One of the most impressive architectural features of Santa Cruz is undoubtedly the new Auditorio de Tenerife building, which is built on 5.7 acre site of former dockland that has been re-generated at a cost of several millions of Euros. The design of the Auditorio is based upon a distinctive, overhanging "wave" which is then covered with millions of reflective white tiles. The building serves as the home of the Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra, and also the venue for performances of dance, theatre, and zarzuela, which is a form of Spanish operetta. For further information about forthcoming concerts, the Auditorio may be contacted at:
Auditorio de Tenerife
Avda. Constitucion
38003
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: +34 922 568 600
Fax: +34 922 568 602
Web site: www.auditoriodetenerife.com

Adjacent to the Auditorio, is the impressive sea front lido 'Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique', which as we briefly mentioned on our General Introduction page is the most popular place in Santa Cruz to relax and swim in the Canarian sunshine. Although not as large as the lido in Puerto de la Cruz, it does nevertheless cover an area of 22,000 square metres, and offers visitors a choice of 3 swimming pools, sun terraces, and a gymnasium, along with a selection of bars and restaurants. The lido is open every day from 10am to 6pm, and admission is quite reasonable at around £2.50 for adults and children £1.00. Contact details are:
Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique
Avenida de la Constitucion, s/n
38003
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: +34 922 203 244
Fax: +34 922 203 261

Although the port at Santa Cruz takes up practically the whole of the city coastline, local residents don't lose out, as less than 7km north of the centre is perhaps the island's best beach, the mile long golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas.

Although this beach is rarely discovered by visitors to Tenerife, it is nevertheless still very crowded with local residents at weekends and public holidays. The few tourists that do make this short journey north, cannot fail to be impressed by its facilities that include free showers, retail kiosks, toilets, restaurants and a Red Cross post, all of which are then backed by extensive car parking areas.

The beach was extended and improved in 1973 with sands brought over from the Spanish Sahara, and the planting of numerous palm trees along its length. The beach itself shelves gently into the sea making it ideal for swimming. Getting there by public transport is relatively painless as the Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife Linea 910 route leaves Santa Cruz every 10 minutes throughout the day heading towards Playa de Las Teresitas via the fishing village of San Andres.

Although not in the same league as either RCD Mallorca or Real Madrid, no pun intended, the residents of Santa Cruz are no less proud of their own football team the Club Deportivo Tenerife. The stadium of CD Tenerife is actually a short drive from the centre of Santa Cruz, in the area known as San Cristobal de La Laguna, and although you won't get to see the likes of either Beckham or Owen playing, you do nevertheless usually get a see a good game of football played most weeks.

The high point of the Santa Cruz cultural calendar usually takes places during the last two weeks of February each year, for this is when the annual carnival is held. The Santa Cruz Carnival is widely recognised around the World as being only second in size to the annual Rio carnival.

The central event always takes place on Shrove Tuesday, when huge processions and parades take over the whole of the city centre, with many of the participants wearing colourful costumes that they have spent the whole year making. The carnival always closes with an open air party and massive fireworks display. More information on this year's programme of activities and events can be found on their official web site www.carnavaltenerife.com.

If you've ever visited Tenerife before you will be aware that nearby Puerto de la Cruz is the home of one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, namely the Loro Parque. The park is actually situated in the Punta Brava district of the resort, near to the Playa Jardin beach. A free mini train runs from the Avenida de Colon in Puerto de la Cruz, which for those of you unfamiliar with the town is near to the Hotel San Felipe. Although the entrance fee to the park isn't cheap, it is however worth it, as it will take you the full day to fully explore all of the attractions. Contact details are:
Loro Parque
38400
Puerto de la Cruz
Tenerife
Telephone: +34 922 373 841
Fax: +34 922 375 021
Web site: www.loroparque.com

Situated in La Villa de La Orotava in the north of the island, Pueblo Chico is the first model village in the Canary Islands. Opened to the public in 1999, the attraction covers an area of around 20,000 square meters and has permanent displays of a variety of traditional Canarian buildings and landscapes, as well as a scale model of South Tenerife Airport, all faithfully recreated on a scale of 1:25. The route takes you round the park to show you miniatures of the great urban facilities, right through to the representation of the Cliff of Los Gigantes and the lunar landscape of Mount Teide, two of the most outstanding attractive natural features of the Canaries. Admission to the park is quite reasonable at around £12 for adults and £6 for children over 4. Contact details for more information about the park are:
Pueblo Chico
Tf 5 - Salida 35
Camino Cruz de Los Martillos 62
38300
La Orotava
Tenerife
Telephone +34 922 334 060
Fax +34 922 320 660
Web site: www.pueblochico.com