The island of Tenerife, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and caressed by the trade winds, is home to botanical treasures. In some parts of the island, the subtropical climate meets the cool heights of Mount Teide, providing the ideal conditions for extraordinary gardens to flourish.
Here’s our selection of Tenerife’s most beautiful gardens, with a map and our useful 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
Tenerife’s best gardens: map + tips
In Tenerife, you’ll find tropical plant gardens, impressive thousand-year-old trees and stunning landscaping.
Here’s a map with the towns mentioned in this article: Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos:
If you only need to make 3, we recommend that you do so, for variety:
- Jardin Botánico de Puerto de la Cruz with its majestic trees
- Palmetum de Santa Cruz for a tropical change of scenery
- Jardin Marquis Quinta Roja in La Orotava, elegance that takes you back in time
1. Jardin Botánico de Puerto de la Cruz
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 Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
2. Parque del Drago
Why visit it? Our review
The Parque del Drago is an exceptional site, home to Tenerife’s most famous tree: the legendary thousand-year-old dragon tree. This majestic specimen, considered to be the oldest and largest of its kind in the Canaries, towers over the park at a height of 16 metres. The surrounding gardens have been laid out to showcase it and the flora endemic to the Canary Islands.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The imposing thousand-year-old Dragon Tree is of course the highlight of the visit.
- Observation points offering views not only of the dragon tree, but also of the Atlantic Ocean, the town and Teide.
- The ethnobotanical trail enabled us to discover the traditional uses of Canary Island plants, a deep insight into local culture.
Useful tips
- Location: Historic center of Icod de los Vinos, Plaza del Drago
- Pay underground parking lot 5 minutes’ walk away
- Tour duration: 1h to 1h30
- Difficulty: Easy, well-groomed paths with a few steps
- Child-friendly with explanatory panels
- Full adult price: €5
- Opening hours: Daily from April to September, 9am to 8pm, and from October to March, 10am to 6pm.
- Buy your ticket to avoid the wait
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. Palmetum de Santa Cruz
Why visit?
The Palmetum is an exceptional botanical garden housing one of the world’s largest collections of palms. We loved strolling through this lush park, which also offers stunning views of the ocean, Santa Cruz and the Anaga massif. Built on a former landfill site, this vast open-air museum has also awakened our environmental conscience. Its mission to preserve nature and its sustainable practices, such as the use of recycled water and organic waste management, make it an example of ecology.
Our favorite moments
- Panoramic views. On one side the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, on the other the majestic silhouette of Mount Teide, and all around a lush canopy of rare palm trees.
- We were particularly impressed by the Caribbean palms section, with its spectacular species and the tropical atmosphere created by the small pools and waterfalls.
Practical advice
- Location: south of the city center, next to the Auditorim de Tenerife
- Access: “Intercambiador” streetcar stop, 12-minute walk
- Duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (last entry at 5 p.m.)
- Prices: adults 6€, children 2,80€.
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (elevator, wheelchair loan, adapted toilets) and inclusive guided tours – find out more here.
- No catering facilities, but café area with snack dispensers
- Book your ticket now to save time!
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
4. Jardin Marquis Quinta Roja La Orotava
Why visit it? Our review
The Jardin Marquis Quinta Roja is a jewel of landscape architecture that takes us back to the golden age of La Orotava. These eighteenth-century French gardens are extremely elegant, with their symmetrical terraces and monumental staircases. The ensemble forms a veritable balcony over the La Orotava valley, offering views of the city and the ocean. The combination of historic architectural elements and carefully tended vegetation creates a romantic atmosphere that couples will appreciate.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The black lava stone staircases linking the various terraces create striking perspectives.
- The rose garden, with its geometric parterres, enchanted us with its colors and fragrances.
- The panoramic view from the upper terrace offers an unforgettable view of the historic city.
Useful tips
- Location: Historic center of La Orotava
- Visit duration: 20min to 1h, depending on your interest
- Difficulty: Medium (many stairs)
- Ideal for photography and architecture enthusiasts
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from at least 10am to 3pm, often from 9am to 6pm.
Read our dedicated article (coming soon).
A LITTLE MORE patience
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5. Visitor Center El Portillo: Museum and botanical garden
Why do we love?
The El Portillo botanical garden offers a unique experience in the heart of Teide National Park. This high-altitude garden showcases the endemic flora that has adapted to the volcano’s extreme conditions. It’s an open-air conservatory of Tenerife’s rarest species. The associated interpretation center explains the adaptation mechanisms of these unique plants.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The well-marked botanical trail allows you to observe at close quarters the fascinating adaptations of plants to altitude.
- The collection of red tajinastes, emblematic of Teide, is particularly impressive during the flowering season. Unfortunately we visited in December…
- The detailed explanatory panels helped us understand the geological and botanical history of the site.
Advice
- Location: TF-21 road, km 32.5, entrance to Teide National Park
- Length of visit: 1h to 1h30 (including museum)
- Difficulty: Easy, fairly flat, well-maintained paths, partly wheelchair accessible.
- Excellent for families thanks to interactive museum
- Full adult fare: Free
- Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 4:30pm
- Bring warm clothing (altitude 2000m)
- Wear closed-toe shoes for greater comfort
6. 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.
7. García Sanabria Park
Why visit?
Parc García Sanabria is a cool oasis in the heart of the city. We were enchanted by its alleys lined with tropical plants and flowers, elegant sculptures and refreshing fountains. It’s one of Santa Cruz’s green lungs, along with the Palmetum. Enjoy a relaxing break in the shade of the tall trees, while your children play in the playground. The famous Rambla de Santa Cruz, which borders the garden, adds to the charm of the place with its lively atmosphere and lines of majestic palm trees.
Practical advice
- Location: downtown along the Rambla de Santa Cruz
- Duration: 30min to 1h
- Permanent opening
- Free admission
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (wide, paved main paths, benches)
- Ideal for children with a playground
- Dogs allowed on leash
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8. Playa Jardin
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.
Other gardens in Tenerife
- Puerto de la Cruz has even more gardens, see our dedicated article.
- The Anaga forest is like a huge tree park!
- The smaller Orotava Botanical Garden.
- You can also visit the banana plantations.
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
