Hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Sun, sand and old town charm await in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the bustling capital of Tenerife. The city's nearby beaches glisten with golden sand beneath the stunning Anaga mountains, providing excellent leisure and lounging activities. The city also features a wealth of cultural attractions, from historic monuments to museums and galleries, as well as a vibrant food scene.

There are plenty of affordable accommodation options in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, from city dwellings to waterfront properties.

Neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

There are many neighbourhoods to discover in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:

• Zona Centro: The historic downtown region of the city, you'll find a plenitude of pretty alleyways and historic buildings here. You'll also find a bulk of main attractions, including Plaza de España, Guimerá Theatre and the La Recova Art Centre.
• Los Llanos - El Cabo: This waterfront neighbourhood hosts a number of fine hotels and attractions. It’s also the business centre of the city, with sites of interest like the City of Justice, Tenerife Auditorium and the Basilica of Cabo Llanos.
• El Toscal: Renowned for its picture-postcard streets and multi-coloured houses, this neighbourhood features a number of excellent restaurants and hotels. You'll also find a charming baroque church here, the Parish of San Francisco de Asís.

What to see and do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Home to an evocative range of attractions and activities, Santa Cruz is far more than a port or beach town. There are first-rate museums, like the Museo de Bellas Artes and Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, which offer fantastic displays on science and the arts. The alluring Palmetum botanical garden is a great hidden gem to the south of town, offering idyllic views across the bay with pretty foliage and flowers. If you're looking to soak up the sun, the excellent Parque Marítimo César Manrique is a spectacular saltwater swimming complex with waterfalls and palm trees. There are also many outdoor activities and hiking trails to explore, from Cueva Roja to the Rural de Anaga Park.

What to eat in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Expect a vibrant food scene with a delicious array of local and regional dishes. One of the most popular food items is mojo, a sauce made from peppers, olive oil and garlic that you'll find in most restaurants. It's often served with potatoes as papas arrugadas. Atún en adobo is also a very popular local dish of marinated tuna. You'll find a wide variety of fresh seafood and fish restaurants, many of which are located along the marina and coast.

Typical events and festivals in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including important religious festivities like Reyes Magos and Corpus Christi. One of the city's most famed celebrations is Carnaval in February. This festival sees parties, parades and processions throughout the city, both in official events and street carnivals. Another noted event is Fiestas de la Cruz in May. This festival celebrates deep-rooted Canarian traditions and culture.

How to move around in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz is serviced by TITSA buses which ferry passengers throughout the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are also plentiful with major stands on Plaza España and by the main bus station. A rental car is advised if you want to explore the island on day trips.

The climate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz has a tropical semi-arid climate with hot summers reaching 29°C and mild winters which almost never dip below 16°C (and average 20°C). The average annual temperature here is 25°C.

More interesting facts about and sights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz has such a wonderful array of beaches and parks that you'll want to indulge in a picnic or two when staying here. Head to the pretty Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a fantastic market offering local specialities and produce like fresh bread, fruit, cheese, cold cuts and wine. One particularly tantalising stall is Mi Mundo Gourmet, where you'll find delicious local ham.