Santa Cruz or officially Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital city of Tenerife. It sits in the northeast of the island and has a population of just over 200,000.
The city has many green spaces and sculptures scattered around the city. There is no shortage of things to do in and around Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens have an excellent collection of tropical plants. The gardens are a must-see for all plant lovers.
The Tenerife Auditorium is a spectacular piece of modern architecture to visit. It has its own look but also reminds many people of the Sydney Opera House.
You can do a day trip to the Canaries Aloe Vera farm to learn something new and stock up on Aloe Vera products.
The Military History Museum is a great place to learn about the area’s rich naval history.
The old town has a feeling all its own and unique Canary architectural style. It is a lovely area to walk around, shop and enjoy some good food and wine.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the biggest event of the year. It is a Brazilian style carnival but it has its very own Canary Islands flavour. The carnival lasts 15 days. As well as the main parade there are loads of events for everyone. It is traditionally held in February.
Carnival is such a big event there is even a carnival museum showing various items from past carnivals.
The Canary Island Classical Music Festival is another major event on the calendar. The festival features performances across the city from a variety of artists. The festival takes place in January and February.
May Day is celebrated on the 1st of May but events are held throughout the month.
In September a folk festival is held. The festival has events that feature traditional and newer folk performances.
Various opera events are held from October to December. If you are into opera then that’s the time to visit the city.
The nearest airport to Santa Cruz is Tenerife North airport. Flights to this airport tend to be from other Spanish cities and some flights from other mainland European cities.
Flying time from Seville is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Flying time from Madrid is 2 hours 50 minutes.
Tenerife South airport is served by many airlines from across Europe.
It is about a 4 hour 25 minute flight from London to Tenerife South.
It is about a 4 hour 25 minute flight from London to Tenerife South.
Santa Cruz is about a 45 minute drive from the south of the island.