Santa Cruz holidays

With an array of fresh fruits and seafood, Tenerife offers a range of delightful delicacies. The most popular dish consists of papas arrugadas – potatoes boiled in salted water – and fish, particularly parrotfish or wreckfish. This is typically paired with mojo, a tasty sauce made of peppers, olive oil and garlic. As simple as it sounds, it is a must-try when visiting any of the Canary Islands. If you crave something sweet, sample their papaya or Principe Alberto, a dessert featuring hazelnuts, chocolate and coffee.

Playa de Las Teresitas is a dreamy, one-and-a-half kilometre long beach, framed by two tall green mountains. By far the most popular in the area, this beach offers a range of amenities and the opportunity to try surfing. That’s without mentioning the best part of all: the majestic scenery. The water is pristine and crystal clear, melting into the blue sky almost seamlessly. Expect powder-soft sand that radiates gold when the sun hits it, which it nearly always does in sunny Tenerife. If Playa de Las Teresitas isn’t for you, there are a selection of other beaches to explore. With its black volcanic sand and sparkling sea, Playa de Radazul is a smaller beach with a lot to offer. Ideal for families and couples, this spot is surrounded by striking rocky cliffs, offering a unique view.

As the capital city of Tenerife, you’ll never get bored in Santa Cruz. This city has an energetic vibe that everyone will adore, as well as a plethora of activities to get stuck into. Once you’ve finished snoozing under the sun, head to one of these locations for a different kind of fun.

Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Appreciate another side of nature with a visit to Santa Cruz’s botanical garden, Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. While it specialises in palm trees, there are plenty of other exotic plants to stop and admire. You get a fantastic view of the ocean as you walk through the garden, allowing you to truly admire the beauty of Santa Cruz. Not only will you get to admire the plants, but you’ll spot plenty of lizards, butterflies and birds too.

Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa: If you want to immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the Canaries, a trip to the local marketplace is in order. Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa is one of the most popular markets in Santa Cruz, offering a selection of delights. This includes a plethora of fresh food, local art, jewellery and spices, all of which are made or grown in the area. Pick up a souvenir or tuck into the hot food they have on offer if you’re peckish.

Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín: Often compared to Australia’s famous Sydney Opera House, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín is an iconic part of Tenerife. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this beautiful building is guaranteed to grab your attention. The contemporary building hosts events such as operas and concerts. Even if you can’t see one, it’s worth exploring the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín or soaking up the creative atmosphere at the indoor cafe.