Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, is one of the largest cities in Spain. It is the busiest port in the Canary Islands and the largest port in Spain for cruise ships. Many tourists prefer to take a cruise ship to Tenerife rather than fly in so that they can enjoy the waves and see the spectacular sight of Tenerife’s cliffs and shoreline as they approach.
Santa Cruz has enough attractions of all kinds to keep one busy for quite a long time! One of the most visually stunning sights you will see is the Tenerife Opera House, designed by Santiago Calatrave and completed in 2003. From a distance it resembles a large wave in the ocean curling over whitish-blue rollers; you can almost hear the roar of the ocean when you first catch sight of it. The Auditorium, as it is referred to, is the premier place for concerts and operas, with smaller rooms for other functions. It has hosted performances of Tenerife dance ensembles, jazz music from the world’s best performers and hosts the Tenerife Opera Festival. Each year it is home for the Canary Islands Music Festival, something you won’t want to miss.
Your eyes will also be drawn to the Santa Cruz Towers, the tallest buildings in the Islands. These twin towers are the highest residences in Spain, and house many of the families living on Tenerife. Nearby is the Tenerife Space of Arts, a contemporary museum, library and center for photography. You will notice the letters “TEA” on the building which stand for Tenerife Espacio de las Artes. TEA has a meeting hall, a public square, offices, a shop and a restaurant in addition to its fascinating exhibitions.
Santa Cruz is the yearly host to the Carnival, a week of reveling and uninhibited fun while the people take to the streets and party just before the season of Lent. The beautiful, elaborate costumes, the parades, the floats and daily performances of dance and other performing arts are part of the fun of Carnival. It is said that it rivals both Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival days and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
If you like theatre, you’ll love the Teatro Guimera, the oldest theater in the Canary Islands. The theater was built in 1849 and the classical romance-style building opened its doors in 1851. Despite renovations and modifications through the years to keep it comfortable, structurally sound and suitable for public performances, it maintains its old world ambiance and charm. Here you will find the Canary Islands Music Festival, ballet, plays both ancient and modern, symphonies and other performing arts.
When you’ve had your fill of culture, why not take a trip to the Palmetum, a beautiful botanical garden divided into biogeographical sections? In addition to the over 400 species of palms, you’ll be walking through a peaceful haven of streams, ponds and waterfalls. Its manicured walkways take you to fantastic sights, one of which is El Octogono, a shade house that hosts the park’s most delicate inhabitants. In this octagon-shaped, half-sunken area you will walk paths that weave through habitats fed by more waterways. When you’re done enjoying the Palmetum you may want to visit the nearby Orchid Garden.
If you’d like to stretch out in the sun or play in the ocean, Playa de Las Teresitas is a short drive away. This beach has been specifically designed for residents and visitors who want to enjoy a day in the sand and surf. Its black sand was replaced with white sand from the Sahara desert and a breakwater was constructed to protect swimmers from the sometimes fierce waves of the Atlantic.
You won’t be at a loss for exciting shopping, either! No matter what part of the city you are staying in there are shopping centers, department stores and lovely little marketplaces where you can buy anything from designer goods to local craftsmanship and artistry. When you need a break you will find fast food restaurants, cafes and fine dining depending on your preferences. After a day of shopping you might want to get out and party at the pubs and discotheques scattered throughout the city and in the Marina Park.
Before you leave, make it a point to visit one of the many Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styled churches in the city. Some date back as far as the 15th century; their stonework, statuary, stained glass and artwork are majestic beauty that you will never forget.
Santa Cruz is a delightful city with something for everyone!