Festivals, Restaurants, Nightlife and Shopping in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Festivals

Fiestas in Santa Cruz are fun and lively, with most locals taking part in some way, and people visiting from towns and villages across the island. Festivals include the Festival of Canarian Classical Music, the Festival of Opera of Tenerife and Plátano Rock Festival. There are also festivals of salsa and blues music among others.

The Santa Cruz carnival is wildly extravagant. Colourful costumes, fireworks, spectacular dancing and partying throughout the streets make this one of the largest traditional carnivals in the world.

The event attracts around a million people from all over the world. Street parties start on the Friday with a fabulous opening parade, and festivities go on throughout the night. The fiesta goes on, with people playing music and dancing night after night, until Ash Wednesday. On this day the “Entierro de la Sardina” (burial of the sardine) is celebrated, and the carnival officially comes to an end.

The weekend of the “Piñata” begins the following Friday, when celebrations start up again. This can last up to a couple of weeks.

 

Restaurants

Cafeteria Olympo

This eatery located at the edge of Plaza de la Candelaria offers a wide range of dishes, including traditional cuisine, at budget prices.

Address: Plaza la Candelaria 1, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: (+34) 922 241 738

Restaurante La Hierbita

This impressive restaurant is situated in a building over 100 years old, on Calle Clavel, close toTeatro Guimerá. It offers a variety of local specialities, as well lesser found typical Canarian dishes such as the delicious revuelto de morcilla dulce (a sweet black pudding dish). Sweet black pudding is traditionally made with sweet potato, sultanas and almonds in the recipe. Famous wines from the region are also on offer here.

Address: Calle Clavel 19, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: (+34) 922 244 617

La Cazuela

Close to Parque Municipal García Sanabria, this restaurant is situated in an enchanting old building. With a comfortable family atmosphere it offers quality cuisine from the Basque area of Spain. Dishes are made in the traditional way consisting of original tastes and aromas and giving a true taste of the region.

Address: Calle Robayna 34, 38004 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: (+34) 922 272 300


Nightlife

Santa Cruz has something for everyone, from relaxed family restaurants to lively bars and nightclubs. There are a good range of pubs and clubs on offer in the César Manrique Park and also along Calle Antonio Domínguez Alfonso. A choice of music is available, from traditional Canarian folk to popular international bands. Close to the port, salsa music can be heard spilling out of some decent venues. The typical Spanish nightlife starts late with the night getting under way at about 10 o’clock and people turning up at clubs at around midnight.

Santa Cruz is very pretty at night, particularly along the port, where ferries and ships throw their dancing lights into the waters. There are often concerts and events showing in the evenings, as well as regular fiestas. The island’s unique folk music, called Tenderete, can often be heard.

As well as holding regular concerts the Auditorio de Tenerife regularly puts on a fireworks display bringing the sky above this beautifully sculptured building to life.

 

Shopping

Shops are open late, with many staying open until after 8pm. There is a wonderful choice of shops throughout the centre, with the Plaza de España on the seafront being a great place to start. From here visitors can work their way up Plaza de Candelaria, onto Calle de Castillo, the main shopping street, which offers excellent international brands at 'tax free' prices. Craft shops and places to buy typical local products and souvenirs can also be found in the bustling centre of the city. By exploring the side streets many bargains can be found.

Opposite the bus station is the massive department store, El Corte Inglés, the modern icon of many Spanish cities, where almost everything can be bought, at reasonable prices.

Meridiano Shopping Centre

Here you will find a great offer of national and international boutiques, sports equipment, food and eateries. As one of the largest malls on the island it is likely to meet your every need.

Address: Avenida Manuel Hermoso Rojas 16, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

 

Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África (Market of Our Lady of Africa)

Set across two floors, the market is a colourful display of flowers, fruits, fish, meats, cheeses and herbs. It is popular with locals, as well as tourists eager to get a taste of the island’s culture. The entrance to the market is a huge arch, and along the perimeter of the market are some shops and stalls selling traditional tapas and empanadas.

Address: Avenida San Sebastián, 51, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: 922 214 033