Nestled in the lush green valley to the north of Tenerife, La Orotava will win you over with its rich architectural heritage and colonial charm. We were won over by its cobbled streets, traditional houses with carved wooden balconies and gardens that bear witness to the history of the Canaries. An unforgettable ride.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in La Orotava, Tenerife, and some useful tips for planning your visit.
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
Is La Orotava worth a visit?
Yes, La Orotava is definitely worth a visit. This historic town is considered one of the most beautiful on Tenerife, thanks to its exceptionally well-preserved colonial architecture. We were charmed by the aristocratic mansions, elaborate wooden balconies and lush gardens that create a unique atmosphere.
This is one of Tenerife’s most beautiful historic towns!
La Orotava Botanical Garden: in Puerto de la Cruz
Please note that the Orotava Botanical Garden is not in La Orotava, but in Puerto de la Cruz. Read our article.
1. Admire the Casa de los Balcones
Built in 1632, Casa de los Balcones is the architectural jewel of La Orotava. You can already admire its magnificent facade, but we highly recommend a visit to see its carved wooden balconies from the patio adorned with exotic plants.
We were impressed by its magnificent balconies, a testament to Canarian craftsmanship. Inside, you’ll discover a museum featuring art objects, traditional textiles and period tools that tell the story of daily life in the Canaries in the 17th century.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Price: €6 (free for children under 12)
- Online booking recommended in the middle of the day in summer
- Staircases to explore the museum
- Allow 30 minutes
- Buy a combined ticket with the Gofio Museum
- Latest news on the official website here
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.
2. Explore Victoria Gardens
The Victoria Gardens, also known as Jardines Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, offered one of the finest views of the city. Terraced on the heights of La Orotava, these gardens combine exotic vegetation with panoramic views of the town’s colorful houses and the sea.
The place is particularly peaceful at the start of the day.
- Opening hours: open at least every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Price: free of charge
- Trails with slopes or stairs
- Allow 30 minutes or more depending on your interest in plants
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)
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- 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)
3. Discover craftsmanship at MAIT
The Museo Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife (MAIT) is a little-known treasure housed in the former convent of San Benito Abad. We really enjoyed her collection of handicrafts, which perfectly illustrate the creative traditions of Tenerife and the Canary Islands. The museum presents exhibitions dedicated to pottery, weaving, basketry and woodcarving, testifying to the ancestral skills of local craftsmen. V
You’ll also discover contemporary works that show how these traditional techniques are evolving.
What’s more, the building itself, with its typically Canarian architecture, adds to the interest of the visit.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Price: 2 euros
- Sloping access road
- Allow 1 hour
- See the latest news on his Facebook page here
4. Stroll down historic alleyways – Cittaslow
If you don’t have much time, the best thing to do is go on an adventure and explore the cobbled streets. And if you’ve got a lot of time, it’s time to tour the whole city to discover them all. You’ll admire an architectural treasure trove of preserved colonial houses, each slightly different from the next, bearing witness to the city’s golden age. You’ll be charmed by their ornate facades, elaborate wooden balconies and interior patios that can sometimes be glimpsed.
For example, we admired Casa Benitez de Lugo Y Vergarera, Caza Salazar, Casa Lercaro, Casa Dias Flores, Casa Monteverde and Casa Molina…
- A Cittaslow map lets you discover its narrow streets
- Each historic house has a sign with historical and architectural explanations.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
5. Tea at Taoro High School
The Liceo de Taoro embodies the elegance of La Orotava’s colonial architecture. We were seduced by its privileged location offering a panoramic view of the city. And how could you miss this pink building?
Once a meeting place for local intellectuals and artists, this historic site continues to play an important cultural role with its exhibitions. Take a break in the cafeteria while admiring the preserved historic setting.
- Cafeteria: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- See the latest news on the official website here
6. Visit Nuestra Señora de la Concepción Church
The Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church is a magnificent example of 18th-century Canarian Baroque architecture.
Start by admiring its imposing façade, which dominates the urban landscape. It is quite different from other churches in the Canaries.
Inside, you’ll discover rich decorations and remarkable religious works of art. The architectural details and peaceful atmosphere of the place make it a must-see on your visit.
- Free admission
- Latest news on the official website here
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7. El Tesoro de la Concepción Museum
The Museum of Sacred Art (Museo de Arte Sacro) in La Orotava offers an insight into the religious heritage of the Canary Islands. Here you’ll discover a collection of religious artworks, including paintings, sculptures and precious liturgical objects dating mainly from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Unfortunately, we haven’t yet had the chance to visit it.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and (subject to availability) Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Set up at the back of the church
- Allow 30 minutes or more, depending on your interest in the subject.
- See the page on the city’s website here
8. Stroll through the Plaza de la Constitución
The Plaza de la Constitución is the beating heart of La Orotava. We particularly enjoyed the lively atmosphere of this square, where the locals love to meet up. Here you can take a break in one of the bars, relax in the gazibo, admire the trees and enjoy spectacular ocean views. The historic buildings that surround it create the perfect authentic setting for your photos.
9. Discover the Museo Gofio
The Museo Gofio, housed in the old Hoyo mill dating from 1634. It allows you to discover an essential part of the Canary Islands’ gastronomic heritage. During your visit, you’ll learn more about the process of making gofio, the traditional flour of the Canary Islands. You can observe the original mechanisms and even buy handicrafts in the adjoining store.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price: €5 (combined ticket with Casa de los Balcones at €9.50)
- Free-access store
- Buy a combined ticket with Casa de los Balcones
10. Discover the ancient convent of San Agustín
The former convent of San Agustín bears witness to La Orotava’s rich religious past. We particularly appreciated the sobriety of its architecture and its peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by colorful houses. The building, which has survived the centuries, retains some remarkable architectural features. Note the great height of the temple’s surrounding walls, which, combined with its elevated location, makes this church visible from almost all of La Orotava!
To the right of the church, you can see the former Augustinian convent, which after the Spanish confiscation was turned into a military barracks, causing irreparable damage to its cloister. In the 1980s, it underwent a further remodelling to become a Maison de la Culture.
11. Jardin d’acclimatation
The Jardin d’Acclimatation de La Orotava, also known as the Hijuela del Botánico, is a small, green park hidden away in the heart of the historic city. We were enchanted by this haven of peace which, although more modest than its famous cousin in Puerto de la Cruz, boasts a collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Created as an annex (“hijuela”) to the large botanical garden, this area features century-old trees arranged around a charming central pool. Like us, you’re sure to appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings and the soothing shade of the tall exotic trees.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10am to 3pm.
- Price: Free
- Allow 15 to 30 minutes, it’s not very big
12. Casa Salazar
Pamir all the historic houses in town, and one of the most surprising is Casa Salazar.
Its rehabilitation in 1910 created an eclectic style inspired by medieval and neo-Gothic architecture: pointed arches, ogival lines, oculi and coats of arms.
Note also the well-preserved wrought-iron balcony.
It is currently the headquarters of the European University of the Canaries.
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Other attractions in and around La Orotava
In the city
- Visit the Town Hall, with its elegant architecture and commanding position.
In the vicinity
You can combine your visit to La Orotava with
- The town of Puerto de la Cruz and its botanical garden
- Traditional banana plantations
- or visit La Orotava on your way back down to Teide National Park.
How to get to La Orotava + parking
Where is La Orotava
- In the north of Tenerife, in the Orotava valley
- 30min from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- 10min from Puerto de la Cruz
- 1h15 drive from Costa Adeje
- 1h from the south of the island
- Here’s a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
The easiest way to get there is by car.
You’ll find a parking lot just outside the city center that’s very easy to get to, as well as underground car parks throughout the city.
Titsa buses take you to La Orotava, especially from Puerto de la Cruz.
Parking in La Orotava
A large free parking lot is just a 5-minute walk from the historic center. It’s the most practical way to visit the city with peace of mind. Other parking spaces are available in the streets adjacent to the center, but are often occupied.
Useful tips for visiting La Orotava
How long and when?
Allow half a day to explore the historic center and its main monuments. For a more in-depth visit, including gardens and museums, a full day is recommended. The town is pleasant to visit all year round, thanks to the Canaries’ mild climate. Mornings are ideal for taking advantage of the cooler weather before the tourists arrive.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
The historic center is easy to visit on foot, but some streets are quite steep. Start at Casa de los Balcones and explore the adjacent streets. The main monuments are concentrated in a small area.
The MAIT museum is further down town.
Visiting with children
It’s not particularly a city for endants, but there are some attractions that should appeal to them. The Handicrafts Museum and the Gofio Museum offer children a fun way to discover local traditions. The Victoria Gardens and the Jardin d’Acclimatation are perfect for a nature break.
Restaurants
We haven’t tried any of La Orotava’s restaurants yet. But here are a few recommended addresses:
- Cafetería Liceo de Taoro
- Restaurante Victoria
- Restaurant Cachelo
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
