LA OROTAVA
Municipality of Tenerife
La Orotava, the colonial town of Teide
La Orotava is one of the municipalities with the greatest historical and scenic value in Tenerife. Its old town, declared Historical-Artistic Ensemble, is a jewel of Canarian colonial architecture. But what makes this municipality unique is its territory: it stretches from the valley that bears its name to the summit of the Teide, including a large part of the National Park, declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
Moreover, the CanariasLife Webcams allow you to watch live Cañadas del Teide, the Victoria Gardens and a panoramic view of the municipality's surroundings, to check the conditions at the summit and in the town before setting out.
Historic District
Strolling through downtown La Orotava is to explore one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in Canary Islands. Its cobbled streets, mansions with carved wooden balconies, and interior courtyards create an atmosphere that transports several centuries back.
The Casa de los Balcones, from the 17th century, is the most well-known building. Its Canarian pine balconies are one of the most photographed images of Tenerife. Next to it, the Casa Lercaro houses local crafts and exhibitions.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is one of the best examples of Canarian baroque, with a dome that dominates the town's skyline. And the Town Hall Square, surrounded by gardens and stately buildings, is the center of local life.
Victoria Gardens and green spaces
The Victoria Gardens (also known as the Gardens of the Marquessate of the Quinta Roja) are a stepped space with terraces, fountains, and subtropical vegetation that descend the hillside of the valley. It is one of the town's prettiest corners, and the CanariasLife webcam offers a live view.
It's also worth visiting the Hijuela del Botánico, a smaller and quieter garden in the center of town. This space features tropical and subtropical species as it is an extension of the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz.
Teide National Park
Much of the Teide National Park is located within the municipality of La Orotava. At 3,715 meters, the Teide is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world from its oceanic base. Additionally, the park is World Heritage and the most visited natural area in Canary Islands.
From La Orotava, you can access via the TF-21 road, which climbs through the forest of Canary pine until the Cañadas del Teide. Thanks to the CanariasLife webcam, you can check the summit conditions live: snow in winter, visibility, clouds, and sky.
In the Cañadas area, you can also find the Teide Observatory (Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands), which is a world reference in astronomy.
Beaches of La Orotava
Although the municipality is known for its old town and Teide, its coast hides some of the best beaches in northern Tenerife:
El Bollullo Beach is the most famous: black volcanic sand, clean waters, and an undeveloped natural environment. It is accessed on foot from El Rincón. Meanwhile, El Ancón Beach y Los Patos Beach are wilder and less frequented, ideal for those seeking peace.
All have waves, so it's advisable to check conditions before going.
Corpus Christi Carpets
The flower and volcanic sand carpets of Corpus Christi in La Orotava are undoubtedly one of the most famous traditions of Canary Islands. Each year, residents create huge tapestries on the streets and squares of the town using petals, Teide sand, and natural materials. It is an event declared of National Tourist Interest that attracts visitors from across the island.
Gastronomy in La Orotava
The municipality belongs to the Designation of Origin Valle de La Orotava, with wines quality reds and whites that can be tasted in wineries and guachinches of the area. In the town's taverns, they serve wrinkled potatoes with mojo, festival meat (marinated pork typical of local festivals), gofio y fresh fish.
In fact, the guachinches in the valley are one of the most authentic gastronomic experiences in Tenerife: homemade food with the producer's wine at popular prices.
How to get to La Orotava
Since the Tenerife North Airport are about 25 minutes via the TF-5. Similarly, from Santa Cruz de Tenerife it takes about 35 minutes. While from Puerto de la Cruz it takes only 10 minutes via the TF-31.
To go up to Teide National Park from La Orotava, the TF-21 road is the most direct and spectacular route. The trip to the Cañadas takes about 40 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about La Orotava
What to see in La Orotava in a day?
The historic center with the Casa de los Balcones, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Victoria Gardens in the morning. Then, head up to the Teide National Park via the TF-21. If there's time, go down to the El Bollullo Beach for a swim in the volcanic sand.
What are the Corpus Christi carpets?
They are huge tapestries made with petals, sand from the Teide and natural materials that the residents create in the streets of La Orotava every year. It is a tradition declared of National Tourist Interest and one of the most famous in Canary Islands.
Is Teide in La Orotava?
Yes, much of the Teide National Park is situated within the municipality of La Orotava. The Teide, at 3,715 meters, is the highest peak in Spain. Access is via the TF-21 from La Orotava.
Are there beaches in La Orotava?
Yes, the municipality's coast has volcanic sand beaches like El Bollullo (the most well-known), El Ancón y Los Patos. These are natural beaches with waves, surrounded by vegetation.
What are guachinches?
These are venues where the producers of wine serve homemade Canarian cuisine with their own harvest wine. The La Orotava Valley is one of the best areas of Tenerife to find them.
Are there webcams in La Orotava?
Yes, in CanariasLife you can watch live webcams of La Orotava, with cameras in the Cañadas del Teide, the Victoria Gardens and a panoramic view of the municipality.