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The weather is mild all year, with warm summers and gentle winters, and the city is sunnier and drier than the green north coast of the island. Summer is hottest, and winter can be cloudy with some rain.

Carnival, in February or March, is the major event, with parades, music and costumes. It is the busiest time of year, so book early.

• Plaza de España is the main square, with a large fountain and a monument, next to the Cabildo building.
• Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín is a white concert hall by the architect Santiago Calatrava, shaped like a wave, which is a symbol of the city.
• Playa de las Teresitas is a long golden beach with palm trees, about 8 km from the center.
• Montañas de Anaga are the Anaga mountains, a nature reserve with ancient laurel forest and walking trails.
• Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología (MUNA) is a museum of nature and archaeology, with a collection on the Guanches, the island's native people.
• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is the main church, with a Baroque tower.
• Palmetum de Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a botanical garden of palms.
• Parque Marítimo César Manrique is a seawater swimming complex designed by César Manrique.
• Playa de Benijo is a wild beach on the north coast, in the Anaga area.
• Rambla del General Franco is a wide avenue and shopping district.
• Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias is a military museum in a 19th-century building.
• Centro de Arte La Recova is an art center in the former market hall.

• Spend a day at Las Teresitas beach.
• Hike one of the laurel forest trails in the Anaga mountains.
• Join Carnival if you visit in February or March.

• La Laguna (about 9 km, 15 minutes by tram): a UNESCO World Heritage colonial town.
• Teide National Park (about 60 km, 1.5 hours by car): the volcano Teide and its lunar landscape.
• La Orotava (about 45 km): a historic valley town with wooden balconies.
• Garachico (about 70 km): a coastal town with natural lava pools.
• Anaga Rural Park (about 20 km): hiking, viewpoints and fishing villages.

Other places on Tenerife and nearby:

• Tenerife: Tenerife, La Orotava and Garachico.
• Nature: Teide National Park.
• Nearby islands: Gran Canaria and La Gomera.

• By air: Tenerife North airport (TFN) is about 12 km from the center and has domestic and some European flights. Tenerife South airport (TFS) is about 70 km away and has more international routes.
• By ferry: The port has ferries to the other Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma.
• By bus: Frequent buses (TITSA) link the city with the airports and the island.

• On foot: The center is compact and mostly flat. Most sights are within a 15 to 20 minute walk.
• Tram: A tram line links the center with La Laguna.
• Public transport: TITSA buses reach the beach at Las Teresitas and the Anaga mountains.

• Is a car worth it?: Not for the city. A car helps for Teide, the north coast and villages.
• Parking: Use an underground car park in the center.
• Restrictions: Parts of the center are pedestrian only. Mountain roads in Anaga are narrow and winding.

Canarian food is simple and based on local produce. Papas arrugadas (small wrinkled potatoes) are served with mojo sauces, red or green. Fresh fish, grilled cheese and gofio (toasted grain flour) are typical.

Local wines come from the volcanic slopes of the island.

Santa Cruz is a safe city. The sun is strong all year, so wear sun protection. Atlantic currents at the beaches can be strong, so swim where lifeguards are on duty, and take care on mountain trails in fog or rain.

Santa Cruz was founded in 1494 by the conqueror Alonso Fernández de Lugo, as a port on the route between Spain and the Americas. In 1797 the British admiral Horatio Nelson lost his arm in a failed attack on the town.

It replaced La Laguna as the capital of the Canary Islands in the 19th century, and today it shares the role of regional capital with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Quick practical facts for Spain at a glance: