Why go?

To escape the winter blues, while at the same time discovering a port city that’s steeped in history, with a refreshingly modern outlook. What began in the 15th century as a humble group of houses fortified against any invasion of Tenerife’s then capital, La L aguna, has flourished into a cool and colourful Spanish city where contemporary architecture sits alongside historic monuments and traditional houses. Brush up on your Spanish and navigate your way through tree-lined avenues and parks. With an average annual temperature of 21°C, it’s the ideal place to catch some winter sun.

What to do

Located in the centre, Plaza de España is the largest square in the city and a good place to start exploring. A short stroll away, you’ll come to the Iglesia de la Concepción, an impressive grey-and-white Catholic church dating back to the 15th century. Inside, there’s a Baroque altarpiece and detailed Islamic-style artwork on the ceiling. Nearby, the Centro de Arte la Recova, housed in a former market building, is now used as a cultural centre containing a collection of contemporary Spanish art. While here, step inside the Museo de Bellas Artes, which houses a permanent exhibition of paintings and sculptures, many by Canarian artists. Continuing in an artistic vein, hit Calle de Castillo and you’ll come to a huge bronze sculpture of a theatrical mask that signals your arrival at the Teatro Guimerá. Opened in 1851 and named after Canarian writer and playwright Angel Guimerá, this frescoed building is the oldest theatre in the Canary Islands where you can watch ballet performances and concerts (teatroguimera.es). To admire the island’s most striking new landmark, head south of the city centre to the Auditorio de Tenerife (auditoriodetenerife.com). Completed in 2003, this dramatic, stark-white concert hall by the sea resembles a vast, outstretched swan’s wing. Finally, make your way to the historic Noria district, the coolest part of town. Here you’ll find lively locals and tapas bars, restaurants and pubs converted from old houses. Find an empty seat and sip a glass of baboso, a fruity local red.

Where to stay

Hotel Taburiente (00 34 922 276000, hoteltaburiente.com) features an interior decorated with glass vases, glossy furniture and large mirrors. It’s located opposite the beautiful García Sanabria park, so ask for a room with a view. In the city centre, you’ll find Hotel Adonis Plaza (00 34 922 272453, adonisresorts.com) with basic rooms, a friendly restaurant and a terrace overlooking a small square. Enjoy breakfast in Hotel Colón Rambla’s garden (00 34 922 272550, hotelcolonrambla.com). The hotel also has a swimming pool and spacious apartment-style rooms that each come with a living area and a small kitchenette.

Where to eat and drink

Close to Teatro Guimerá, La Hierbita (00 34 922 244617, lahierbita.com) oozes character. Expect creaky floorboards, tatty menus and simply delicious food – try Canarian speciality papas arrugadas con mojo – small, wrinkly, lip-smackingly salty potatoes with spicy pepper sauce – and Spanish cheeses including manchego and cuajada. Los Reunidos (00 34 922 241028, tfe.es) is a tapas, pub and wine bar in one, serving traditional food with a twist – like pork steak with strawberries and brown sugar sauce, or pork fillet with apple sauce and vegetables. By day, it’s filled with shoppers and tourists and by night it’s a popular watering hole for locals. Try some island specialities at La Bodeguita Canaria (00 34 922 293216, bodeguitacanaria.es) a small restaurant next to Plaza España. Sample a selection of montaditos, small slices of toasted bread with toppings including Iberican ham, and ropa vieja, a traditional Canarian stew made with shredded meat, chickpeas and potatoes.

Time running out?

Make time to head to the African market (Calle San Sebastián) where you can pick up fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs, spices and dairy products.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Euro. Santa Cruz is on the same timeline as GMT. It’s a four hour and 45 minute flight from London to Tenerife South aiport. From there, it’s an hour’s drive to Santa Cruz.

Getting There

Monarch (monarch.co.uk) flies direct regularly to Tenerife South from London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Luton. Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies to Tenerife from various UK airports.

Resources

The Tenerife Tourism Corporation (webtenerife.com) provides practical information on visiting Santa Cruz.