In the heart of theisland of Tenerife, bathed by theAtlantic Ocean and caressed by the trade winds, Puerto de la Cruz is home to botanical treasures of rare splendor. This coastal town, where the subtropical climate meets the cool heights of Mount Teide, offers ideal conditions for extraordinary gardens to flourish.
In this article, we invite you to take a stroll through Puerto de la Cruz’s most beautiful green spaces . Let yourself be carried away by this botanical journey, where the exoticism of five continents blends with the age-old heritage of the Canary Islands.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful gardens in Puerto de la Cruz, with helpful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Tips for the most beautiful gardens in Puerto de la Cruz
The gardens at Puerto de la Cruz are a veritable botanical paradise, with a harmonious blend of tropical plants from all over the world. We’d love to discover them all! However, if you’re short of time and can only visit a few, we recommend the following 3:
- Jardin Botánico: a historic acclimatization garden housing an exceptional collection of tropical and subtropical plants.
- Jardin Sitio Litre: Europe’s oldest orchid garden.
- Jardin Calle de la Verdad: a discreet green space in the historic district.
Below you’ll find a map to help you locate our selection of the 6 most beautiful gardens in Puerto de la Cruz, so you can organize your visits.
There’s much more to do in and around Puerto de la Cruz. An article will be available soon.
1. Jardin Botánico
Why visit it? Our review
The Jardin Botanico has a definite historical character. Created in 1788 by royal order, its aim was to acclimatize exotic plants from America and Asia, before they were transferred to the Iberian Peninsula. Its botanical diversity is impressive, with a vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Here you’ll find species from all over the world, some of which are particularly rare and unusual. Last but not least, its landscaped setting and meticulous landscaping won us over. Its paths through lush vegetation are serene and inviting.
Our 3 favorite moments
- We liked the layout of the garden. It’s a rectangle with perpendicular aisles. It’s easy to navigate and offers surprises at every junction.
- We particularly liked the most famous tree, the Ficus Macrophylla, with its impressive root branches dominating the center of the garden.
- But we really fell in love with the other majestic trees, with their straight, powerful trunks and imposing roots, such as the Ceiba Speciosa or the Bunya and Dammar pines. They exude a reassuring quiet strength.
Useful tips
- In the town of Puerto de la Cruz, on Calle Retama, about 2km from Plaza del Charco. The entrance is opposite the Placita Retama.
- Length of visit: The garden can be circumnavigated in 1 hour, but it’s also very pleasant to stroll the paths for 2 to 3 hours.
- We didn’t see any specific routes for children, but following the directions on the app can be a real treasure hunt in itself, with lots to learn.
- Full adult fare: €3
- Opening hours: The garden is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
We loved this garden so much that we devoted an entire article to it.
WHERE TO STAY IN Puerto de la Cruz
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Right in the center
Hotel AF Valle Orotava – Check photos and availability
Near the beach
Hotel AluaSoul Orotava Valley – Check photos and availability
On the heights
Hotel Botanica y Oriental Spa – Check photos and availability.
Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa Hotel – Check photos and availability
Tigaiga Suites apartments – Check photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz.
2. Garden Sitio Litre
Why visit it? Our review
The Sitio Litre garden is a true invitation to discovery. It was created in 1730 and extends over 4,000 m2 around the eponymous colonial villa, considered to be the oldest in Tenerife. This historic residence has played host to many personalities over the years. We particularly enjoyed following in the footsteps ofAgatha Christie, William Wilde (father of writer Oscar Wilde), and painter and botanist Marianne North. The garden is distinguished by the diversity of its subtropical vegetation, where majestic trees stand side by side with delicate orchids. The setting is wonderfully peaceful.
Our 3 favorite moments
- A 600-year-old dragon tree. This was the highlight of our visit!
- Right at the start of our visit, we came across a pond filled with water lilies that covered almost the entire surface of the water.
- The orchid collection: the garden is also known as the Sitio Litre Orchid Garden, but don’t expect to see a spectacular collection of orchids.
Useful tips
- In the town of Puerto de la Cruz, in the Malpais district, a 10-minute walk from downtown.
- Length of visit: 20 to 45 minutes
- There is no specific tour for children. On the other hand, painting workshops are held regularly in the garden, which can be an interesting activity for the whole family. To find out more, visit the official website here.
- Full adult fare: €4.75
- Opening hours: The garden is open daily from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
This lovely garden steeped in history has inspired an entire article.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
3. Playa Jardín
Why visit it? Our review
We loved the unique atmosphere of Playa Jardin and the harmony between nature and urbanism. The landscaping was designed by Canary Island artist César Manrique. He has succeeded in integrating this lush garden into the coastal world of Playa del Castillo (another name for Playa Jardin). It was a complete change of scenery for us, as we walked along the vast stretches of black sand typical of Tenerife’s volcanic beaches. The promenade is lined with palm trees, cacti and tropical flowers, with a view of the ocean on one side and the majestic Teide on the other.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The exotic vegetation forms a green belt above the black sand of the beach, contributing to its natural aesthetic.
- It was a great pleasure to walk along the footpaths that wind through the garden.
- At certain points in the garden, the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside are absolutely stunning.
Useful tips
- North-west of Puerto de la Cruz, 20min walk from town center
- Tour duration: 10 to 20min, or more, depending on your interest.
- There are play areas in the garden.
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: all hours.
- Link to the official museum website here.
Don’t miss our article on Playa Jardin.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
4. Carolina Garden
Why visit it? Our review
Jardin Carolina is a haven of peace waiting to be discovered. Nestling in the gardens ofHôtel Tigaiga, it is distinguished by its tranquility and the richness of its plant species. Botanical diversity to delight nature lovers. We particularly enjoyed the barefoot sensory trail, an immersive experience that lets you fully feel the textures and energy of the surrounding nature. This unique moment of connection with the environment is enhanced by a breathtaking view of the ocean, adding a soothing, contemplative dimension to the visit.
Our 3 favorite moments
- We were most charmed by the gooseneck agaves , with their long, curving stems. They are truly spectacular.
- The sensory trail is an immersive barefoot experience on a variety of surfaces such as sand, gravel, pebbles or bark. While stimulating the senses, the course encourages a soothing connection with the environment.
- At the far end of the garden, the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean is splendid and offers a moment of contemplation, ideal for recharging your batteries in the middle of the city.
Useful tips
- In the grounds ofHôtel Tigaiga, less than 15min walk from downtown, 3min by car.
- Length of visit: you can walk around the garden in less than 10 minutes, or linger and enjoy the peace and quiet.
- There’s no specific tour for children, but the sensory trail is a very suitable experience.
- Full adult price: access to the garden is free.
- Opening hours: we didn’t see any mention of opening hours.
- More info on the hotel website here.
Jardin Carolina is a very pretty little garden. Don’t miss the article we devoted to him.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
5. Parque de la Sortija
Why visit it? Our review
The Parque de la Sortija in Puerto de la Cruz was the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city between visits. It’s part of Parque Taoro, perched on a promontory with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. We found a playground and sports facilities, a pond, fountains and a magnificent rose garden, all set amidst lush vegetation of palm trees and subtropical plants. A peaceful setting perfect for relaxation or sport!
Our 3 favorite moments
- We really enjoyed walking around the pond, with the park’s rich vegetation reflected on the water’s surface.
- The sports facilities are a real plus, making you want to get moving and take advantage of the signposted fitness trail.
- We noticed shaded picnic areas, ideal for a moment with family and friends in the heart of nature.
Useful tips
- About a 10-minute walk from the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz
- Length of visit: as you wish
- We’ve found hours of playtime for the kids
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: any time
- Link to the official museum website here.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
6. Calle de la Verdad Garden
Why visit it? Our review
If, like us, you love strolling through the streets, the Calle de la Verdad will enchant you. Slightly set back from the main axes of the historic center, in the traditional Ranilla district, this small, leafy garden street is lined with colorful facades. It’s an opportunity to discover a particularly picturesque part of the center of Puerto de la Cruz while enjoying the vegetation of the Canary Islands.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The street is famous for its colorful facades, typical of Canary Island architecture.
- It’s less so for its lush vegetation, which we particularly appreciated and which lines its dark cobblestones.
- In some parts of the street, you’ll find craft stores and restaurants. Increasingly, it’s also a place for shopping.
Useful tips
- In the Ranilla district, near Plaza del Charco
- Visiting time: a few minutes
- Access is free at all times.
DISCOVER Puerto de la Cruz
Other gardens in Puerto de la Cruz
- Parque Taoro: 100,000 m2 of lush green gardens in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Total immersion in Canarian nature.
- Lago Martiánez: a leisure park with tropical gardens bordering an artificial lagoon that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean.
Other gardens around Puerto de la Cruz
- The Marquis de la Quinta Roja Gardens, in the neighboring town of La Orotava, are a remarkable example of a historic botanical garden, with exotic plants, neoclassical architectural features and panoramic views.
It’s a 15-minute drive from the center of Puerto de la Cruz.
Frequently asked questions
Are there guided tours of the gardens in Puerto de la Cruz?
We didn’t find any guided tours dedicated exclusively to the gardens of Puerto de la Cruz, but some city tours include a visit to some of the gardens. See prices, photos and availability.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
