The Anaga Rural Park, declared a World Biosphere Reserve, has managed to conserve its natural features to an exceptional extent. The outstanding toughness of the mountains rising from the nearby coast is an image which is as attractive as it is unusual, but if you really want to enjoy it you should walk some of the numerous footpaths and get to one of the enchanting coves with their fine and brilliantly exotic black sand (such as Benijo Beach) which are scattered around this coast.

The Tenerife Adán Martín Auditorium, the work of Santiago Calatrava, is a building which makes a powerful sculptural impact. Located in a landscape setting including the Swimming-pool Complex, the posthumous work of the artist César Manrique created with such natural elements as volcanic rocks, ornamental plants and sea-water swimming-pools and the Tenerife Palmetum, built on an old rubbish dump, which is considered to be the largest collection of palm trees from tropical islands around the world.

It’s an interpretation centre for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. It is a space that was designed to showcase the carnival, a place for exhibitions and for visitors to learn about the heritage of this annual event, which has been declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.

The most popular and bustling of the city, which owes its name to General Valeriano Weyler, is also one of the most charming squares. It is the starting point of Calle del Castillo, it is surrounded by huge ficus that shade its benches and adorned by a beautiful fountain of carrara marble from the 19th century. Among its gardens and stone walks there is a kiosk where you can take a break and, why not, see how the day goes by.

Located in the heart of Santa Cruz, the most stately square in the city and one of the most emblematic of Tenerife has a bandstand and two allegorical statues to spring and summer that guard its entrance, although perhaps its undeniable charm responds more to being almost roofed by magnificent Indian laurels. Not in vain it was considered in its day one of the most romantic places in Spain.

This baroque Catholic church is next to the square that bears its name. Visiting it means discovering the ‘lord of tribulations’, a carving made with corn paste much loved by local people, and contemplating its central altarpiece. The surroundings also deserve a glimpse: colonial houses with beautiful balconies, centennial ficus, a quiet square and a cobbled street full of terraces and restaurants.

A must for lovers of the Baroque, the main parish of Santa Cruz, which began to be constructed in the 15th century, is an authentic architectural jewel and a true reflection of the Canarian colonial airs. The stonework of its façade, its wood-panelled balconies and its Hispano-Arabic style coffered ceilings coexist perfectly with its neoclassical structure and imposing tower, which dominates the old town.

You cannot miss this marvel of a National Park, with enjoy landscapes which will seem to come from another planet. You will breathe the fresh air on Spain’s highest peak. You will walk among the volcanic lava and you will feel tiny in comparison with the impressive setting which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.