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Few who visit Santa Cruz leave disappointed
The first stop on my recommended tenerife guide is it's capital Santa Cruz.
I just can't understand why so few visitors to Tenerife actually bother to go to Santa Cruz?
It has so much to offer, and is so different from the rest of the island that it is at least worth a day trip!
As Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz is a very relaxed city and not too many tourists and in that respect is a great opportunity to see the proper Tenerife.
With a population of around 200,000 Santa Cruz accounts for approximately half the islands population, as most locals live in the more lush Northern part of the Island.
Ramblas General Franco, a popular boulevard in Santa Cruz
It is one of the biggest ports in Spain, and directly benfits from historical trans-Atlantic trade, as well as the frequent cruise liners that have it as a stop, It is now quite as size-able container port too.
But it's The beauty of the city, with it's leafy squares, sea front promenade and the colonial Spanish architecture, especially some of the churches which make it an absolute must to visit.
As a bonus however, it has been a free port since 1852, so it benefits from many tax free saving, clothes and leather goods are especially good value, consequently Santa Cruz represents the best shopping in tenerife.
Modern civic buildings mix with original architecture.
In fact the prices are that good I tend to wait until I get to Santa Cruz and pick up any holiday clothes I need, more especially from places like Zara who are a Spanish chain quite well known on the high street now.
The city has a long history going back as far as 1494 and the Conquistadors, and the architecture in the city reflects that Spanish colonial feel.
In fact, Santa Cruz is the location of Lord Admiral Nelsons only defeat, and in a battle in which he lost his arm.
While there are more modern buildings rising all the time, there are pockets of the city that almost transport you back centuries.
You can get around on foot quite easily as the city is not that big, it's best to start at the waterfront from the Plaza de Espana.
But walk to the adjoining square Plaza de la Candelaria, it has good shops, bars and restaurants, and then on to Calle del Castillo, the main shopping street of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz is a beautiful place which you'll be glad you took time to visit, I guarantee you an absolutely great day out.
A tenerife guide would surely point you in the direction of Sanat Cruz as a place to visit, It has a colonial Spainish character
Why Tenerife, Well for a start the weather in Tenerife is fantastic, The Island has a temperate climate with Average temperature's in the low 20's
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