Tag: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain.

SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, SPAIN
Striking Architecture Meets Volcanic Isles

Although smaller, quieter, and less vibrant than Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers its own charm with a number of elegant monuments. Until 1837, the island’s capital was La Laguna, which explains why only a few buildings in the city center date back earlier than this period.

At the bustling Plaza de España, several pedestrian streets extend northward and toward the area west of the port, where visitors will find the city’s striking auditorium and maritime park. A distinctive feature of Santa Cruz is its ramblas—broad, tree-lined boulevards that slope gently from the northern part of the city down to the sea.

The Plaza de España forms the heart of the city. Its central cross commemorates those who lost their lives during the Spanish Civil War, which began in Tenerife under General Franco during his exile here. Each year, in the weeks leading up to Lent, the plaza becomes the focal point of vibrant celebrations during Carnaval, filled with music and a lively Latin atmosphere. Nearby, you will also find Castillo de San Cristóbal and the city’s tourist office.

Santa Cruz’s main beach, Las Teresitas, is located approximately 4½ miles northeast of the city, near the village of San Andrés. This one mile stretch of golden sand was created using white sand imported from the Sahara and is lined with palm trees. A breakwater ensures calm and safe swimming conditions. Popular with locals, especially families, the beach is busiest during summer and weekends.

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Discover the vibrant shopping scene and rich culinary traditions of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Stroll along lively pedestrian streets and modern shopping districts, where you’ll find everything from local boutiques to well-known brands.
Indulge in the island’s distinctive cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, traditional Canarian specialties, and flavorful tapas. Don’t miss local favorites such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and a selection of regional wines. Cafés and restaurants around the city offer the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the authentic tastes of Tenerife.

Today’s Excursion – Mount Teide National Park
Embrace the panoramic beauty of Tenerife’s main attraction during this memorable, half-day excursion to Mount Teide
National Park.

La Laguna Tour
We drove through Santa Cruz towards the outskirts of the old Colonial capital of La Laguna. Nestled in the Aguere Valley amidst beautiful surroundings, La Laguna is also the cultural and religious capital of Tenerife. In addition to outstanding traditional buildings, La Laguna also features a monument to Father Anchieta, the founder of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

We proceeded along the base of the mountain range through the pine forests and foothills to Mount Teide National Park.

Mount Teide National Park
Declared a national park in 1954, the park is home to an enormous volcanic crater dormant since 1909 measuring over 29 miles in circumference. Rising 12,270 feet from the crater is Mount Teide, the highest mountain in all of the Spanish territory. The park rises a mile above sea level. During winter, snowfall and gale force winds often close roads throughout the park. During the summer months, temperatures in this arid landscape can exceed 100ºF.

Several photo stops and a refreshment stop the El Parador Hotel were made during this excursion. Upon arrival in the crater, some free time was made available to examine the Parador Visitor’s Centre and take photographs.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.