Travel Photos and Travel

The capital city of Tenerife; Santa Cruz offers tourists a cosmopolitan option to their time on the island and enables them to enjoy a uniquely Canarian experience. The city is set against the backdrop of the Anaga Mountains on the northeast coast of the island and visitors are attracted by the mile-long golden beach which is complemented by the hustle and bustle of the city and the busy port.

For those people on Canary Islands Holidays who wish to understand a little about the culture and history of the region, a must see in Santa Cruz is the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre.  Housed within the museum is a collection of mummified Gaunches – the first known inhabitants of the Canary Islands. This attraction is unique to Tenerife ensuring it is a popular spot for tourists.

For a more active experience of the culture of the island it is advisable to visit Santa Cruz during the annual Tenerife Carnival held in the two weeks leading up to Lent. It is not the only fiesta held in the city throughout the year but it is certainly the most popular. In contrast to the lively cosmopolitan atmosphere of Santa Cruz, visitors may wish to explore the ancient La Laguna. The city was formerly the capital of the island and was granted World Cultural and Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1999.

The Teide National Park is home to the stunning Mount Teide which is always a real draw for tourists in the region. The extinct volcano is the highest peak in Spain at 3,718m, with trips close to the summit providing breathtaking views of Tenerife and the surrounding islands, thus providing one of the abiding memories of the island for holiday makers. The National Park is home to other attractions such as the Pyramids of Guimar, forming six complex step pyramids with a rectangular base. Although similar to those built by the Mayans and Aztecs little is known regarding the origin of the pyramids.

Tenerife may boast much on land to keep a constant flow of tourists, but much of what can be found in the ocean is a particular draw. Diving and snorkelling are both popular activities on the island, whereas one of the most well received activities is whale and dolphin watching. The islands is on one of the main migration routes for whales ensuring the possibility of seeing these wonderful creatures really adds to any experience on the island.