Santa Cruz

Travel Agent's View

Santa Cruz really is a shoppers paradise with its vast amount of shops close quotes

The biggest carnival takes place in February, Festival de Musica de Canarias close quotes

Santa Cruz is situated at the north east of the island. It boasts some of the best shopping on the Canary Islands. It is excellent for those who want to explore the north east of the island.

Santa Cruz really is a shoppers paradise with its vast amount of shops. There is also a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.

Santa Cruz has a very busy port, this port is not just used for general cargo, but its also used for large ferries which come from Las Palmas.

Lively carnivals and festivals take place in Santa Cruz. The biggest carnival takes place in February, Festival de Musica de Canarias (music festival) usually takes place in the Auditorio de Tenerife.

Insider's View

there's the plazas, the museums, the pavement cafes…did I mention that I love this city? close quotes

The sun shines pretty much constantly in Santa Cruz close quotes

Tenerife's capital is a cracking place to spend a bit of time if you know where to go. It's more like a big town than a city so I do most of my exploring on foot but there's a slinky tram system if you're planning the full tour. You really shouldn't miss the harbour for a nosey at the ocean liners and at Tenerife's most iconic building; the blindingly white Auditorium. I still can't decide if it's a wave, a cobra's head or a helmet.

My credit card strains at the leash on the streets around Calle Castillo, in the African Market and at Cortes Inglés near the bus station; Spain's version of Selfridges. The sun shines pretty much constantly in Santa Cruz so I like to dip my toes into the lagoon at Plaza España to cool off. Just don't try paddling or you'll be arrested. Another favourite spot for me is the fountain with the statue of the woman with the big boobies in Parque García Sanabria. This amazing park is just one of the many 'must sees' in the city. Then there's the plazas, the museums, the pavement cafes…did I mention that I love this city?

The area I invariably end up in for a tapas lunch or some after dark fun is the Noria district. Its maze of old streets is home to the city’s trendiest new bars and restaurants and it's the 'in spot' to hang out at night. It's a great place to chill out at the best of times, but when the Blues Festival adds an über-chic soundtrack in June, it just oozes cool.

And the must-sees? It has to be 'Carnaval'; the most flamboyant and outrageous parades and street parties outside of Rio de Janeiro. If you long for the archetypal tropical paradise beach, don’t miss Playa de las Teresitas to the north of the city and have lunch at San Andrés.