offered dishes made from seafood. Nearby is a small market where you can buy products and necessary things.
Castle of Castillo de Paso Alto
In the near future, a Francoist torture museum is planned to be built in the Paso Alto fortress.
Members of the Association for the Restoration of Historical Memory want to turn the castle, located on the coast of Tenerife, into a memorial, as well as restore the former appearance of the building, as it was from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 19th centuries.
The fortress of Paso Alto is considered one of the examples of the unique architecture of the Canary Islands. The walls of the castle withstood the siege of the island in 1657, when Robert Blake tried to capture Tenerife, and a century later, when Admiral Nelson tried to do the same. During the years of Francoism, the building was used as a prison building.
Castle of San Juan Bautista
The fortress of San Juan Bautista was named after John the Baptist and is one of the oldest and main attractions of Santa Cruz.
The castle was built in 1641 and also has a second name - Black Castle. The powerful Fort of San Juan Bautista is located in the very center of the city and attracts attention with parapets, loopholes for artillery pieces and a round tower. The building played an important role in protecting the city from invaders.
Every year in July, the castle grounds host a reenactment of the battle of Santa Cruz, during which Horatio Nelson, a British admiral, was defeated while trying to capture the fortress.
Auditorio de Tenerife
The Auditorio de Tenerife is an unparalleled piece of architecture, with avant-garde design and wildly popular. The Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava made the building captivating and eye-catching. Such an unusual creation saw the light in 2003.
The interior decoration is as beautiful as the exterior: the symphony and chamber halls. The stage of the first one is 17 meters, the depth of the orchestra pit is 14 meters, the effect of "sound around". An enviable set, I must say.
This very stage regularly hosts the best symphony orchestras, jazz, pop and rock musicians perform here. It also teaches dancing and hosts a lot of musical events.
Market Municipal Nuestra Señora de Africa
Market Municipal Nuestra Señora de Africa is located in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. It is best to visit it in the early morning - it is at this time that you can find a huge selection of exotic products and the freshest fish. And on Sundays, next to the main pavilions, there is a flea market offering interesting goods.
The market is located in a magnificent building built in oriental style, the main entrance is decorated with towers with spiers. The first floor of the market is occupied by butcher shops, among the products of which jamon, chorizo sausage, various varieties of ham and rabbit meat are especially popular.
Fish rows are located in the lower, underground floor. The range of fish shops impresses with its richness and diversity. And the main advantage of the local market is the exceptional freshness and quality of products. There is also an abundance of fruits and vegetables, most of which are grown in Tenerife. It is worth visiting the stalls with all kinds of spices, which can be purchased as a souvenir.
Port of Santa Cruz
Port of Santa Cruz is the city's commercial, fishing, sports and passenger port, as well as the main one in the Canary Islands and the second largest in Spain. It is divided into four harbors and is located in Santa Cruz Bay.
The port was formed on the site of La Carniceria beach near the small bay of Blas Dias, chosen by fishermen. Previously, the port was used as a means of communication with the outside world and defense against pirates. Soon he became the main one on the island. In the 16th century, the castle of San Cristobal was built here - the first main fortress of Tenerife, and in the 17th century two defensive bastions were erected.
Today, the port of Santa Cruz is the largest in Tenerife and the first fishing port in the Canary Islands. Up to 8,000 tons of fish are caught here every year. And also in this port among all the Canary Islands, the largest passenger traffic. This is the largest Spanish port in terms of the number of longboats, cruisers and other ships. It is the only one in the Canary Islands that maintains a permanent connection with the Iberian Peninsula.
Playa de las Teresitas beach
The Playa de las Teresitas beach welcomes its guests with a light sea breeze and crystal clear water. Sand was specially brought here from the distant desert of the Sahara, and in order for the waves not to interfere with vacationers, a barrier pier was built along the entire beach. Despite the fact that the beach was created artificially, it gives the impression of a piece of land untouched by man. There are no ubiquitous hotels here - instead, landscapes adorn the tops of the mountains. Powerful palm trees are planted along the entire one and a half kilometer beach strip.
The Playa de las Teresitas beach is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Just keep in mind that due to its popularity, the beach is always crowded, especially on weekends. But there is always something to do here - volleyball games or yoga or aerobics classes are regularly held on the beach.
The most popular attractions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on our website.