The capital of Tenerife is a lively and attractive city, marked by some outstanding architectural attractions. Foremost of these is the magnificent Auditorio de Tenerife, an opera house and concert hall overlooking the sea, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
The concert hall hosts world class performers, conductors, and orchestras. Santa Cruz has other cultural highlights, including the excellent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, where you'll find works by Spanish, Flemish, and Canarian painters. At the fascinating Museum of Nature and Man, you can learn more about Tenerife's native people, before the arrival of European settlers, and about the volcanic history of the island.
Close to the museum, the lively Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa is a good place to find local crafts. Santa Cruz is where you'll find the best shopping on Tenerife, and also the Canaries' most famous event, the annual carnival, marked by lavish parades, shows, and extravagant costumes
