The capital of Tenerife is the second most populated city of the Canary Islands with more than 200,000 inhabitants. Its present importance comes from the development of its port and its commercial calling which made it progressively absorb the civic centres of La Laguna until it reached the status of capital at the beginning of the last century. Its greatest development was originated by the decree of free ports in 1852 when the consequent intense commercial traffic contributed to the progress of a middle class intent on making the city grow. Today, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a city with large landscaped areas which preserves the carm of the modernist architecture. Its treelined avenues, parks and squares are ideal for strolling because the green of Santa Cruz complements its peacefulness and the sunny climate which it enjoys all year. The most frequented place in Santa Cruz is "La Plaza de Espana" by the sea.
The capital of Tenerife is the second most populated city of the Canary Islands with more than 200,000 inhabitants. Its present importance comes from the development of its port and its commercial calling which made it progressively absorb the civic centres of La Laguna until it reached the status of capital at the beginning of the last century. Its greatest development was originated by the decree of free ports in 1852 when the consequent intense commercial traffic contributed to the progress of a middle class intent on making the city grow.
