Santa Cruz: The Urban Side of Tenerife

So here I am again: back to Tenerife! This time we, my couple and I, are staying in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north of the island... 

If everything works out as planned, then we'll start our trip to South America from the Canarian islands. So far things are going a bit differently as planned and so we are "forced" to stay longer in Santa Cruz as initially planned. Which gives us time enough to discover hidden jewels of Santa Cruz that not many tourists get to see.

Primark and KFC are often the main reason why tourists from the south visit Santa Cruz. But there's much more than that! It's the contrast between futuristic design and colonial architecture that gives the city a unique touch. The Auditorio Adán Martín is emblematic for the avant-garde architecture whereas the old town around Concepción church makes you feel like in a colonial city in South America. My favorite part is the Mercado de Africa, where they serve fresh seafood accompanied by a glass of cava. Here you'll discover tropical fruits and an unimaginable variety of potatoes (papas), quintessence of Canarian gastronomy.

Other hidden jewels are Sanabria Park with its "Flower Watch" and the terraces in Calle S. Francisco where you get the finest Canarian cuisine. From here it's only a stone's throw to the romantic "Plaza del Príncipe" where you'll end up having endless philosophical talks. Piazza del Lago has the VIP view on Plaza España and serves the best pizzas in town. 

Unfortunately Santa Cruz has no direct beaches. Therefore one of the island's largest sandy beaches, Las Teresitas, is only a 20 min drive away. On sundays, the beach bars will get you in a Carribean mood. Santa Cruz is also the best starting point to discover Tenerife's wild north: Anaga. It holds some of the best beaches on the island. Playa Punta Santiago and Benijo are the most spectacular ones and the restaurants like Casa Africa will serve you the freshest seafood. The reason of Tenerife's landscape variety is only one of some astonishing random facts about this unique island.

Compared to other capitals, Santa Cruz is really easygoing and its many parks and plazas invite to relax. As much as I enjoy this slowpaced urban life, I can't wait for our biig aventure to start: cross the Atlantic Ocean.

paulinaontheroad.com