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Santa Cruz de Tenerife
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One of the main tourist destinations in the Canary Islands is its vibrant capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean right next to the Macizo de Anaga mountain range. In addition to magnificent beaches, this fun-filled city also provides its guests with an extensive range of architectural and natural sites. To enjoy your holiday in total comfort, we present the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey, a luxury hotel with comfortable rooms and all the facilities necessary for an incredible getaway to the north of Tenerife.
The iconic resort on Tenerife with the best quality standards is at the height of all the treasures hidden on this so-called isla Picuda (i.e. beak-looking island; the name originates from Spanish “pico”, which means “a beak” in English). Hereunder we invite you to find its gems.
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The main beaches of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The beaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are idyllic places where holidaymakers escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and get deep into the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The best sands and the loveliest coves are on the coast of San Andrés, part of the foot of the Anaga massif, a natural paradise virtually untouched by man. There are diverse types of beaches in Santa Cruz, from Las Teresitas, always crowded, to Antequera, a veritable oasis.
Main beaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Las Teresitas beach: This is the best known beach in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an extensive strip of fine white sand from the Sahara, 1.3km in length, lined with tall palm trees. Las Teresitas is in San Andrés, away from housing developments. Waves are almost non-existent, as the beach is protected by a breakwater.
- Las Gaviotas beach: This is a wild nude beach near Las Teresitas, in the village of San Andrés. It is a small cove with dark volcanic sand lying on the edge of a beautiful cliff. Calm and secluded, Las Gaviotas is 250m long. It features a moderate swell, perfect for surfing and windsurfing.
- El Roque beach: Its full name is El Roque de las Bodegas, and it attracts more families than any other beach on the coast of Anaga close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It has fine dark sand, the waves are low, and all types of facilities and services are available, including restaurants and everything you can expect from a beach that welcomes kids.
- Benijo beach: It is one of the best places for beachgoers who prefer to take their clothes off. It has a good level of conservation and stands out for its beautiful black sand of volcanic origin. It has a moderate swell and offers stunning views of the rocks of Anaga and the nearby beaches on the coast next to Santa Cruz.
- Antequera beach: A small beach, 400m long, only accessible by boat from Santa Cruz or San Andrés, or through a very long hiking path across the mountains of the Anaga massif. The volcanic sand on the surface is fine and brownish, quite uncommon to find in Tenerife.
Things to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
To get to know Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is better to start with a walking tour around the Plaza de España, where the main avenues of the city meet. Among the most imposing buildings the neoclassical seat of the Tenerife Island Council stands out with its interior decorated in an art déco style. The best place to inquire about attractions and activities is the municipal Tourist office, which is also located in the square.
Next to the plaza you will see the port, which is one of the most important ports in terms of maritime traffic, in both the country and in Europe. There is a small, old lighthouse on the old pier, which has been operating since 1836, and is a sign that this has been an important port for a long time.
If you leave Plaza de España and take Avenida de Bravo Murillo, you will get to the Plaza de la Iglesia (Church square). There you will find the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the main church in the city which was built in the 16th century and rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries. Its five naves exhibit banners captured by Admiral Nelson during his attack on the capital of the island, which occurred in 1797, as well as the Cross of Alonso Fernández de Lugo who gave the city its name.
The vicinity of the church houses several interesting buildings, including the Tobacco Company “La Tenerife” (1880), and traditional Canary Island houses.
Another nearby attraction is the Fountain of Morales (1838), located next to the Museum of Nature and Man, in a former civil hospital building from the 18th century. Taking the avenue that stretches along the dock, you will reach the amazing Auditorio de Tenerife designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.
In the vicinity one can also see the 17th century Castillo de San Juan Bautista (Castle of John the Baptist), also called Castillo Negro (Black Castle). However, this is not the only fortified building in Tenerife, since the island also boasts the Castlillo de San Cristóbal (1570) and the Castillo de Paso Alto, in which Admiral Nelson lost not only a battle but also his right arm in 1797.
Coming back to Plaza de España and going up the adjacent street, you will reach Plaza de la Candelaria, where stands the 18th-century monument of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands, after whom the square is named, made of white marble by Italian artist Pasquale Bocciardo. Here you can also visit the Palacio de Carta (1721-1752), a spectacular building with Mudéjar and Flemish features that was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1947.
It is also worthwhile visiting the emblematic Plaza del General Weyler– embellished with flowers and a fountain, the church of San Francisco – a baroque construction of 1680 located in the homonymous square, and the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts.
Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
When planning a relaxing holiday, keep in mind the beautiful beaches of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. One of the most popular is Las Teresitas, located 7 km from the city centre. Also worth visiting are Las Gaviotas, covered with black sand, Roque de las Bodegas, surrounded by breath-taking cliffs, Benijo, located in a protected environment and considered one of the most beautiful places in the Canary Islands, Los Llanos, a small beach just 60 m long and 70 m wide, located a mere 2.5 km from Santa Cruz with gravelly black sand and moderate waves, and semi-urban Tabaiba with fine black sand and calm waters.
In addition, Santa Cruz boasts the César Manrique Maritime Park, a resort complex with saltwater pools occupying 22,000 m².
The capital of Tenerife offers much more than a traditional sun and beach holiday. In fact, those who wish to go hiking in the north of Tenerife should certainly try the Macizo de Anaga mountain range, which has some excellent trails for trekking.
Since we are talking about nature, you absolutely must check out the Teide National Park, the most important natural reserve on the island, which is 70 km away from the capital of the island. The park is centred on a volcano after which the park is named, and which is the highest mountain of Spain.
As for popular festivals in the northern part of Tenerife, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is without doubt the most emblematic event, since it is considered the second most famous and internationally renowned carnival in the world second only to that of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This festival is characterized by spectacular costumes and includes performances from Murgas, Rondallas and other musical groups and dancing troupes. In 1980, it was declared a Tourist Festival of International Interest and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Finally, it is important to remember that Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a great place to try traditional Canarian food such as Rancho canario (a typical stew with pork), wrinkly potatoes (Papas Arrugadas), the sauces called Mojos (especially Mojo Picon), and delicious fresh fish and seafood. On top of that, cabello de ángel or “angel's hair” cake, frangollo with honey (a traditional dessert made of corn) and pastries filled with sweet potato and almonds will please those with a sweet tooth.
Activities in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife plans activities that highlight the importance the city gives to arts and culture. As the capital of the island, Santa Cruz has unique facilities such as the huge Auditorium, crowned with a majestic wing spread in the wind, museums and art centres like the Fine Arts Circle, and landmarks such as the Museum of Open-Air Sculptures.
What to do and what to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Museum of Open Air Sculptures: This museum exhibits works by Alfaro, Miró, Chirino and Henry Moore, a group of sculptures arranged in a unique art tour that starts in Las Ramblas and passes through Las Asuncionistas School and García Sanabria Park.
- Tenerife Auditorium: The auditorium is the finest modern building in Santa Cruz. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the building opens onto the sea promenade and hosts musical performances and various artistic events.
- Santa Cruz Public Library: The public library is located in the beautiful La Granja Park. It has an important collection of documents of all kinds and from all historical periods, especially works by authors born in the island. In addition, it has an exhibition space and a theatre.
- Fine Arts Circle: An avant-garde arts centre that promotes contemporary art and holds cultural events in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It puts on remarkable temporary photography and painting exhibitions.
- Plaza de la Candelaria: This square opens right across the emblematic Plaza de España. The two of them contain, in a comparatively small area, the main sights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Casino Cruz, Chamber of Commerce, Carta Palace and Olympo Building, among others. La Candelaria, from the sixteenth century, was the first square built in town.
- San Cristóbal Castle: It is a historic building in Santa Cruz and the first defensive zone. Of the defensive walls only a section has come down to us. Tourists can access the remains of the castle from Plaza de España, where there is an underground exhibition.
- Museum of Man and Nature: Located in Plaza de Europa, one of the most famous and crowded in Santa Cruz, this peculiar museum displays artefacts and provides information on the Guanches (the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands) and the evolution of the Canaries. It also houses pieces of archaeological interest as well as works of Pre-Columbian art.
Experiences in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a lovely city that offers a variety of activities and places where visitors will enjoy some of the best experiences in Tenerife: walking across the busy Plaza de España, a concert by the sea at the Tenerife Auditorium or a day on Antequera beach, accessed on boats departing from Santa Cruz. The capital of Tenerife is a unique place of pure energy, day and night.
Experiences in Santa Cruz: What to do
- Shopping in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The city has top-brand shops and boutiques mingled with small traditional shops and big clothing retail stores. The best shopping districts in Santa Cruz are Castillo, El Pilar, San José and the surroundings, and Las Ramblas. There is something for everyone in these nice areas.
- Tapas and drinks at night: In the last years, following thorough renovation work, the area where the Church of La Concepción stands has become a lively and cheerful meeting point. It is great for eating tapas with a Canary flavour and having a few early drinks in Santa Cruz.
- Canary Islands wine route: Santa Cruz de Tenerife is part of one of the five grape-growing regions on the island. So one of the experiences you can enjoy here is a wine tour of the vineyards in Tacoronte-Acentejo. Some of the most important establishments are a pebble’s throw from town, in Taganana (Anaga).
- A night at the opera in the Auditorium: The large concert hall at the Santa Cruz Maritime Park is the official residence of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and runs classical music and opera seasons that make a great opportunity to mingle with the cream of society in the capital of Tenerife.
- A day in the Maritime Park: Constructed by César Manrique, the park is ideal to spend a day filled with experiences like swimming in the seawater pools, tasting traditional dishes while admiring the Atlantic Ocean, sipping a drink on an outdoor bar while the kids have fun in the playground, pamper oneself in the spa or simply take a stroll in the botanical garden, with more than 300 palm-tree species.
Main events in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has events and popular festivals scheduled for almost every week of the year. The major celebrations in Santa Cruz take place in February for Carnival – the second most important in the entire world, after Brazil’s. Then there are opera and classical music seasons, theatre plays, rock concerts and cultural events from around the world. The traditional and the new live hand in hand in Santa Cruz.
Main events in Santa Cruz
- January/February – Canary Islands Music Festival: The festival takes place simultaneously in various venues in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The event is targeted mainly at tourists interested in highbrow culture coming to Santa Cruz, and intends to bring classical music celebrities closer to audiences on the Canary Islands.
- February – Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Salsa, batucadas, street groups, queens wearing costumes that shine with sequins and bright colours. In Santa Cruz, Carnival celebrations are as famous as those in Rio de Janeiro, making the big fiestas of the capital of Tenerife. They last for weeks and include festive acts like the Carnival Queen pageant or the heartfelt burial of the sardine.
- May – May Festival: On the night before 3 May, the wizards’ balls are held, a peculiar ritual where guests wear wizard costumes from the Canaries and organise a big outdoor meal beneath the stars. Each guest brings a traditional local dish. On the following Sunday there is a parade with traditional carriages that travel around town honouring the Holy Cross, their local protector.
- June – Santa Blues Festival: It is a relatively young festival established in 2005, especially interesting for blues lovers. The concerts take place throughout the month of June on Thursday, Friday and Saturday on several stages at the same time. International artists are invited to perform every year.
- July – Mestizo Music Festival, MUMES: MUMES is an eclectic ten-year-old festival filled with rhythm and culture. It is a major event in the summer in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held in mid-July at the Guimerá Theatre.
- 25 July – Feast of Saint James: July 25 is dedicated to the patron saint of Santa Cruz, Saint James the Greater. Amongst the main events are the traditional Mass in the Church of La Concepción and the procession with participants carrying an image of Saint James. Also there is the re-enactment of the events following the battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an assault by British Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was defeated and withdrew under a truce on 25 July 1797.
- September – Tenerife Opera Festival: This remarkable festival puts on classical operas for all and sundry. Verdi’s La Traviata or Mozart’s The Magic Flute arranged for families are usually performed in this festival in Tenerife.
Sports for the whole family in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Although Santa Cruz is a big city, sports in the capital of Tenerife are not rare. In the city you can run or ride a bike, but the natural areas on the island are also ideal for holiday sports like surfing, trail running or climbing.
Sports in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Surfing on the coast of San Andrés: Surfers will love this spot on the coast, very close to the city. Nature and the sea embrace each other, producing the perfect waves for surfing or other similar sports in a safe and fun way. One of the usual surfing locations is Las Gaviotas beach, very close to Santa Cruz.
- Trail running in Anaga: Running across the most beautiful volcanic area in Spain is like feeling totally free. You can climb gorges and then go down to lovely secluded coves. Trail running can be a unique experience at Anaga Rural Park, to the north of Santa Cruz, where you can train on many routes with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Kayaking to Antequera beach: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the coast offer good chances for kayaking. One of the nicest kayak rides, although it requires kayaking skills and strength, goes along the coast from the city to the impeccable beach area of Antequera, which can only be reached by sea.
- Cycling in Santa Cruz: In addition to the city bike tours, you can go with your bike to Anaga Rural Park, which features a mountainous landscape with climbs, descents, small plains with views of the sea… There are different courses and the weather is great all year round for cyclists.
- Climbing Mount Roque de las Ánimas: In the picturesque village of Taganana, a short drive from Santa Cruz, there is one of the best centres for outdoor rock climbing. The location is less known than that in La Catedral, in spite of being in one of the most wonderful natural settings on the island.
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