Santa Cruz, Spain

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re exploring Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the vibrant capital of Spain’s Canary Islands - a city that blends historic charm, tropical beauty, and modern energy.

City Overview

Santa Cruz de Tenerife lies on the eastern coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands.

It’s home to more than two hundred ten thousand residents and serves as both an economic and cultural hub.

The city combines sleek modern architecture with leafy parks, lively squares, and traditional buildings that speak to centuries of island history.

Founded as a small port centuries ago, Santa Cruz has grown into one of the most important harbors in the Atlantic, welcoming ships from all over the world.

Its wide boulevards, exotic gardens, and open plazas create a laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Among its highlights is the Plaza de España, the largest square in the Canary Islands.

At its center lies a shallow, lagoon-like pool surrounded by cafés, fountains, and government buildings - a place where locals gather to relax and enjoy the sun.

Another unmistakable landmark is the Auditorio de Tenerife, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

Its striking, shell-like shape rises dramatically from the waterfront, a modern icon of the city visible even from the sea.

Our Day in Port

On Sunday, January 21st, 2024, after breakfast aboard the MSC Euribia, we took the shuttle bus directly from the pier into the city center.

Since there were no organized excursions that day to the famous Loro Parque, we decided to spend our time discovering Santa Cruz itself.

Even during the short ride, the city’s mix of styles became clear - grand avenues lined with palm trees, modern buildings standing side by side with traditional homes.

Santa Cruz immediately felt alive, with people strolling through the streets, music drifting from cafés, and the sound of conversation filling the air.

Once in the center, we began exploring on foot.

One of the first things that caught our attention were the numerous sculptures scattered throughout the city - along the streets, in roundabouts, and across plazas.

They give Santa Cruz the feeling of an open-air art museum, with modern installations blending naturally into everyday life.

Wandering further, we came across an old townhouse with beautifully carved wooden balconies - a hallmark of traditional Canarian architecture.

The craftsmanship spoke of centuries of skill and pride, a beautiful contrast to the city’s modern skyline.

We continued into the old town, where narrow streets were lined with small boutiques, souvenir shops, and cozy cafés.

Under the warm midday sun, we treated ourselves to a scoop of ice cream - creamy, refreshing, and just right for the tropical climate.

Everywhere we turned, Santa Cruz revealed another layer of its personality: modern art next to historic buildings, wide avenues leading into quiet courtyards, and a constant hum of island life.

After a few hours of walking and exploring, we returned to the port by shuttle bus.

Though our visit was shorter than some of our other stops, Santa Cruz left a strong impression.

It’s a city of contrasts - cosmopolitan yet relaxed, modern yet rooted in tradition.

A place where you can wander without a plan and still find something new at every turn.

Travel Tips

If you arrive in Santa Cruz by cruise ship, taking the shuttle bus into the city center is the simplest and most convenient option.

It’s affordable, quick, and saves the walk from the industrial part of the port.

The Plaza de España and the Auditorio de Tenerife are absolute must-sees, showcasing the city’s blend of history and innovation.

In between, take time to enjoy the smaller squares, gardens, and pedestrian zones filled with sculptures and public art.

If you love architecture, keep an eye out for the traditional Canarian balconies made of dark wood - they’re one of the city’s most charming details.

For travelers hoping to visit Loro Parque, plan ahead.

It’s located in Puerto de la Cruz, about fifty kilometers away, and usually requires organized transport.

The park is famous for its animal shows and botanical gardens, but on this trip, we decided to enjoy the city instead.

Beyond Santa Cruz, Tenerife offers breathtaking natural beauty.

The island’s centerpiece is Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain at 3,718 meters.

A cable car takes visitors close to the summit, where panoramic views reveal a landscape of volcanic rock and clouds stretching to the horizon.

It’s one of those rare places where you can stand above the world and feel its quiet immensity.

For those seeking relaxation, Tenerife’s coastline offers both golden sandy beaches and striking stretches of black volcanic sand.

And for hikers, countless trails wind through forests, cliffs, and mountain valleys, showing a completely different side of the island.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Santa Cruz de Tenerife - a city that perfectly captures the essence of the Canary Islands, where art, history, and island life blend in perfect harmony.

Join me next time as we sail to another unforgettable destination on our cruise.

Until then - stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.