The Canary Islands have two capital cities: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
While mainland Spain is rife with stunning historic cities—Seville, Donostia, and Segovia, to name a few—the spectacular beauty doesn’t stop at the shores of Iberia. Off the west coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands offer a staggering blend of both natural and manmade beauty, with no shortage of historic villages and sprawling nature preserves to explore—and for those hoping to experience the true splendor of this iconic archipelago, a trip to La Orotava is certainly in order.
Located in the northern reaches of Tenerife, this storied town is a far cry from some of the island’s more party-centric coastal communities, offering ample opportunity for relaxation throughout your visit. During a stroll through La Orotava, visitors can bask in the beauty of the Hijuela del Botánico, a verdant public garden that was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural—or Asset of Cultural Interest—by the Spanish government in 2008. Officially established in 1788, this storied space is home to lush palms and ferns that host a wealth of native Macaronesian birds, while a towering dragon tree—one of the natural symbols of Tenerife—stands tall above the garden.
Tenerife is the largest and most visited of the Canary Islands.
After admiring the surrounding plantlife, there’s a wide array of other attractions to explore across town. Just a few steps away, the sprawling Jardín Victoria offers stunning vistas of the area, perched high on a hill and equipped with its own picturesque mausoleum. For history buffs, the Casa de los Balcones provides insight into a particularly fascinating Canarian tradition—the fine art of balcony-making, to be precise. This historic home dates back to the 17th-century, equipped with antique furniture, a verdant courtyard, and intricate pine balconies carved by Tenerife’s most talented woodworkers from the distant past.
A lengthy trek along La Orotava’s cobblestone streets is certain to work up an appetite, and fortunately, the town is loaded with charming restaurants offering flavorful local fare. Just past the ornate Iglesia de La Concepción, Bar Los Castillos is the perfect venue for any newcomers to the world of Canarian cuisine, with local cheeses, traditional rancho stew, and rabbit with salmorejo sauce all up for grabs. Further south, Dabeke Restaurante crafts typical Tenerife cuisine in a gorgeous setting, earning abundant acclaim for their flavorful croquettes and hearty dishes like fried octopus and dry-aged ribeye.
Teide National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
And of course, no visit to La Orotava is complete without paying a visit to Teide National Park, one of the crown jewels of natural beauty in the Canary Islands. This massive preserve is centered around the tallest volcano in all of Spain, providing visitors with an opportunity to encounter fascinating endemic flora that’s evolved to thrive at high altitudes. During the drive down from La Orotava, Mirador de Mataznos serves as a particularly scenic vista point, while Teide itself is a wonder to behold, equipped with a cable car used for shuttling visitors up to the frigid heights of the volcano.
Tenerife is best known for its vibrant nightlife, but for those in search of a relaxing escape in the Canarian countryside, it’s tough to find a better destination than La Orotava. Blessed with traditional architecture, incredible dining destinations, and picturesque dragon trees all across town, this tranquil settlement offers insight into the quieter side of the island, while some of the region’s finest outdoor adventure opportunities are just a short drive away. With spring in full swing across the Northern Hemisphere, La Orotava serves as the perfect destination for a deep dive into the spectacular beauty of the Canary Islands.
