This historic Canary Islands town has preserved its 17th-century mansions and wooden balconies. Located in Tenerife's green valley, near Mount Teide volcano.
La Orotava spreads across the northern slopes of Tenerife beneath Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. You'll walk through 16th-century streets where wooden balconies hang from old mansions, stop at the 1632 Casa de los Balcones to watch local artisans at work, and step inside the baroque Iglesia de la Concepción with its twin towers. During Corpus Christi, the town transforms as artists lay out intricate carpets made from volcanic sand and flower petals across the streets.
Getting to La Orotava
You can reach La Orotava by taking the TF-5 motorway from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which takes about 40 minutes. From Puerto de la Cruz, bus line 363 runs every 15 minutes and takes 10 minutes to reach the town center. The bus terminal on the western edge of town connects you with other parts of the island through multiple regional routes.
Walking Through the Old Town
Cobblestone streets climb steeply through La Orotava's old quarter, past buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. Look for the neoclassical town hall (Ayuntamiento) in the main square. The surrounding streets hold houses with wooden balconies and interior courtyards. In Plaza de la Constitución, you'll spot the neo-Mudejar kiosk where locals meet throughout the day.
Casa de los Balcones
Built in 1632, Casa de los Balcones displays intricate woodwork across its three stories. Inside the central courtyard, artisans demonstrate embroidery and ceramics techniques. The building opens daily from 8:30 AM to 7 PM, with a workshop selling local crafts.
Gardens and Green Spaces
The Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja (Victoria Gardens) rise in seven terraces up the hillside, with marble fountains and subtropical plants arranged in French-style patterns. At the Hijuela del Botánico, more than 3,000 plant species grow, including ancient dragon trees native to the Canary Islands. Both gardens give you views across the valley to Mount Teide.
Mount Teide Access
La Orotava serves as a gateway to Teide National Park, where you can hike around Spain's highest mountain (3,718 meters). Much of the national park falls within the municipality's boundaries. Stop at the Mirador de Humboldt viewpoint to see both the mountain and the valley stretching to the coast.
Local Food and Markets
The La Orotava Valley's farmers grow wine grapes, bananas, and vegetables that appear in local dishes. Try Canarian specialties like rabbit stew and local goat cheese in the old town's restaurants. You'll find regional products at the central Mercadona supermarket, while small shops throughout town sell wines from nearby vineyards.
Corpus Christi Festival
During Corpus Christi in May or June, artists spend days creating sand carpets (alfombras) along the streets. They use colored volcanic sand from Teide National Park and flower petals to form detailed patterns that extend for several blocks. Local families and artists have passed down this 19th-century tradition through generations.
