Travel Eye on Santa Cruz (Tenerife, Spain)

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Overview:

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the commercial capital of Tenerife, and is home to almost 30% of the islands resident population.

Founded in 1494, Santa Cruz has grown to become an important regional capital and port with a population over 200,000.

It is frequented mainly by middle-aged couples, although younger people also find plenty to suit them, especially during carnival time in Feb.

However, in stark contrast to the harsh industrial suburbs of Santa Cruz, the centre of the city hosts a multitude of cultural attractions. For every bar in Playa de las Americas, Santa Cruz has either a monument, or sculpture, and for every tourist shop you'll find a museum or art gallery.

For those visitors who have never ventured any further than Playa de las Americas, a trip to Santa Cruz will be a real eye opener, and will hopefully show that there is more to Tenerife than neon lit all night bars, and all day British breakfasts

Locality:

Santa Cruz is located on the SE-facing coast of Tenerife's N spur, 38 mls NE of Reina Sofia international airport, 4 mls E of Tenerife N domestic airport. Draped over steep foothills descending to the Atlantic; the centre of town is relatively flat.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

During the day the majority of tourist spend at the beach and lido. Sightseeing and shopping round the historic centre admiring the old Canarian architecture or various churches. There are a couple of local museumsin the area depicting the authentic and historic background of Santa Cruz.

The nightlife in Santa Cruz consists of casinos, nightclubs and many cabaret bars. A big carnival takes place during the month of February.

A wide choice of restaurants, with some Italian, Mexican and Chinese but primarily Spanish establishments representing various regions of the country.

Options range from tapas bars to high-quality dining, although none is especially expensive. The island's local cuisine includes fish (salted halibut is a favourite) and vegetables. "Papas con mojo" are local unpeeled potatoes cooked in sea water, served with a piquant sauce. "Gofio escaldon" (hand-rolled balls of toasted maize flour) is a speciality eaten with a dip.

A fantastic local excursion is the pyramids and museum of Guimar. All of the island's principal attractions are accessible from Santa Cruz.