The Canary Islands, a group of volcanic islands located off the coast of Africa and the most remote of the Spanish provinces that enjoys sunshine almost all year-round.

The view from the airliner approaching the island of Tenerife is unsurpassed. Steep volcanic valleys, covered with a carpet of green forest rise to bare slopes where nothing grows - a bit like the tonsure of an ageing monk. The thought that immediately crosses the mind is 'where are we going to land?' Fortunately that detail has already been considered.

The history of the Canary Islands is mostly wrapped up in the discovery of the New World. The islands were not actually colonized by Spain until near the end of the Middle Ages but, after the discovery of the Americas, nearly every ship that went back and forth made a stop here to take on provisions or repair damage.

Many Canary Islanders made their names in the discovery and colonisation of the Americas and were actively involved in the opening up to Europeans of places such as South America and Texas. Because of this seafaring connection, there is a cosmopolitan mix of peoples that now live on the island lending an atmosphere of the exotic to the town of Santa Cruz.

The city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is situated along the side of a wide bay on one side and the mountains of Anaga on the other. It is a principally a commercial city but is filled with charming corners that visitors can explore at leisure.

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Place Worth Visiting

The origins of the Iglesia de la Concepción lie with the initial explorations by early Spanish settlers in the XV century.

The Castle of San Juan is a spectacular circular fortress that, in its day, was the main defence of the islands against pirate attack. Known also as the Black Castle as it was a main staging place in the lucrative slave trading business.

The streets of the city have been converted into an open air gallery in which sculptures and works by artists of the calibre of Miró, Moore, Algacr, Serrano Turner and Dominguez can be freely seen.

The Mummy Museum is the natural history museum of Tenerife. The collection includes mummies of several of the original settlers of the, the Guanch people. These have come from different archaeological digs around the island.

Important Dates and Fiestas

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is held between the 18th of February and the 1st of March and is one of the most colourful and most eagerly expected of Spain. There are multiple and many events, competitions, processions and theatrical displays which, because of the year-round benign climate, are mostly held outdoors.

The fiestas of May commemorate the foundation of the city and include flower competitions and a great romeria.

The Fiestas of Carmen are held in mid July and centre around the procession of the Virgin around the port area of the city.