- Santa Cruz is mainly for locals and day-tourists, not in between. People are really friendly, but in the end, they don't invest in you, because you are not born there. Also not really english speaking. All roads are steep because it's built into a mountain.

- The beach in Las Palmas is nice. There is a promenade next to it, it is protected by a reef, has white sand, has some wildlife

You could start in tenerife if you wanted to experience both. I like the nature there more, it's less crowded, greener, and more variety. The ferry is not too expensive, 50€?