La Orotava is a town that looks as if it has stepped straight out of an old postcard. Nestled in a picturesque valley, it enchants visitors with its authentic Canarian architecture, lush gardens, and an atmosphere that instantly transports you to another era. If you are looking for more than a beach holiday in Tenerife, and want to immerse yourself in the island’s history and culture, La Orotava is one of the places that will truly make that possible.
The Historical Heart of Tenerife
The history of La Orotava reaches back to the pre-Hispanic era, when its fertile valley formed part of the Menceyato of Taoro, one of the nine kingdoms of the Guanches – the island’s indigenous people. After the Castilian conquest in 1496, La Orotava quickly developed into an important agricultural and trading hub. With abundant water flowing down from the mountains, the valley proved ideal for cultivating sugarcane, bringing great wealth to Tenerife in the 16th and 17th centuries.
During this period, many noble Spanish families settled here, building elegant mansions that still define the architectural character of the historic centre. The 18th century marked the town’s golden age, with a flourishing of art and architecture. It was then that many of the baroque churches, monasteries, and palaces we admire today were constructed. The old quarter has rightly been recognised as a site of significant cultural and artistic value – a place where every stone seems to breathe history.
Today, La Orotava is considered one of the most authentic and best-preserved towns in the Canary Islands – an open-air museum that captures the spirit of the past. It draws visitors who appreciate leisurely strolls along cobbled streets, admire historic buildings with their distinctive wooden balconies, and wish to experience the rhythm of genuine Canarian life.
Architectural Gems and Scenic Corners: What to See in La Orotava
La Orotava is renowned for its distinctive Canarian architecture, rooted in Andalusian and Portuguese traditions, with touches of the Moorish Mudéjar style. Its most iconic feature is the finely carved wooden balconies, crafted from Canary pine, which adorn many of the town’s historic mansions.
- Casa de los Balcones: Perhaps the town’s most recognisable landmark and a true symbol of Canarian architecture. Built in 1632, this mansion captivates with its intricately carved wooden balconies facing the street and a charming courtyard filled with exotic plants. Step inside to explore traditional interiors and learn more about local crafts. Entry is ticketed, but many visitors agree it is well worth the price. You can buy tickets online in advance.
- Jardines Victoria (Gardens of the Marquisate of La Quinta Roja): Designed in the 19th century by French artist Adolphe Coquet, these terraced gardens offer not only lush vegetation but also sweeping panoramic views over the town and the Atlantic Ocean. Originally intended as a mausoleum for the Marquis of La Quinta Roja, the project was never completed as planned. Today, a stroll through the gardens is a deeply relaxing experience.
- Church of the Conception (Iglesia de la Concepción): One of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the Canary Islands, this majestic church with its impressive dome and twin towers defines the skyline of La Orotava. Inside, visitors are greeted with richly decorated altars and exquisite woodcarvings.
- Plaza de la Constitución: Long known as Llano de San Roque, this square is one of the liveliest meeting points for locals. It offers wonderful views over the southern part of the town and towards Puerto de la Cruz. Here you will also find the Church of San Agustín and a picturesque central bandstand, making it a favourite spot for both residents and visitors.
- Hijuela del Botánico (Botanical Garden of La Orotava): Located just behind the Town Hall, this small botanical garden was established in 1788 and is the second oldest in Spain after the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid. It houses more than 4,000 plant species from around the world, including rare and endemic specimens. A visit here offers a peaceful walk and a chance to appreciate the island’s rich biodiversity.
- Casa Lercaro: Another fine example of Canarian architecture that transports you back to past centuries. This elegant mansion combines baroque and Italian design elements, while its courtyards resemble lush gardens, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the local nobility.
- MAIT – Museum of Ibero-American Crafts of Tenerife: A must for those interested in traditional crafts. The museum showcases the creation process of La Orotava’s famous sand carpets, which decorate the main square during the Corpus Christi celebrations, as well as many other examples of applied art from across Latin America and Spain.
- Molino de Gofio: La Orotava still preserves its traditional mills where gofio – a staple Canarian product made from roasted cereals – is produced. Visiting one of these mills is an immersive way to connect with Canarian culinary traditions and local history.
- The “La Orotava” Botanical Garden… not quite in La Orotava: One of the most renowned “attractions of La Orotava” is in fact located just outside the town’s limits – the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, more commonly known as the Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Garden. Founded in 1788 by King Charles III, the garden was created to acclimatise exotic plants brought from the New World before being transferred to Madrid’s royal gardens and other European centres. Thanks to the fertile soils of the Orotava Valley and its unique microclimate, it became home to thousands of species from across the globe, including rare tropical and subtropical plants, as well as endemic Canarian specimens. Today, it remains one of Tenerife’s true botanical jewels, where visitors can wander among towering palms, giant figs, bromeliads, and countless other exotic plants. Despite its historical name, the garden is actually situated in Puerto de la Cruz, only a few kilometres from La Orotava’s historic centre. You can read more in our dedicated article: Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava.
👉 Explore more island highlights in our Tenerife attractions guide.
Leisure and Impressions: Things to Do in La Orotava
La Orotava is not only about landmarks, but also about atmosphere. It is a town made for wandering, where narrow, cobbled streets climb uphill, offering peace, charm, and countless picture-perfect corners.
Strolling the Old Town: Lose yourself in the maze of historic streets, uncovering hidden courtyards, cosy cafés, and small artisan shops. Even without seeking out specific landmarks, the simple act of walking here is a delight. The town is exceptionally photogenic, with postcard views at almost every turn.
Gastronomic discoveries: La Orotava is an excellent place to sample traditional Canarian cuisine. Look out for local guachinches – small, family-run eateries serving home-style dishes paired with local wine. Favourites include rabbit stew (conejo en salmorejo), ropa vieja (a hearty mix of meat and chickpeas), and a variety of seafood dishes. Don’t miss the iconic papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) served with mojo sauces. You can join organised tastings of local wines and traditional products.
Shopping for souvenirs: La Orotava is known for its handcrafted souvenirs, including woodwork, ceramics, textiles, and locally produced delicacies. These make for meaningful keepsakes and gifts.
Corpus Christi Festival: If you visit in June, you’ll witness one of the town’s most spectacular events – the annual Corpus Christi celebrations. Streets and squares, especially the Town Hall square, are decorated with intricate carpets made from volcanic sand and flowers. These stunning artworks are admired by thousands of visitors, only to disappear once the religious procession passes.
Views of the Valley and Mount Teide: Nestled in the Orotava Valley, the town offers breathtaking panoramas of its surroundings. From several vantage points, particularly the upper terraces of the Victoria Gardens, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Teide.
La Orotava is a town that doesn’t reveal its secrets in a rush. It invites you to slow down, breathe in the scent of history, and experience the authentic soul of Tenerife.
You can visit La Orotava either independently or as part of an organised tour. Many excursions include this historic town in rich itineraries that combine it with other highlights such as the village and gorge of Masca, Garachico – rebuilt from the ashes and famous for its natural pools El Caletón, Icod de los Vinos, or the Teide National Park. These tours are usually run as full-day trips with hotel transfers, scenic photo stops, and tastings of local wines or traditional Canarian dishes. Choose one of the recommended tours below or browse all available options here.
👉 For the full list of popular activities on the island, see our things to do in Tenerife guide.