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About Santa Cruz de Tenerife

People say that Tenerife is like a whole continent in miniature, due to its variety of colours and settings: rocky formations that form a lunar landscape mix with beaches of fine sand and crystalline waters; large stretches of inhospitable desert with thick green woods; the fire of the volcano with the cold snow. Come and admire these contrasts from the highest point of the Teide and enjoy the fun and lively city of Tenerife.

Moving around

The island has two airports and a harbour that has become one of the most important of Spain thanks to its touristic function. To move around Tenerife, the easiest way is by bus, also called guagua by the locals, or go on foot.

Out & About

The Playa de las Teresitas is the most famous of the capital: being protected from the waves by a natural breakwater it will make you feel like you are swimming in a real swimming pool! The architect Santiago Calatrava designed the innovative Auditorio that together with the Tea - Tenerife Espacio de las Artes is worth a visit. The symbol of the city is the lighthouse whilst Plaza de España is the hub of the city and the ideal starting point for your town visit. This square is close to the harbour so you could seize the opportunity to visit it. Calle del Castillo is one of the main roads of the city and begins in the square. The City Hall, also called Palacio de los Dragos is one of the most outstanding modernist buildings of Tenerife but there also are other interesting buildings, pertaining to the same architectonic style, such as, for example, the Palacete Martí Dehesa , the old seat of the government. Plaza de la Candelaria is the oldest square of the town. The capital's parks, such as the García Sanabria or the La Granja are other examples of the city's attractions. The Parque marítimo César Manrique faces a black sand beach and is made of various swimming pools of salted water. The beaches of Anaga are located in the outskirts of the city and are the perfect destination for those who love surfing.

What's going on in

The most important event of Tenerife is the Carnaval, that combines the best of other countries' carnivals, such as, for example, the criticism of the Spanish "murgas" and "comparsas" and the dances and rhythm of the Brazilian carnival. It's divided in different phases: the first one is the Gala de Elección de la Reina, the second is the Cabalgata, a display of colours and music. The Coso is the culminating point of the Carnival, that ends with the Entierro de la Sardina, the wildest and most unbridled part of the party. Every 3rd of May the island celebrates the foundation of the city: during the whole month the streets are adorned with flowers and people can enjoy folklore and gastronomy. The 16th of July is the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen where people decorate some boats to sail the Bay, to accompany the Virgin Mary in a procession.

Shopping

The main shopping area of the city is located around Calle del Castillo. A cooperative of shopkeepers runs the Mercado Municipal, who's buildings architecture is worth a visit. Close to the market there is also a modern mall, with lots of fashion shops. Every Sunday morning, close to the Mercado Municipal, you will find a flea market that sells all sorts of second hand things, clothes, etc.

What's cooking?

Sea food in general is the star of this island's gastronomy. One of the highlights of Tenerife's cuisine is the morena frita (fried moray) and the chicharro, from whom derives the nickname of the inhabitants of the island, the chicharreros. Potatoes also are a very common accompaniment for many dishes. The most known specialty with potatoes is the papas arrugadas (potatoes boiled with its peel) served with mojo the most famous Canary sauce. It is possible to make the mojo in different ways: the green one is made with coriander and the red one is known as mojo picón. Of course, as a dessert, you can't miss the famous and exquisite Canary bananas.

Weather

The orography of the island and the winds shape its climate, creating dry and humid areas. Yet, during the whole year there are few variations of temperature and there aren't many differences between seasons. The climate is, in general, rather hot.

So...

Many legends say that in the past the Paradise was at the Canary Islands. Come and see this paradise on earth.