What to see in La Orotava

Get to know La Orotava, the largest municipality in Tenerife

Did you know that this municipality located in the north of the island of Tenerife is the largest on the island? And not only that, but it is also the one with the largest forest area thanks to the fact that 78% of the Teide National Park is part of this municipality.

The buildings and different constructions have never put aside the majestic air that has persisted since the conquest of the island, which has led to the declaration of La Orotava as a historic and artistic site.

It is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island, being characterised for the most part by a landscape crowned by Mount Teide, its gardens and typical balconies adorning the facades of houses, carpets of flowers and the pleasant climate that accompanies the municipality throughout most of the year.

In this post we will leave you with 8 spectacular corners of this wonderful city that you definitely cannot miss during your stay here.

Places to see in La Orotava

HOUSE OF THE BALCONIES

Considered the most unique house-museum on the island thanks to its combination of architecture, history, traditions, folklore and handicrafts.

Its construction was completed in June 1632, and it is the most important temple of Canarian fretwork in the archipelago, being one of the two most widely used craft techniques in the islands: it is an embroidery that consists of unravelling a fabric tensely attached to a wooden frame.

It is an ideal place to disconnect and relax while we know in depth the Canarian culture and history through a journey in time to which its patios and balconies move us.

Venue information:

• Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 h.
• It closes only on the day of La Romería de La Orotava.
• Free parking.
• Admission fee for adults €5, students or persons with reduced mobility €2,50 (27/04/2022)

IBERO-AMERICAN CRAFT MUSEUM OF TENERIFE

Its construction dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the most important convents in the province of Tenerife due to the beauty of its facilities, especially the stone arch at the entrance, the cloister, the wooden ceilings and the stone staircase.

All these elements reflect the work carried out by the Canarian architect Antonio de Orbarán.

Thanks to the fact that the MAIT is within the outreach program carried out by the Island Council of Tenerife, we can appreciate, through its large exhibition, a detailed representation of all the Ibero-American crafts, prioritizing especially those from the Canary Islands.

Adult ticket price €2 (27/04/2022)

Timetable:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 15:00 h.
• Saturdays: 10:30 - 13:30 h.

GOFIO MILL

The gofio is a toasted cereal flour that is part of the food base of the Canaries since the guanches based their food on it. Even after the conquest, our Canarians Aborigines continued to use it, and thanks to this, its use has been transmitted to our days.

Mills have existed in La Orotava since the 16th century. In this section of the street, we can find the "Camino o Ruta del Agua" (Water Route) made up of 13 original mills, 10 of which are still preserved today.

They are built around a water channel that used to run down this street, but nowadays, only part of the stone sections remain.

The gofio is still present in the diet of the Canaries, and mills like this, are still active as small shops selling to the public.

Timetable:

- Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

- Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

- Closed on Sundays

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TOURIST HOUSE

The Casa del Turista is nowadays a souvenir shop for tourists. Here, we can see the most elegant and exquisite embroideries that bring with them the Canarian craft tradition, the traditional costumes of the seven islands, and different and unique clay objects made in the same house by local craftsmen.

In addition, we can't leave behindthe best of the islands' handicrafts, as well as the food and agricultural products that are so typical of us.

Adult ticket price €5.

Timetable:

• Monday to Saturday: 09:00 - 18:30 h.
• Sundays: Closed.

HIJUELA DEL BOTÁNICO EN LA OROTAVA

4,000 square metres have led to this romantic garden being distinguished as an Asset of Cultural Interest since 2008.

Initially, it was presented as a complementary centre to the Acclimatisation Garden of La Orotava, but today it is recognised as the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz.

Visiting this place will give you a unique opportunity to stroll among the hundreds of different species that it gathers, such as the chestnut of India, the fire tree, the conifers of Australia and even a beautiful specimen of the Sacred Tree El Drago.

Timetable:

• All year round: 09:00 - 14:00 h.
• Free admission.

VICTORIA GARDENS

The Victoria Gardens are located next to the Plaza de la Constitución and the Liceo Taoro. Here we have before us a majestic space that can go perfectly unnoticed if you don't know the area or if you don't know of its existence.

They were built in the 19th century by the French architect Adolph Coquet, which may explain the peculiarity of their design. They are made up of a staggered seven-story structure, with gardens full of vegetation and decorated with fountains of inexplicable beauty.

Furthermore, at the top of the gardens, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the old town of La Orotava.

If what you were looking for was to discover unique places in the Canary Islands, the Victoria Gardens serve you that opportunity on a plate thanks to the order and precision of its entire structure.

Admission is free.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and weekends from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm.