Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife Island, Canary Islands. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife and sometimes the Canary Islands Destinations and carrier companies

Let's take a walk together around the capital of the island of Tenerife. What do you expect from the capital? Noise, traffic, business centers? Let's see.

Morning. Typical day. The city has already woken up and is breathing in the morning sea freshness. Lena and I leave the hotel. Life around is in full swing.

Opposite there is a small park. In the center, of course, there is a fountain, along the perimeter there are paths and flower beds. Children are frolicking, and mothers with strollers are having leisurely conversations. Everything is like on mainland Spain.

On each column along the perimeter there are flowerpots with petunias. During the night, the hardworking spiders managed to stretch their webs from the vase to the trees. I was the first to walk along the path today and collected all the cobwebs with my cap.

We are in the old city, if you can call it that. All the buildings are in perfect condition, so it’s hard to tell whether they are new or old. On the right you can see the columns of the City Museum of Fine Arts.

In the same block there is a huge church of St. Francis of Assisi. The doors are open. People come and go.

The park in front of the temple was very disappointing - there were artificial grasses.

We are moving towards the ocean to Plaza de España. The driver of a double-decker excursion bus persuades British pensioners to take a breeze through the city's attractions. I don’t think it’s worth buying an expensive ticket for the red bus here. There's not much to see in the city.

Plaza de España is an unusual square. The entire area is occupied by an artificial pond with green water. There are alpine slides along the perimeter, there is a cafe and a tourist center, and a large paid parking lot has been buried underground.

Before the trip, I bought a new Sony 35mm lens for my camera. I tried to take portrait photographs. Removes well, but too limited use. When walking around the city, you need a good zoom to capture all the details of the city.

There are even several skyscrapers in Santa Cruz, but small ones. Later I will show you the Canary Twin Towers.

This is Monumento a los Caidos, as translated by Google - a monument to the fallen.

I love the palm trees in the city center! This is Plaza Candelaria. There are many cafes here, so we decided to have lunch.

In Tenerife, restaurants have quite affordable prices. Like you in Spain, menus of the day are common here, when for €8-12 you get a first, second and dessert. We often take one menu for two. I was asked how the waiters react when you ask to share one dish between two people? It’s normal, they always bring extra cutlery. Only once in the Czech Republic we were asked to pay extra for a plate, but this is the Czech Republic, they love to scam people out of money.

What’s strange is that mighty palm trees 2 stories high grow from small tubs, how can they not fall!

Yes, Tenerife has a tram line. Unfortunately, these are not old trams, but rather modern ones.

Palm trees look gorgeous against the blue sky. Tenerife has an indescribable atmosphere of a European city with African nature.

I love dragon brothers. On the way back, right at the airport, I bought a seedling of this plant, now it makes me happy on the window of the house, along with the Canarian Aloe Vera from my last trip. This Aloe is growing by leaps and bounds, already occupying the entire windowsill. I put it on the balcony for the summer, now I’m wondering where to keep this monster in the winter?

I heard a noise on the next street. We came to have a look. A bunch of people are standing along the wall, drinking various drinks. The sounds of a feast can be heard from the windows of the house opposite. Maybe a wedding or anniversary? Mom and daughter looked at me and pointed their fingers at me.

A white moped flaunts under a tree. There is a meaningful inscription “Like” on the steering wheel.

Lena takes pictures of me like I take pictures of a moped.

We came to the Baranco de Santos embankment, but there was no river! The riverbed is thoroughly concreted. People walking their dogs.

Cheerful yellow Canary house. Definitely with tiles. If you don't have painted tiles on your wall, then you're not trendy.

Young people drink beer and grill meat on the roof across the street.

The mighty root of the tree resembles the skin of a seal, just as lazy and clumsy.

In the bar opposite, a well-fed man is enjoying himself in the sun. He sips his beer with an important air and slowly turns over the pages of the book. He spat, rubbed his fingers, scribbled the page, and then turned it over.

Again I caught a multi-colored Canarian tram in the frame. They rush around here quickly.

The Parroquia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de La Concepción church can be seen from afar. Such typical Canarian architecture.

We walk along the port. They brought in a giant oil platform. I heard that the Canarians are vehemently opposed to oil production in the region, but who will listen to them when so much money is circulating!

And we reached the main building in Santa Cruz - .

In the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife stands a marvel of avant-garde architecture, a magnificent masterpiece by Santiago Calatrava, a symbol of the city and the entire Canary Islands - the building of the Auditorio de Tenerife. The island's concert hall is one of the most striking and significant art objects in Spain.

The Auditorio de Tenerife has become a striking modern example of expressionist architecture. The area of ​​the Concert Hall was about 6.5 m². The total length of the roof structure, located at a height of 50 meters, reached one hundred meters; its weight was 350 tons. The curved exterior lines of the building were repeated in the interior spaces and music rooms of the Auditorio.

It was the end of January, the city was preparing for Carnival. Various attractions were brought to the island from somewhere. Faded slides, a Ferris wheel, a room of terror.

Interesting angle, right? It's like looking under a peacock's tail.

What colossal calculations of strength of strength did the architect have to perform in order to sculpt a giant sharp beak from concrete.

Interesting art object. On the shore, instead of breakwaters, there are piles of cobblestones. Various artists depicted portraits of musicians, singers, and composers on them. I counted as many as 3 Michael Jacksons! They love him.

You need to stop for a minute, freeze, take a deep breath of the invigorating sea air, and feel the power of the wind.

In a small backwater near the concert hall I found rusty fishing ships.

From the back side, the Auditorio looks like a butt, is this the author’s funny idea?

- Your leg is pointing to the left for some reason.

There are very funny fortresses in the Canaries. Under the formidable name Castillo de San Juan hides this miracle that looks like a garage.

Graffiti: Virgin Mary with a cute cat and dog.

A bar with an indecent name.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island to which our site is dedicated, as well as the province of the same name. In addition to Tenerife, it includes the islands of El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera.

Once upon a time, not far from Santa Cruz, the Spanish history of the island began. In 1494, the conquistadors first landed in the town of Añasa, now located eight kilometers from the capital. However, in those days it was not safe to settle on the coast, so after the conquest the Spaniards built their first city in a sheltered valley. This is how San Cristobal de la Laguna was born. In the same place where Santa Cruz now lies, there was only a fishing village.

Later, an important port appeared here, which already in 1723 allowed Santa Cruz de Tenerife to receive capital status. Today it is the second largest port in Spain, where the most famous and largest ships call. The population of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is more than 220 thousand inhabitants, which by Canarian standards gives the city the right to be considered very large.

Many major European cities today represent an amazing synthesis of modernity and history. This is also the capital of Tenerife, the largest of the islands of the Canary archipelago. On the one hand, there are huge shopping centers, brands known throughout the world, the newest tram line... on the other, narrow old streets and small houses that keep the secrets of past centuries.

Attractions of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Auditorio de Tenerife

One of the symbols of the capital, built by the notorious architect Santiago Calatrava. Inside there is a large concert hall, which hosts performances by both local groups and world stars.

Castillo de San Juan

The fort, now in the shadow of the huge Auditorio building, is one of the oldest landmarks in Santa Cruz. It was built on the coast in the mid-17th century to protect the port, famous at that time for the slave trade from Africa, from attacks from the sea. Named after John the Baptist. The fort's second name is Black Castle (Castillo Negro).
Every year at the end of July, a performance is held here that recreates the events of 1797, when the British attack led by the legendary Admiral Nelson was repulsed at the Battle of Santa Cruz. It was in this battle that he lost his arm.

Torres de Santa Cruz

Not far from the Auditorio you can see two skyscrapers - twin residential towers, built in 2004 and 2006. Their height is 120 meters. These are the tallest buildings in all of the Canary Islands and the tallest pair of twin towers in all of Spain. Interestingly, a quarter of the total area of ​​the buildings is underground.

Carnival emblems on Constitution Avenue (Avenida de la Constitución)

For many years, in February–March, Tenerife hosts a carnival known throughout the world (it is considered second in scope after the Brazilian one). Each carnival has its own emblem. You can see the images created for the celebrations of past years on the Avenue of the Constitution (Avenida de la Constitución). You need to go from the old fort, towards the exit from the city. The emblems are built directly into the pedestrian path.

Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África

This curious building, recognizable by its arched vaults and pink clock tower, is located on San Sebastian Avenue. The most unusual thing about it, perhaps, is its purpose: Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa, despite all its architectural sophistication, is a two-story market built in 1943. Moreover, the market is active. You need to come before lunch, and best of all - in the morning: at this time you can buy the freshest vegetables and fruits, flowers, seafood (including oysters), cheeses, poultry, and spices. On Sundays, in the morning, there is a flea market where they sell souvenirs and various original things.

Teatro Guimera

The attention of passers-by is primarily attracted by the bronze sculpture installed in front of the theater façade. The sculpture in the form of a huge female face is named Per Adriano (“For Adriano”). It was created in 1993 by the famous Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj, whose “faces” adorn more than one world capital.

The theater itself is also noteworthy - it is the oldest in the Canary Islands. The building was built in 1849 in the classical Romanesque style, after which it was repeatedly completed and reconstructed. The theater has been named after Angel Guimera (the author of many famous plays, a native of Santa Cruz de Tenerife) since 1925. On this stage you can see not only dramatic, but also dance and musical performances.

Masonic Temple (Templo Masónico de Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

The building, located at the intersection of Calle San Lucas and Calle Viera y Clavijo, was built more than a hundred years ago by order of a local Masonic workshop. The temple has been under reconstruction for quite some time, so you can only explore it from the outside.

Ancient Egyptian symbols were used to decorate the temple: under the very roof there is an eye with rays radiating from it (“Radiant Delta”), figures of sphinxes are installed below, and an eagle spreads its wings above the entrance.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción

Among the Catholic churches of the city, this one occupies a special place. Here, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is a cross erected on the coast of Añas by the conquistadors who arrived here to conquer the island at the end of the 15th century. There was also a place for captured British flags, preserved from the Battle of Santa Cruz.

The chapel on this site was built already in 1498, literally two years after the final conquest of Tenerife - after all, in those days, conquests went hand in hand with Christian missionary work. It is no coincidence that the Church of the Immaculate Conception has the title “Mother Church” (Iglesia Matriz), emphasizing its importance in the spread of Catholicism in the Canaries. In addition, it was from this square that the city grew.

The current appearance of the building, the distinctive feature of which is the spire, is the result of reconstruction carried out after the fire of 1652 and completed only in the second half of the 18th century. This only five-nave church in the Canaries is also interesting for its interior - in particular, the altar.

Plaza de España

According to the architects' idea, the central square of the city and the entire island was turned into a kind of bowl with sea water and a fountain in the middle. The original lighting also corresponds to this idea: light bulbs placed in garlands around the perimeter are made in the shape of water drops of different sizes.

The architectural dominant of the square is a huge obelisk (Monumento de los Caidos) in the shape of a cross, dedicated to the residents of Tenerife who died during the Spanish Civil War. At the top of the obelisk there is an observation deck, below there is a now empty underground chapel. Part of the composition is a group of sculptures.

Behind the obelisk is the Tenerife government building - the Cabildo Insular, an example of architecture from the 1930s. The main tourist information office of the island is located in the same monumental building with a clock, where you can purchase a good map of the city with landmarks.

Plaza de España was built on the site where San Cristobal Castle once stood, protecting the city from pirates. Now the walls of the castle can only be seen underground, where galleries have been built specifically for this purpose - outwardly they look like angular dark buildings covered with plants. The exhibition is called Centro de Interpretación “Castillo de San Cristóbal”. Admission is free, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.

The continuation of the square is the green and shady Alley of the Duke of St. Helena (Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena). There is a marble fountain brought from Genoa in the year the alley was built.

Plaza de la Candelaria

Plaza de la Candelaria, located next to Plaza España, was founded much earlier - back in 1701. Previously, there was a source of drinking water here, and the name was appropriate - La Pila (literally - “pool, reservoir”). Subsequently, instead of a source, a monument dedicated to Santa Candelaria, patroness of the Canary Islands, was erected in the center of the square.

The obelisk "Triumph of Candelaria" symbolizes the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the indigenous population of the archipelago, the Guanches, and their conversion to Christianity. The composition consists of four Mensei (Guanche rulers) and the Virgin. Previously, they were complemented by four angels riding dolphins - symbols of the seasons. However, this part of the composition was damaged in 1825, after which it was removed.

Among the buildings located on the square, it is worth noting the Rodriguez Carta Palace (Palacio de los Rodriguez Carta), dating back to the 17th century. If you go inside, you can see a luxurious courtyard with verandas and stairs made of dark wood.

The pedestrian Calle del Castillo, which runs up from Candelaria Square, is home to many small shops. For tourists who want to spend time shopping, combining it with a walk through the city streets, this is the most suitable place. But do not forget that many shops close for siesta from one in the afternoon to half past four.

Duck Square (Plaza de los Patos)

This small but very green square is loved by the residents of Santa Cruz. The stone benches installed here are decorated with ceramic tiles with various patterns, and plaques stylized as advertisements from a previous era are attached to the center of the backs. Duck Square is called because of the fountain, in the center of which there is a stone duck.

Rambla de Santa Cruz

One of the largest and most beautiful streets in the capital of the island. Consisting of elegant buildings, numerous restaurants and cafes, it stretches in a semicircle through almost the entire city. Where the street reaches the coast and intersects with Avenida de Francisco la Roche, there is a huge monument to General Franco. The street itself was named after him for a long time (on many maps it is still designated as Rambla del General Franco).

The street is decorated with palm and laurel trees, as well as modern sculptures, making it a kind of arts boulevard. There are signs on the trees with the names of great artists: Warhol, Michelangelo, Vermeer and others. On Sundays there is a flea market here.

Park García Sanabria

Parque García Sanabria, named after the mayor who approved its construction, is the largest urban park in the entire Canary archipelago, rightfully considered the “lungs” of the city of Santa Cruz. It was created in the 1920s and today has a rich collection of plants, mainly tropical and subtropical. Here you can also find a brief summary of the history of the island: on the backs of three benches, the landing of the conquistadors, the everyday life of the Guanches and their defeat at the Battle of Acentejo are depicted.

At the entrance to the park, which can be reached along Calle del Pilar, there is a large flower bed with a clock built into it, next to which guests of the capital like to take pictures. Citizens often make appointments here. Two grand staircases to the right and left of the clock lead to the central fountain, where, at the intersection of two alleys, there are monuments to Mayor Garcia Sanabria and Doctor Guigo, who at one time proposed building the park.

Las Teresitas Beach

Those who want to combine a “metropolitan” vacation with a beach vacation should go to the town of San Andres, located seven kilometers from Santa Cruz. It is here that the beautiful artificial beach of Las Teresitas is located, more than a kilometer long, surrounded by mountain ranges. It was developed back in the 1970s, when about four million bags of yellow sand were brought here from the Sahara Desert, and Canary palm trees were planted along the shore.

A stone dam built along the entire beach protects it from waves and allows the water to warm up. This is a serviced area: rental of sun loungers and umbrellas is organized, there is a shower, parking, restaurants and a medical center. Access is free, like all beaches in Spain.

Mirador de los Campitos

The Mirador de los Campitos viewpoint offers views of the residential area of ​​Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the port and the lower part of La Laguna. On a clear day you can see the island of Gran Canaria almost in detail; It is especially interesting to explore the surroundings with binoculars. To get to the observation deck, you need to take the Los Campitos Highway (Carretera de los Campitos).

View of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (weather online) via webcam

The capital of the archipelago (Canary Islands), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located in the northeast and is tightly surrounded by the Anaga mountain system.

History of the capital Tenerife

The city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was founded in the 15th century on the site where the first Spaniards landed. These were far from tourists, and pursued very specific goals. The Empire needed to expand its own territories. A wooden cross was erected at the landing site of the Spaniards; this became a historical place and a starting point in the growth of the future capital of the Canary Islands. Years passed and Santa Cruz turned from a small port town into a modern metropolis, with many narrow streets in the old center, large squares and green park areas. And of course with gorgeous beaches and developed tourist infrastructure.

The most port city of the island

The conquistadors also noted the favorable geopolitical position of the future capital of the island; in their times, Santa Cruz de Tenerife became the most important port. Moreover, in our time it is considered the third largest and most important port in Spain. It is an important logistics hub in transcontinental trade routes, connecting Europe with Africa and the Americas. Every day in the port of Santa Cruz you can see ships flying the flags of different countries of the world. Small tourist ferries, as well as giant ocean liners, also stop here.

Attractions Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Of course, the capital of Tenerife does not live up to the title of metropolis: the entire city can easily be walked on foot. Let's take a walk through the very center of the city and learn about the main attractions of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. All of them are concentrated mainly near the Plaza de España. The central place in Plaza de España is occupied by a memorial in memory of the bloody Civil War of 36-39 of the last century. Not far from the square is the Church of St. Francis, built in the 17th century. Another attraction of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is worth paying attention to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church, dating back to the 16th century. Inside it is kept the same wooden cross erected by the first Spanish settlers, and this is not only a symbol of the capital, but also of the entire Canary Islands. Walking to Plaza Candelaria, you will reach the main pedestrian street of the capital - Calle Castillo. Tourist and shopping life is in full swing here with shops, restaurants and cafes. The city's central market is located nearby: Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa. Here you can buy fresh products for dinner or try ready-made dishes. Despite the fact that it is far from the east, local sellers are not averse to bargaining.

Museums of the capital Tenerife

If you have a free minute, be sure to stop by the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. Here is a unique collection of household items from the Guanches, the indigenous population of the Canary Islands. These include mummies found in the caves of the island, farming tools, weapons, household items, household utensils, jewelry and much more. From Guanche weapons, let's move on to more recent times and look at the collection presented at the Military Museum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Armor, weapons from the times of the conquistadors and more modern types of weapons. The museum’s exposition also houses a truly unique specimen: according to legend, this is where the cannon is located, the shot from which tore off the hand of the famous Admiral Nelson. Whoever comes to the Canary Islands with a sword will be left without an arm. Let's move from weapons to the world of art and go to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Nature. Each of them has something to see and give an impression of the cultural life of the island, as well as flora and fauna.

Modern symbols of the city

Of course, this is a little strange, but this makes the building of the Auditorio Tenerife opera house, built in 2003, even more mysterious and attractive. The Canary Twin Towers look interesting, rising to a height of more than 100 meters. Timeless in Santa Cruz de Tenerife there is another symbol - the largest park in the entire archipelago - García Sanabria. Its area is more than 67 thousand square meters. m. True, it must be said that the capital of Tenerife is itself a very green city. Trees grow on every street in the city.

Carnaval de Tenerife

Once a year, in February or March, the capital Tenerife hosts a carnival, which is considered one of the largest and most colorful in Europe. Residents of all islands and Europeans come to Santa Cruz especially for the holiday, not just to witness the action, but also to take an active part in it. At first glance, it seems that the carnival is a fun and simple pastime, but in fact, preparation for it takes many months. The holiday begins with the selection of the carnival queen, followed by a traditional horse parade, and therefore the wildest fun begins. The Carnival of Tenerife is even called little Rio for the similarity of colors and atmosphere. But it is worth saying that the Brazilian carnival, the Canary Carnival, is still inferior in scale.

Beach capital

To the east of the capital is located where the most popular and largest beach in this area of ​​the island is located. Tourists from Europe and island residents come here to bask in the sun and laze on the white sand. By the way, the sand here is real - from the Sahara Desert. In 1973, it was brought here in incredible quantities.
In the capital's suburbs there are several diving clubs, and the dives are intended for both beginners and seasoned divers. The underwater landscape is very beautiful and rich: coral reefs, underwater caves and even a real sunken ship. But it’s better not to go there; local underwater inhabitants have been living there for a long time: sharks, stingrays and barracudas.

In the vicinity of the capital

The capital of the Canary Islands is also the starting point for a variety of tourist routes. From here the journey starts for everyone who wants to conquer the highest point of Anagi - a mountain range at the foot of which is the village of San Andres. North of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the first capital of the island - the town of La Laguna, which, although it has lost the official status of the capital, is secretly the cultural capital. If you drive a decent distance from the capital, you should pay attention to

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a large city by Canarian standards, with a population of more than 200 thousand people. It got its name from the silver cross that the conquistadors hoisted when landing on the island. This cross is still kept today in the Church of Iglesia de la Concepcion, in Plaza España. Historically, Santa Cruz was a port town, but with the development of trade relations it acquired the significance of the administrative and business center of the island and from 1723 it became its capital. For many centuries, Tenerife was attacked by other countries, especially England. To protect the capital of the island, defensive fortresses and forts were built. One of the surviving structures from that era is Fort Castillo Negro, a silent witness to the 1797 battle in which Admiral Nelson lost his right arm.

There are few historically interesting buildings preserved in the city, but it is worth visiting the city. For the convenience of tourists, a distinctive red City Sightseeing excursion bus runs around the city, a ticket for which costs 16 € for adults and 8.5 € for children, the ticket is valid throughout the day.

The city center - Plaza de Espana - a space filled with water, looks unusual. The building on the square is the island's government. Not far away is the remarkable building of the Auditorio de Tenerife concert hall.

At the Museum of Nature and Man (Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre) you will learn about the origins of the island and its history, and see Guanche mummies.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also suitable for shopping. The island's capital is home to many shops selling well-known brands. The most notable building is the El Corte Ingles department store, Europe's largest chain of department stores. The pedestrian street Calle de Castillo is also notable for its many shops. Check out the city market (Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa), where you will find fresh vegetables and fruits, cheeses, and all kinds of spices.

Santa Cruz is a rather noisy and crowded city. Residents and guests of the city choose the large and beautiful city park Garcia Sanabria for walking and relaxing. Another great place for a walk is the Palmetum Botanical Garden.

And for a beach holiday they use the beautiful and large Playa de las Teresitas beach in the fishing village of San Andres, not far from the city, since the water area of ​​the capital is a large and modern cargo and passenger port.

The capital's nightlife comes alive during major holidays, the grandest of which is Carnival. It is believed that in terms of brightness and scale, the local carnival is second only to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

How to get there

From the south of the island there are direct bus routes 111 or 110 (express) to the final stop (Intercambiador).

Tourists by car should take the TF-1 highway.

Weather in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Check out the weather in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for the next seven days.

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is the modern capital of the Canary Islands. We went here straight from.

The coat of arms of Santa Cruz is interesting - 3 black leopards under a crown, which symbolize 3 repulsed attempts to capture the city by the British under the leadership of admirals: Robert Blake (1657), Jennings (1706) and Admiral Nelson himself (1797).

It's funny how all the lions have their tongues hanging out. The following associations come to mind: either the Spaniards “stick out their tongues” at the enemy invaders in this way, sort of like “here, take a bite,” or the attackers themselves are depicted, mortally tired of unsuccessful attempts at capture - so that they stick out their tongues.

Get to the capital of the Canaries and explore attractions You can take a beautiful modern tram, which has been running between Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz since 2007. They say that similar Spanish trams will soon appear in Moscow. Well, let us exclaim “Hallelujah” when this happens, since the tram is very comfortable, bright and modern. The tram stops also look very urban.

A big plus is that the tram driver does not have the opportunity to chat with passengers, as can often be seen on Canarian buses, where the loud “blah blah” between the driver and the passenger sitting nearby will be heard throughout the trip, which, however, does not interfere with good driving bus, but sometimes annoying.

Driving through Santa Cruz on the tram, you can see that this is a modern city. There are high-rise buildings, a lot of transport, something clearly similar to a university and student town.

We wanted to see a unique market Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa, built in African style in 1943, but it is only open until lunchtime. So we got to the Plaza Weyler stop with the square of the same name nearby and went looking for "Fountain of Love". This is a marble fountain created in Genoa. On Plaza Weyler There is also the building of the military commandant's office, where General Franco visited.

Continuing our walk around Santa Cruz, on one of the streets we saw local police officers. These were already mature men, but how strikingly different they were from our law enforcement officers - fit, serious. I can’t say that I’m crazy about people in uniform, but this sight of real men in tight boots would hardly leave any woman indifferent... Their prickly gaze, clearly not approving of being photographed, helped me come to my senses. From here - photos are only from the back.

Then, I don’t remember how, on foot or by tram, we got to the main square of Santa Cruz Plaza de Espana – Plaza of Spain. In the center of the square, surrounded by a fountain, is monument to the victims of the civil war, people who died during the Franco dictatorship - Monumento de los Caidos.

Despite the sad history symbolized by the monument, Plaza de España is mostly used by teenagers for riding bikes and boarding around the fountain. Who else will walk and drive there, given the heat in the open space. Only the funny round cacti feel at ease.

After visiting Plaza de España we went to the main department store in Tenerife – El Corte Inglés. Here you can buy good branded items at lower prices than in Russia.

Don’t even try to get a tax-free check at this department store - it will cost you 4-6 euros, especially since a significant discount is already included in the price of the goods. The manager, who speaks Russian very well (she was glad to receive such a compliment), will tell you about this, since many of our compatriots visit this store.

Having bought a few new things, satisfied with seeing the sights of La Laguna and Santa Cruz, we drove back north to.