Shingu City in Wakayama Prefecture is situated between the Kumano-gawa River and the Kumano-nada Sea. Located toward the southern end of the Kii Peninsula on Honshu Island, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago,  Shingu has a history dating back to at least the 8th century. This small city is rich in spiritual heritage and is home to several shrines, including one of the Kumano Sanzan, the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, which primarily worships Hayatama-no-Okami — believed to be the deification of flowing water — along with his wife, Fusimi-no-Okami, who, together, are thought to bring good luck in matchmaking and family safety. It is also an important city along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, with six routes, four of which pass through the city of Shingu.

A sister city to Santa Cruz since 1974, our friendship with Shingu has lasted for over 50 years, marked by lasting friendships and delegation exchanges for families, students, and adults.

Website for Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

Located on the Italian Riviera, between Genoa and the villages of Cinque Terre, Sestri Levante is a small fishing town that dates back to at least the 12th century and the Roman Empire. Originally situated on a small peninsula, Sestri Levante lies between two beautiful bays: the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole. It is said that in 1833, Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer and poet, was captivated by the views of present-day Sestri Levante while traveling across Europe, and that it was thanks to the inspiration from these views that he was able to write some of his most beautiful tales.

Sestri Levante is also home to several historic landmarks, including several 17^th century sites such as (but not limited to) La Basilica di Santa Maria di Nazareth and La Chiesa dell’Immacolata Concezione; as well as older sites such as Sestri Levante’s oldest church, La Chiesa di San Nicolò dell’Isola, which dates back to the mid-12th century.

A sister city to Santa Cruz since 1980, our friendship with Sestri Levante has endured for 45 years.

Website for Sestri Levante, Italy

Alushta, situated on the southern coast of Crimea along the Black Sea, is a historic city renowned for its mild climate and scenic beauty. It dates back to at least the 6th century, as evidenced by the ruins of the Aluston fortress, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, along with the remains of numerous Christian churches and monasteries. 

From the late 19th century, Alushta gained fame as a resort destination due to its inviting climate, which is ideal for health resorts. In 1972, Alushta achieved a record in tourism with over a million visitors that year alone. 

A sister city to Santa Cruz since 1984, our friendship with Alushta has lasted for over 40 years.

Jinotepe is a charming city known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant local culture. It is situated just about an hour from the Pacific Ocean, in the Diriamba highlands in the southwest of Nicaragua,  and provides residents and visitors with easy access to beach destinations. The city experiences a tropical savanna climate, with average high temperatures of around 31.8°C (89.2°F) and lows of around 21.8°C (71.2°F), making it a warm and welcoming place year-round.

As a major hub of commerce and manufacturing in Nicaragua, Jinotepe plays a significant role in the country’s economy. The region is particularly renowned for its agricultural products, including coffee, sugarcane, and sesame seeds, which are important both locally and for export. Beyond its economic importance, Jinotepe offers a rich cultural experience, with traditions and local markets that reflect the vibrant spirit of Nicaragua’s southern highlands.

A sister city to Santa Cruz since 1990, our friendship with Jinotepe has endured for 35 years.

Biarritz is a sophisticated beach city on the Bay of Biscay, which lies on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France. Known for its luxury hotels and beautifully designed casinos, Biarritz is also well known as surfing culture hot spot. Home to 26,000 residents and featuring direct access to 2.5 miles of creeks and fine sand beaches, Biarritz lies13.5 miles from the Spanish border During the summer months, the population swells by 250,000 as tourism is one of the key industries.

Puerto la Cruz is a manufacturing City bordering a large and gorgeous national park. Mochima National Park is know for its beaches and beauty. There are several tourist-centered attractions, such as a marina and available day trips into the various parks surrounding the area. In the city, developing shopping centers and commercial businesses are taking hold as international banks station their reginal headquarters in the city.