3 Best Sights in Canary Islands, Spain

The cross at the southern end of Santa Cruz's main square is a memorial to those who died in the Spanish Civil War, which—it bears remembering—was launched from Tenerife by General Franco during his exile here. The controversial monument's architect is Juan de Ávalos, who also designed the Francoist memorial and basilica at Valle de los Caídos. A 2006 refresh by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron added a shallow oblong pond, new pavilions, and modern lighting. It also uncovered the ruins of Castillo de San Cristóbal, today a small museum (free) housing the 18th-century "Tigre Cannon" that reputedly cost Britain's Admiral Nelson his right arm in an attack he led in 1797. The entrance to the museum is via a stairway opposite the lake.

Stroll from Lago Martiánez along the coastal walkway to reach this square that's beautifully landscaped with flowering plants. Presiding over it is Nuestra Señora de la Peña Church (open before and after Mass), notable for its baroque altarpiece and elaborate pulpit.

It's a two-minute walk from the Plaza de la Iglesia to this square, one of the prettiest and liveliest in town, with plenty of cafés and tapas bars.