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The glossy capital of Tenerife is vibrant, modern and in stark contrast to some of its costal neighbours. It is bursting with wide boulevard style shopping areas, has a huge marina and port and is the epicentre of Canarian life for local inhabitants.
Around 200,000 people live in the capital and it is the second most populated city of the Canary Islands with more than 200,000 inhabitants.
Beautiful green, tended parkland and gardens surround this developing city and the breathtaking backdrop of the Anagna mountains which are at the start of a mountain range running the length of the island, bring character and interest to this thriving metropolis.
Soak up the city life or chill in the wide open green spaces- here in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you have the best of beach life and the busy hustle and bustle of a city in full swing.
The city is well known for its busy port where cruise ships moor alongside ferries, ocean liners, container ships and jet foils continually arrive and depart. These waters see ships arrive from across the globe as the bay is set in one of the worlds deepest shipping channels.
The port is a sea traffic and communications centre between Europe, Africa and America and is one of the country's busiest. It's a great place to start exploring the city.
Cross Plaza de España and check out the headquarters of the island's government, Cabildo Insular. This building also houses the museums of archaeology and architecture and was designed by Tenerife architect Jose Enrique Marrero Regalado.
Head into Plaza de la Candelaria and take a look inside the 17th century Carta Palace.
The Casino Principal, the Monument to the Fallen and El Triunfo de la Candelaria are also found in this area.
La ConcepciĂłn's is the most important church in Santa Cruz notably for its design and works of art displayed inside. The church is the location of a number of flags and the cross of conquest (Cruz de la Conquista) taken from Lord Horatio Nelson who tried unsuccessfully to capture the city.
There are huge rock formations surrounding the bay but if its views you seek then take a day out to Monte de la Esperanza, around 20 kilometres away. It offers simply amazing vistas of the whole island.
Step away from the island's sandy shores and find yourself wandering through the relaxing open green spaces of this delightfully designed centre. Lush exotic vegetation is packed into the Park GarcĂa Sanabria, the city's splendid sanctuary filled to bursting with rare plants and flowers. Seek serenity here and then dive amongst the interweaving streets filled with surprising shops and boutiques which surround the area.
Visit the baroque church Iglesia de la ConcepciĂłn, the Museum of Painting and Scultpure and the castle Castillo de Paso Alto on your journey around the city.
If its beach you seek then look no further than the scorching golden stretch of sands of Las Teresitas or Las Gaviotas nearby. Try the sparkling black sands of El Roque and AlmĂĄciga too.
Be it a beautiful beach, a delightful garden, or a statuesque building, its all here for the taking in Santa Cruz. From the hustle and bustle of port life down in the sweeping bay or the blissful calm of the parklands at the top of town, Santa Cruz will leave you enchanted, relaxed and indulged.
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