Canary Islands - Tenerife - Best Places to Visit in La Orotava Travel Guide

Best Places to Visit in La Orotava Travel Guide

Want to learn about Canarian history and see the best-preserved examples of traditional architecture? In this guide, we'll tell you how and when to visit La Orotava to experience the Corpus Christi celebration. We've also included links to the top places to visit in La Orotava, as well as recommended restaurants and cafés. Read on to plan your trip wisely.

Table of Content

1. Main Information About Town 2. Why Visit La Orotava? 3. A Brief History of La Orotava 4. Main La Orotava Attractions 5. La Orotava World-Famous Corpus Christi Carpets 6. More Essential Details for La Orotava Visitors 7. Conclusion

Check all locations on a user-friendly Google map to get an easy overview and organize your route.

Tenerife offers more than just natural beauty, and La Orotava is a perfect example. This town is located in northern Tenerife and is close to the popular destination of Puerto de la Cruz. However, many visitors overlook it, and it is a real mistake. It houses historic mansions, lush gardens, and charming cobbled streets. The whole place is filled with the atmosphere of authentic Canarian culture.

Views of La Orotava

1. Main Information About Town

La Orotava (Google Maps location) sits in the northern part of the island, in a picturesque valley surrounded by green hills and vineyards. The town is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Here you can find traditional Canarian houses and get an opportunity to see famous carpets made of volcanic sand and flowers during Corpus Christi.

2. Why Visit La Orotava?

La Orotava is considered one of the most beautiful and distinctive historic towns in Tenerife. Many of its streets look almost unchanged since the 17th century. And if you visit during the Corpus Christi celebration, you can witness one of the island’s most impressive cultural events.

3. A Brief History of La Orotava

Views of La Orotava

La Orotava in Tenerife existed long before the arrival of the Spanish. This valley was an important settlement for the Guanches who lived there. The lands were divided among the conquistadors after the conquest of Tenerife. This town began to take shape in the early 16th century.

The first building was the Casa del Turista, the construction of which was completed in 1509. It originally belonged to Francisco de Molina and now houses exhibitions and souvenir shops.

Thanks to sugarcane cultivation and winemaking, the town grew quickly during the colonial period. Local wines soon became popular in Europe, and the nearby port of Puerto de la Cruz transformed into an important hub for their transportation. This brought considerable wealth to the local aristocracy.

Landowners and merchants built impressive mansions, which are now considered some of the finest examples of Canarian architecture.

Today, La Orotava remains a symbol of authentic Tenerife. Its streets, balconies, churches, and workshops preserve strong ties to the past.

4. Main La Orotava Attractions

Most of the historic houses in La Orotava were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The town is small, and all the main sights can be seen leisurely in a day or two.

1. Casas de los Balcones

Casas de los Balcones

La Casa de los Balcones is one of the best places to visit in La Orotava. The carved wooden balconies were handcrafted by local artisans. Inside, you'll find a traditional Canarian courtyard and several small craft workshops. Here you can buy souvenirs and artworks created by local craftsmen.

Museo Molino de Gofio del Hoyo

Museo Molino de Gofio del Hoyo. Located just a few steps from the famous Casa de los Balcones, this small museum offers a live look at how traditional gofio is made. The wooden mill still operates, filling the space with the warm aroma of toasted grains. A charming stop that completes a visit to historic La Orotava. You can buy a combined ticket for both museums directly at Casa de los Balcones.

2. Casa Lercaro

Casa Lercaro

Casa Lercaro once belonged to one of the city’s influential families. This building impresses with its traditional Canarian architecture, preserved from the heyday of La Orotava. Today, the palace houses a restaurant and often hosts exhibitions and cultural events. The house is located in the heart of the old quarter, making it a pleasant place for a stroll.

3. Iglesia de la Concepción

Iglesia de la Concepción

Iglesia de la Concepción is a late 18th-century church, built in 1788. The church is very grand, and its exterior is striking for its harmonious lines and its dome, which is visible from many parts of the city. The interior is no less impressive than the exterior. Its rich decoration, statues, and altarpiece highlight the church’s importance in the life of La Orotava.

4. Jardines Victoria

Jardines Victoria

According to Tripadvisor, Jardines Victoria (Marquesado de la Quinta Roja Garden) is the number one attraction in La Orotava. These 19th-century gardens are open to all visitors during regular opening hours. The garden enchants with its landscape, palms, deciduous trees, and exotic flowers. You can stroll among fountains and stairways, gradually ascending to several viewing platforms. From the upper terraces, you can see the city, the whole valley, and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also an outdoor café area where you can savor a delicious coffee and dessert.

5. Ayuntamiento de La Orotava

Ayuntamiento de La Orotava

The City Hall building is located in a beautiful historic district. Its more austere yet equally elegant exterior distinguishes it from the surrounding buildings. In front of it stands the famous Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where enormous volcanic-sand carpets are created each year to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. This unique tradition cannot be seen on such a large scale anywhere else in the Canary Islands.

6. Hijuela del Botánico

Hijuela del Botánico

You should also visit the small but very cozy botanical garden in La Orotava, called Hijuela del Botánico. It features plants from around the world, including rare tropical species. Stroll along the paths and escape the hustle and bustle of the city (not that there is much of it) in the tranquility of the greenery. Don’t forget your charged phone or camera, as this place is a favorite among photographers.

7. Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana

Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana

San Benito Abad is a 17th-century monastery that later became the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana. It houses a collection of handicrafts from Latin America, Spain, and, in particular, the Canary Islands. The exhibition features works made from a variety of materials, including ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, and you can also explore replicas of traditional costumes.

8. Mirador de Humboldt

Mirador de Humboldt

The Mirador de Humboldt viewpoint is most easily reached by car, as it is located outside the city. It offers one of the best views of the La Orotava Valley, the ocean, and the Teide massif. If you come here after exploring the city, it is best to visit at sunset, when the entire valley gradually turns golden.

5. La Orotava World-Famous Corpus Christi Carpets

Corpus Christi Carpets

Corpus Christi in La Orotava falls on a different Thursday each year. In 2026, it will start on June 4. On this day, the whole historic center turns into a giant open-air gallery — a truly unforgettable sight.

Locals prepare the carpets in advance. They create them using dyed volcanic sand, flower petals, leaves, seeds, and other natural materials. This is painstaking work, as residents spend hours laying the carpets by hand. The resulting artworks depict religious and historical themes.

Tips for tourists who want to attend the event:

Plan your trip and book accommodation in La Orotava or Puerto de la Cruz in advance, as the event is very busy.
If you want to see the carpet-making process in person, come in the morning.
The best place to watch the festivities is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

This celebration is definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to get a closer look at Tenerife's religious traditions and history.

6. More Essential Details for La Orotava Visitors

Already planning to visit La Orotava? We'll share the key details to ensure your stay and trip leave only the best impressions.

Getting to La Orotava From Around Tenerife

The easiest way to get from Puerto de la Cruz to La Orotava is by TITSA bus #345 (10 stops), #351 (10 stops) or #352 (15 stops). The ride takes only about 20 minutes. From the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to La Orotava is by TITSA bus #108 (10 stops). The ride takes about 35 - 40 minutes.

Local Food & Traditional Restaurants

La Orotava has many traditional restaurants serving Canarian cuisine:

Casa Lercaro – a historical landmark and dine-in restaurant (4.6 stars on Google Maps).
Sabor Canario – located in an old building in the city center, this restaurant serves traditional Canarian dishes (4.5 stars on Google Maps).
Bar Los Castillos – a cozy bar-restaurant for those looking to try simple and affordable Canarian food (4.8 stars on Google Maps).
Bodeguita La Charca – situated outside the city center, but frequently featured on lists of the best restaurants in La Orotava (4.8 stars on Google Maps).

Parking Tips for La Orotava

Parking in the historic center is available in designated spaces and paid lots. However, even there, finding a spot can be difficult, especially during Corpus Christi. Therefore, it's best to park on the outskirts of the old town. Convenient options include the Parking Lercaro, Aparcamiento público, Parking Orotava Centro, Parking San Agustin, parking area near Jardines Victoria, Parking Casa del Turista y Los Balcones, and the lots along the streets below the center. During peak tourist times, it is often easier to park a little further out and walk up.

The Best Season to Explore Town (Spring & Corpus Christi Time)

La Orotava is beautiful year-round, but if you want to see it at its best, visit in late spring (end of May) or early summer. June is the best time to see Corpus Christi. Plus, the summer here is cooler than in the south, so you can stroll the old streets without breaking a sweat.

Views of La Orotava

7. Conclusion

The architecture, traditions, and history of La Orotava are evident in every street and building. Here you'll get a glimpse of what Tenerife was like before the advent of resorts and modern neighborhoods. We highly recommend visiting La Orotava to experience the spirit of the island as it was known centuries ago.

To help you plan your route, check out our guide to northern Tenerife and a map of attractions.

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