MENTION TENERIFE to many people and images are instantly conjured up of Brits abroad, scorching themselves on the beaches or drinking themselves into oblivion. The reality, though, is that even in the island's rowdier southern resorts, the worst excesses have been curbed of late and in its capital of Santa Cruz, and in the north, the Spanish island can deservedly boast of being an appealing city-break destination.

Santa Cruz du Tenerife, to give the full name, has grown into a bustling city tucked between a fold of rugged hills and the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts one of the most striking arts venues in Europe, the world's second-biggest Carnaval and a plethora of eating and drinking options. Stay a night or two and you will soon realise that there is much more to Tenerife than beaches and the idyllic year-round climate.

WHAT TO SEE Santa Cruz's shining star is undoubtedly the world-class Auditorio de Tenerife. A sort of maritime cross between Sydney's Opera House and Bilbao's Guggenheim, it looks like a giant sail, complete with fish scale tiles and porthole windows. This striking arts venue attracts an impressive array of domestic and international musical talents.

Away from the Auditorio, the rest of the city beckons. The rambling old town is the perfect venue for ambling around and bar hopping, while the city is also home to a sprinkling of green spaces, the highlight of which is the Parque Garcia Sanabria, with its lush vegetation, pulsating waterfalls and plethora of benches. A decent sandy beach lies just to the north, an easy bus ride away.

CARNAVAL Second only in size to Rio's famous Carnaval, Santa Cruz's Carnaval (www.carnavaltenerife.com) is one of Europe's greatest festivals. Head here this year between January 30 and February 10 and attend the Carnaval Queen's election before joining the wild street parties and parades that follow in the nights afterwards. Fancy dress is de rigueur, so throw on a kilt to guarantee lots of attention from the locals.

WHERE TO EAT Enjoy a lazy dinner accompanied by live music at La Balsa Blues (Candelaria 8, 00 34 922 296 988), where you can feast on fresh Canarian meat and fish dishes cooked with a dash of creative flair. Out of the city, the smooth and luxurious Los Roques (Calle La Marina 6, Los Abrigos; 00 34 922 749 401; www.restaurantelosroques.com) was recognised by Michelin this year with the award of a single star, barely a year after opening.

WHERE TO STAY The Mencey (Calle Doctor Jose Naveiras 38, 00 34 922 609 900, www.sheratonmencey.com), with doubles from £125, is the city's most luxurious address. A refurbishment early last year has helped this old dame back to her former glory. The nearby Taburiente (24a Calle Doctor Jose Naveiras 38, 00 34 922 266 000, www.hoteltaburiente.com) has doubles from £120 and is another stylish central option, which comes complete with a rooftop pool and Jacuzzi.

HOW TO GET THERE Flyglobespan (www.flyglobespan.com) flies direct to Tenerife's southern airport from Aberdeen (from £74.99 each way), Glasgow (from £59.99), and Edinburgh (from £74.99). There are also charter flights from all of Scotland's major airports.

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 12th, 2008 at 6:29 pm and is filed under Lifestyle, Relax, Tenerife. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.