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Attractions

One of the most impressive architectural features of Santa Cruz is undoubtedly the new Auditorio de Tenerife building, which is built on 5.7 acre site of former dockland that has been re-generated at a cost of several millions of Euros. The design of the Auditorio is based upon a distinctive, overhanging "wave" which is then covered with millions of reflective white tiles. The building serves as the home of the Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra, and also the venue for performances of dance, theatre, and zarzuela, which is a form of Spanish operetta. For further information about forthcoming concerts, the Auditorio may be contacted at:
Auditorio de Tenerife
Avda. Constitución, nº 1
38003
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: +34 922 568 600
Fax: +34 922 568 602
Web site: www.auditoriodetenerife.com

Adjacent to the Auditorio, is the impressive sea front lido 'Parque Marítimo Cesar Manrique', which as we briefly mentioned on our General Introduction page is the most popular place in Santa Cruz to relax and swim in the Canarian sunshine. Although not as large as the lido in Puerto de la Cruz, it does nevertheless cover an area of 22,000 square metres, and offers visitors a choice of 3 swimming pools, sun terraces, and a gymnasium, along with a selection of bars and restaurants. The lido is open every day from 10am to 6pm, and admission is quite reasonable at around £2.50 for adults and children £1.00. Contact details are:
Parque Marítimo César Manrique
Avenida de la Constitucion, s/n
38003
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: +34 922 203 244
Fax: +34 922 203 261

Although the port at Santa Cruz takes up practically the whole of the city coastline, local residents don't lose out, as less than 7km north of the centre is perhaps the island's best beach, the mile long golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas. Although this beach is rarely discovered by visitors to Tenerife, it is nevertheless still very crowded with local residents at weekends and public holidays. The few tourists that do make this short journey north, cannot fail to be impressed by its facilities that include free showers, retail kiosks, toilets, restaurants and a Red Cross post, all of which are then backed by extensive car parking areas. The beach was extended and improved in 1973 with sands brought over from the Spanish Sahara, and the planting of numerous palm trees along its length. The beach itself shelves gently into the sea making it ideal for swimming. Getting there by public transport is relatively painless as the Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife Linea 910 route leaves Santa Cruz every 10 minutes throughout the day heading towards Playa de Las Teresitas via the fishing village of San Andres.

Although not in the same league as either RCD Mallorca or Real Madrid, no pun intended, the residents of Santa Cruz are no less proud of their own football team the Club Deportivo Tenerife. The stadium of CD Tenerife is actually a short drive from the centre of Santa Cruz, in the area known as San Cristobal de La Laguna, and although you won't get to see the likes of either Beckham or Owen playing, you do nevertheless usually get a see a good game of football played most weeks.

The high point of the Santa Cruz cultural calendar usually takes places during the last two weeks of February each year, for this is when the annual carnival is held. The Santa Cruz Carnival is widely recognised around the World as being only second in size to the annual Rio carnival. The central event always takes place on Shrove Tuesday, when huge processions and parades take over the whole of the city centre, with many of the participants wearing colourful costumes that they have spent the whole year making. The carnival always closes with an open air party and massive fireworks display. More information on this year's programme of activities and events can be found on their official web site www.carnavaltenerife.com.

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