Fishing boats moored

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Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Whatever you do, don't bypass the bustling capital, the handsome and friendly port of Santa Cruz, in your dash for the beach on Tenerife. Backing onto a superb range of undulating hills, this wholly Spanish city is home to evocative, brightly painted buildings, grand and historic architecture, sophisticated and quirky shops, riveting museums and art galleries, a showstopping auditorium, flashes of bold and vibrant street art, and a tropical oasis of birdsong, fountains and greenery in the city park. Backing all this up are friendly locals, a terrific spread of quality restaurants, as well as an excellent bus and tram system, making Santa Cruz a sensible and convenient base for exploring the sublime landscapes of the island's northeast.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África

    Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    Dating from 1944, this tantalising market is housed in an eye-catching building that combines a Latin American feel with Moorish-style arches and patios…

  • Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA)

    Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA)

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    The highlights of this dramatic contemporary building are the architecture, its three galleries and the stunning library downstairs. The galleries display…

  • Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre

    Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    This brain-bending amalgam of natural science and archaeology is an excellent museum, despite a rather confusing layout. Set inside the former civil…

  • Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción

    Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    It's difficult to miss the striking bell tower of the city’s oldest church, which also has traditional Mudéjar (Islamic-style architecture) ceilings. The…

  • Auditorio de Tenerife

    Auditorio de Tenerife

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    This magnificent, soaring white wave of an auditorium was designed by the internationally renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and delivers…

  • Plaza España

    Plaza España

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    The majority of Santa Cruz’ sights and museums are within easy walking distance of the revamped waterfront Plaza España, with its huge circular wading…

  • Palmetum

    Palmetum

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    Conscientiously established on a former landfill area, this excellent 12-hectare botanical garden has the most diverse collection of palm trees in Europe,…

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