Santa Cruz De Tenerife Holiday Resort - Tenerife

Santa Cruz is both the administrative centre of the western Canary Islands and the capital of Tenerife. Located on the northeast cost it is a bustling city and shipping port (one of the busiest in Spain and deepest in the world). The enormous harbour holds many container ships, cruise liners and inter island jet foils and ferries.

Situated in a large natural bay, it has a stunning backdrop of mountains (Anaga mountains) that are over 1000 metres high. The city does not offer very much for the sightseeing tourist but is an excellent base for exploring the northeast of the island.

Shopping is a popular pastime in the city and centres on Calle Castillo and the other streets. There are often good deals to be had on electronics thanks to the island's duty free status but you'll also find stylish boutiques around with the latest fashions. Take a break at one of the open terrace bars in the attractive square of Plaza de la Candelaria. There's a flea market on Sunday mornings on Calle José Manuel Guimerá.

The white sandy beach of Playa Las Teresitas is the beach of the city of Santa Cruz. You can realax under marvellous palms and swim or play in calm limpid waters. Playa Las Teresitas is connected with Santa Cruz by public bus TITSA nr. 910 every 10 minutes.

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest and most spectacular events of its kind in the World. Every February, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the largest of the Canary Islands, hosts this historical event, attracting around a million people from everywhere. Is considered the second most popular and internationally known carnival after those held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). In fact the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is twinned with the city of Rio de Janeiro for this reason.

The main museum of note is the Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre which is dedicated to the fascinating geography of the island presented in various multimedia forms. The city's auditorium (auditorio de Tenerife) is also worth a look or book tickets for a classical music concert there. It's a magnificent building designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and has become a trademark of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The Island Tourist Board is located in the city and here you can collect maps, street plans and other information.