Enjoy a taste of authentic Spain by visiting Santa Cruz on Tenerife holidays

Booking holidays in Tenerife is a great choice for beach breaks, but there is no reason why you should not enjoy a little authentic Spain while you are there.

Most of the resorts on the island have everything you could possibly need for a lazy break in the sun - cheap accommodation, low-cost bars and restaurants, great beaches and plenty of nightlife.

Tenerife's capital Santa Cruz can offer all of that, but it has still managed to retain the authentic feel of one of the big cities on the Spanish mainland thanks to its cultural and historic attractions.

It makes a perfect base for cheap all inclusive holidays in Tenerife, as you will be able to enjoy real variety during your break. But, even if you select another resort, it is well worth taking a day trip to Santa Cruz.

The historic quarter situated in the area around the port is likely to be your starting point when exploring Santa Cruz. You will discover a number of grand squares and lots of traditional houses here, along with the pretty 16th century church of the Iglesia de la Concepcion.

Another building you will also want to visit is the imposing Castillo Negro, which holds regular re-enactments of the Battle of Santa Cruz, which saw Lord Nelson's fleet defeated by Spanish naval forces in 1797. The city's other castle, the Castillo de San Cristobal, is now a military museum that counts Nelson's tiger canon as its star exhibit.

The Santa Cruz area has one of Tenerife's best beaches in the form of Playa de Las Teresitas, but it is far from the only place to enjoy the outdoors in the city. The botanical gardens at the Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are a perfect place to take a stroll, while you may also enjoy a walk through the formal gardens, fountains and statues at Parque Garcia Sanabria.

Tenerife's capital is one of the best places to sample traditional Canarian cuisine. In the small restaurants in the back streets favoured by the locals, you will be able to tuck into shark, rabbit and rich stews, and wash the meal down with a bottle of local wine.

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And the Animals Came on Two by Two...

I have never seen a full animal circus before, and I was astonished when I visited the World Touring State Circus currently visiting Santa Cruz.
I was brought up to belive that it was cruel for the animals to be kept in such conditions, but I did not see any unhealthy animals, nor unhappy. No animals were under any kind of stress or force, and all the entertainers seemed completely at ease.
It was the thought of the animals that delighted me and my family, and we travelled excitedly to the North in search of the Great State circus. You cannot miss it, if you stick to the port road, and continue into Santa Cruz towards the Auditorium. The sight of the big top in all its splendor greets every spectator as they drive into the capital.
We parked very easily, for a change, and were able to purchase our tickets from the ticket office next to the bigtop. 12 Euro for children and 15 Euro for Adults, which wasn't too bad, especially considering it was close to a 2 hour show. As we were led to our seats, the show had already started, with Indian tigers, rolling around the bigtop. The lioness in all her glory sat proudly on her stool while the trainers performed fantastic acts with her cousins. Next she leaped from her position, and danced with the trainer before leading the tigers out from the stage. Then the lights drew down as the white lion, magnificently took command. This animal was huge, and the only word to describe it is awesome. He jumped on to his pedestal, as it twirled in front of the bigtop crowd. How they manage to tame such a creature is amazing, although I didn't see any heads between its jaws, so maybe he wasn't that trusting after all.
Next came the bears, which I was a little hesitate about. I remember as a Child seeing them in turkey, with rings piercing their noses, and chains being tugged to make them dance. These bears bore no chains, no piecing and only a light muzzle. They danced and performed with what seemed to be smiles on their faces, and the bigtop roared (excuse the pun, i couldn't help that one!)
The show went on and on, trapeze artists, wildhorses, crazy motorbikes zipping with sparks and fire around the inside of a ball type cage. This was entertainment in a league of its own, it was exciting, daring and amazing. To top the show, they proudly lead in 6 20 ton Indian elephants, my children's mouth's were so wide, they had been amazed but this was too much!
How can they train these animals to perform such acts, the elephants eyes were laughing as they rolled around the floor, and performed their show. And their show it was, the crowd was overwhelmed, and applauded for what seemed like hours. The clowns were of course also on and off for the whole show, helping to distract an amazed audience while sets were arrange.
If you are looking for a good show, then get yourself to the Circus, before it leaves. Its value for money, a great day out, and an amazing show.
Two shows per day 4.30 and PM, but get there early to get your tickets.