Everything along front run down and closed. Sea water and paddling pools polluted with effluent. Police telling toddlers not to paddle! No warning signs. Would not recommend.

The main city of the island of Tenerife, Santa Cruz contrasts with its modern city center compared to the historical side of La Laguna. In December, there were 10 good degrees more than in the old capital.

I, who speak very good Spanish, have been living here in the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife since 12 December 2024 and will stay here until 18 January 2025. The only positive thing for me is that with the numerous public “guaguas” (buses) various excursion destinations can be visited. But I regret my decision to stay in this city for 5 weeks. Despite the many cleaners, this town is extremely dirty and it still stinks hideously in “winter”. This will probably also be the reason why many shops and restaurants regularly use penetrating fragrance sprays. Adult men - and of course the numerous dogs and doggies - are not afraid to pee on the open road. What really outraged me was the fact that all the wastewater in this city flows unfiltered into the ocean, because wastewater treatment plants do not exist (yet!?). Not only the human faeces, but everything that somehow flows through a drain ends up in the sea. In the public toilets, there is often a notice asking you not to throw toilet paper or similar into the bowl! There are buckets available next to the toilet where the used toilet paper may be disposed of - accordingly, it also stinks in the toilets, because these buckets are rarely emptied. Also not recommended is to take a look at the kitchen - whether in an award-winning restaurant or in a tapas bar: your appetite will run out. Personal shopping at the Mercado de nuestra Señora de Africa market is certainly worthwhile. Too bad the capital of Tenerife is no longer worried.

The merkado you shouldn't miss. Not only because of the nice images on the outside of the complex, the large number of providers, but certainly also because of what is said, the tastiest ice cream in Tenerife. A visit to Santa Cruz on this island is not complete without visiting the market halls.