Tenerife Resorts - Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Wednesday, 11th November 2009
Although only separated by a short journey of forty or so miles, the contrast between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the southern tourist resorts is amazing. San Cruz is the cultural and religious centre of Tenerife, an old city of architectural splendour, totally different to the tourist resorts. Santa Cruz has a lovely, picturesque Port, and is in fact the most visited destination in Tenerife.
Santa Cruz is the capital city of Tenerife. It is one of two capitals of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands and is also the home of the Parliament of the Canary Islands. Situated in the north eastern tip of the Island, it is a major city with a population approaching 260,000. Tenerife North Airport is close at hand for Spanish visitors. Non-Spanish visitors will arrive at Tenerife South Airport, which is about 45 miles away, and which will take about an hour by car, slightly longer by coach.
Santa Cruz is an imposing, atmospheric and historic capital city, totally different to the beach resorts in the South. It is very popular with Spanish visitors, and with other visitors want more than miles of beaches for their holidays. The attractions of Santa Cruz are the lovely boulevards, Spanish colonial style buildings, historic monuments, and shopping facilities. Many large passenger cruise liners make stopovers. The climate is one of the best in the world, being slightly cooler than the south.
It was not until the 17th century that the Port and trade led to the growth of the city. It now has the second largest population of the archipelago. The Port now handles millions of tons of general cargo a year, as well as ferries from Cadiz, on the mainland, and from Las Palmas and Agate.Six miles away from Santa Cruz is the city of La Laguna, which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. La Laguna is the second City of Tenerife, and is the religious capital of the Island. It is an impressive place to visit, with the University, and outstanding seventeenth and eighteenth century palaces, houses and monuments.The Santa Cruz-La Laguna area is recognised as the cultural and religious centre of Tenerife, and attracts visitors from all over the world.
A new tram service was introduced in 2007, linking Santa Cruz and La Laguna. There are plans to expand the service.
As with other towns and villages throughout the Island, there is any number of festivals. The locals claim that their Carnival celebrations in February are the best in the Canary archipelago.
The beaches in Santa Cruz are not as extensive as in the south, but there are nice beaches at Las Gaviota and Las Teresitas.There are plenty of activities available, including watersports, windsurfing, fishing trips, boat trips and trekking.There is a fine museum, The Museum of Man and Nature in Santa Cruz. This large museum is well worth a visit.
The restaurants in Santa Cruz offer everything from fast food to fine dining. The cuisine of just about every nation is featured. The quality is good, and the prices very reasonable. Fish and seafood is highly popular, and of fantastic quality.Nightlife is extensive, with lots of bars, pubs and clubs. The entertainment is good, and not as frantic in some of the southern resorts.
Visitors to Santa Cruz will be struck by the friendliness of the local people, and the cultural and laid back atmosphere. Getting around the other Islands is easy, with ferry and air services from the nearly Tenerife North airport.
A perfect holiday could be split between Santa Cruz and a southern resort. Then the visitor would really get the best of both worlds.
Please look at our favourite Santa Cruz de Tenerife Hotels and Apartments.
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