Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the commercial capital of Tenerife, and is home to almost 30% of the islands resident population. Founded in 1494, Santa Cruz has grown to become an important regional capital and port with a population over 200,000.

It is frequented mainly by middle-aged couples, although younger people also find plenty to suit them, especially during carnival time in Feb.

However, in stark contrast to the harsh industrial suburbs of Santa Cruz, the centre of the city hosts a multitude of cultural attractions. For every bar in Playa de las Americas, Santa Cruz has either a monument, or sculpture, and for every tourist shop you'll find a museum or art gallery.

For those visitors who have never ventured any further than Playa de las Americas, a trip to Santa Cruz will be a real eye opener, and will hopefully show that there is more to Tenerife than neon lit all night bars, and all day British breakfasts.

Locality:

Santa Cruz is located on the SE-facing coast of Tenerife's N spur, 38 mls NE of Reina Sofia international airport, 4 mls E of Tenerife N domestic airport. Draped over steep foothills descending to the Atlantic; the centre of town is relatively flat.