La Orotava is one of the most captivating and authentic places in Tenerife. Located in the green, fertile valley of Valle de La Orotava, at the foot of the majestic Teide volcano, the village impresses with its colonial architecture, gardens full of exotic plants and unique climate of the northern part of the island. If you are planning a vacation in Tenerife and are looking for a place with a soul – away from the mass tourism of the south – this guide to La Orotava is for you.

In the article Tenerife what to see you will find: highlights of La Orotava, monuments, gardens, museums, practical information, best viewpoints, tips for accommodation and restaurants, and ideas for exploring the area.

Where is La Orotava located and why is it worth visiting?

La Orotava is located in the northern part of Tenerife, about 5 km from the Atlantic coast and the popular resort of Puerto de la Cruz. The town is terraced on a valley slope, offering spectacular views of the ocean and the summit of Teide.

This place is ideal for:

• Lovers of history and colonial architecture,
• passionate gardeners and botanists,
• Those looking for an authentic Canarian atmosphere,
• Tourists planning trips to Teide National Park,
• Travelers who appreciate the calmer climate of the north of the island.

Unlike the sunnier and more commercial Costa Adeje, La Orotava offers greener landscapes, a cooler microclimate and a real insight into the culture of the Canary Islands.

If you fancy seeing La Orotava with a guide, our offer includes a private tour (for up to 8 people) to see this colonial town. Want to know more details? Contact us 📞 0034 643 79 97 08 (whatsapp as well) or via the contact form.

History of La Orotava – from the Guanches to the Spanish aristocracy

Before the Spaniards arrived, the valley was inhabited by indigenous people – the Guanches. After the conquest of Tenerife in the 15th century, the land fell into the hands of Spanish aristocratic families. Thanks to the fertile soil, agriculture quickly developed – first sugar cane, then vineyards and banana trees.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, La Orotava became one of the wealthiest centers on the island. Even today, impressive mansions with wooden balconies and stone portals bear witness to this fact.

The historic center has been recognized as an area of exceptional cultural value and is one of the best preserved colonial complexes in Tenerife.

La Orotava’s top attractions

Casa de los Balcones – a symbol of the city

The most recognizable building in the city is Casa de los Balcones, a 17th-century mansion with beautifully carved wooden balconies in the Canarian style.

What to know:

• The building was constructed in 1632.
• Inside is a museum of traditional crafts.
• You can see the original patio with a balcony gallery.
• This is one of the most photographed places in Tenerife.

This is a must-see when visiting La Orotava.

Nuestra Señora de la Concepción Church

The dominant feature of the town is the monumental 18th century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church.

Characteristic elements:

• An impressive dome visible from a distance,
• baroque interior,
• Historic altars and works of sacred art,
• beautiful location among historic streets.

It is one of the most important religious monuments of northern Tenerife.

Victoria Gardens – a romantic viewpoint

The Jardines Victoria are terraced gardens from the 19th century, created as a burial ground for Protestant families (ultimately never used for that purpose).

Why come here?

• offer a spectacular view of the valley and the ocean,
• Are a great place for photos,
• provide peace and quiet and rest from the tourist hustle and bustle.

On a clear day you will see both the Atlantic and the Teide volcano from here.

Hijuela del Botánico – mini botanical garden

Lovers of exotic vegetation should visit Hijuela del Botánico, a small but extremely charming garden in the center of the city.

You can find here:

• Several hundred years old trees,
• exotic palm trees,
• Tropical plants imported from South America,
• A peaceful atmosphere ideal for a short rest.

La Orotava and the Teide volcano – is it worth spending the night here?

La Orotava lies at the foot of the Parque Nacional del Teide National Park – one of Spain’s greatest treasures. While it’s the place to see in Tenerife, it’s not the best base.

Why?

• rather complicated communication with the rest of the island – transportation by bus will take a long time and require transfers. If you plan to rent a car in Tenerife, you have to reckon with steep climbs and lack of parking spaces
• We would definitely recommend more an overnight stay in Puerto de la Cruz or in the south of Tenerife – in Costa Adeje and a trip to La Orotava

Festivals and traditions – when is the best time to come?

Flower carpets – Corpus Christi

The biggest event in La Orotava is the celebration of Corpus Christi. During the holiday, the streets are covered with elaborate carpets of flowers and colorful volcanic sand, which residents lay out for weeks. The largest carpet is created in the plaza in front of City Hall and can be as large as several hundred square meters.

This is one of the most spectacular events in the Canary Islands. The event is accompanied by concerts, processions and an elevated atmosphere.

Tenerife what to see: a walk through the historic center

Proposed tour:

1. Plaza del Ayuntamiento
2. Casa de los Balcones
3. Iglesia de la Concepción
4. Jardines Victoria
5. Hijuela del Botánico

The tour takes about 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace.

Beaches near La Orotava

La Orotava is not located directly on the ocean, but higher up in the mountains. It will take about a dozen minutes to reach the nearest beach.

The nearest beaches are in Puerto de la Cruz, including the famous Lago Martiánez pool complex designed by César Manrique.

Canarian cuisine – what to eat in La Orotava?

Local specialties are worth trying:

• Papas arrugadas with mojo sauce,
• goat cheese,
• fresh fish,
• Orotava Valley wine.

Local restaurants serve traditional cuisine in a more intimate atmosphere than in the resorts of the south.

Climate and weather in La Orotava

The north of Tenerife is greener, wetter and cooler than the south. We recommend taking a warmer sweatshirt or light jacket with you when visiting here. Temperatures are moderate all year round:

• winter: 18-22°C
• summer: 24-28°C

Remember, however, that especially in winter, the perceived temperature is lowered by humidity.

How to get to La Orotava?

You can get from Aeropuerto de Tenerife Norte airport in about 25 minutes by car.

From the southern Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur airport, the trip takes about 1 hour.

You can use:

• rental car,
• TITSA buses,
• hotel transfers.

Is it worth visiting La Orotava?

Definitely yes. The place:

✔ authentic
✔ historic
✔ green
✔ quieter than the south of the island
✔ great base for Teide

If you dream of a Tenerife different from the catalog – La Orotava will be an excellent choice.

Tenerife what to see – La Orotava in a nutshell

La Orotava is one of the most beautiful cities in Tenerife. It combines colonial architecture, gardens, culture and the spectacular scenery of the valley and the Teide volcano. This is the place for people who want to see the real Canary Islands – without the crowds, but with history and character.

When planning a vacation in Tenerife, you should put La Orotava on your list of must-see places.

Useful links:

• Free guide to Tenerife 👉 https://oletenerife.pl/teneryfa-informacje-darmowy-e-book/
• Puerto de La Cruz 👉 https://oletenerife.pl/puerto-de-la-cruz/
• Car rental in Tenerife 👉 https://oletenerife.pl/wynajem-auta-na-teneryfie/