Most tourist sights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are located within 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) of the Plaza de España, with its Cabildo Insular. The Teatro Guimerá doesn't look very special from the outside, but its interior is very nice. Nearby is the beautiful Iglesia de San Francisco that was built in baroque style during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Baroque Iglesia de la Concepción is the city's oldest church. It has a distinctive bell tower. The 17th-century Castillo de San Juan on the waterfront was built for the slave trade. On the Plaza de la Candelaria you will find the impressive 17th-century Carta Palace. The Castillo de Paso Alto is another one of Santa Cruz's interesting sights.
There are several museums in Santa Cruz, of which the most interesting one is the Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre (Museum of Natural and Human History). There are exhibitions of mummies and skulls, as well as other ancient artifacts. The Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) has a collection of paintings and in the Museo Militar de Almeyda you can see all sorts of weaponry, including the cannon that supposedly hit Nelson when he attacked the city. The Museum of Painting and Scultpure is also worth a visit.
There are many beautiful parks, such as Parque García Sanabria, in Santa Cruz, as well as countless lively streets. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the busiest ports in Spain and ferries to a large number of destinations are available. Many cruisers from all over the world visit its picturesque port, which is surrounded by high rocks. Not far from town are the beaches of Las Gaviotas and Las Teresitas, while the Monte de la Esperanza, 20 km west of town, provides excellent views over Tenerife.
There are two airports near the city and there are many hotels, hostels, campsites, bars and restaurants to cater your needs. The Parque de García Sanabria is an excellent place to relax and get away from the city's hassles.
Santa Cruz is on Tenerife, some 1700 km southwest of Madrid.
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