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La Orotava is one of the most beautiful towns on the island of Tenerife, and one of the best places to visit in north Tenerife. To this day, it’s the only place in the Canary Islands that has preserved most of its old town. For this reason, it was declared a National Artistic Historic Site in 1976.
We spent a day here during our trip to Tenerife and, honestly, that gave us enough time to walk through the cobbled streets and see the main sites in the historic center.
To make the most of our time, we took this free tour (available in English and Spanish). That said, you’ll be fine if you explore the town on your own since I’m sharing the top 10 things to do in La Orotava.
1. Visit La Casa de Los Balcones, the best thing to do in La Orotava, Tenerife
The first thing on your list of what to see in La Orotava is the Casa de Los Balcones (House of Balconies). It’s considered the most important example of old Canarian architecture, so it’s worth visiting.
The House of Balconies was built by an important local family in the 17th century. The façade has three floors, but the most striking part is the series of balconies. There is also a carved interior patio where you can see lots of native flora.
1. Visit La Casa de Los Balcones, the best thing to do in La Orotava, Tenerife
You won’t find any other place in La Orotava, Spain that combines architecture, history, tradition, folklore, and handicrafts so well. Visiting this place is like taking a journey back in time, and you can do it as a family, couple, or group. Admission is free for kids and $6 for adults, although I recommend booking a ticket in advance since access is limited.
2. Plaza de la Constitución, one of the top sites in La Orotava
The Plaza de la Constitución is one of the most beautiful places to see in La Orotava, Tenerife. Its name is a tribute to the Spanish Constitution of 1812, and before that, it was named the Llano de San Roque since it’s near the Hermitage of San Roque.
2. Plaza de la Constitución, one of the top sites in La Orotava
The plaza is also known as Pavilion Square, and its central pavilion is lovely. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the pneumudéjar style for municipal band performances. From this square, you can also see the Liceo Taoro, another cool place in La Orotava that I’ll mention next.
3. Liceo Taoro, another place in La Orotava, Tenerife that you’ll love
If you’re not sure what to do in La Orotava, check out the Liceo Taoro. It was built in 1928 and is now a centerpiece for the town’s cultural activities.
Since 1975, it has been the Liceo de Taoro Cultural Society headquarters. Here, you can see the Polyphonic Choir and take guitar classes.
3. Liceo Taoro, another place in La Orotava, Tenerife that you’ll love
The Liceo Taoro is also an event space for art exhibits, concerts, and conferences in La Orotava. In addition to cultural activities, the building includes sports facilities like tennis courts and swimming pools. That said, if you’re just passing through, check out the terrace café for a drink and garden views.
4. Gardens of the Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, a beautiful thing to see in La Orotava
Next to the Liceo Taoro and the Plaza de la Constitución, you’ll find the Gardens of the Marquesado de la Quinta Roja. Visiting this lovely area is a wonderful thing to do in La Orotava as a couple.
This iconic garden has seven terraces full of flowers that form a landscape cascading to the sea. It’s a unique place in the Canary Islands and all of Spain, which is why the gardens have been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
4. Gardens of the Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, a beautiful thing to see in La Orotava
Also known as the Victorian Gardens, this place has a great story behind it. Don Diego de Ponte, the Marquis de la Quinta Roja, and a mason, was prohibited from being buried in the holy cemetery. So, his mother, the Marchioness Doña Sebastiana del Castillo, had the gardens built.
At the top of the gardens is the masonic mausoleum, made of marble imported from Lyon. While the marquis didn’t end up being buried there, the mausoleum is a modern symbol against religious intolerance.
Stories aside, this garden was my favorite thing to see in La Orotava. Plus, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the Hijuela del Botánico Gardens, which are free and include a 200-year-old dragon tree.
5. Church of Our Lady of the Conception, another place to visit in La Orotava, Tenerife
The Church of Our Lady of the Conception is a temple that you must see in La Orotava, Tenerife. It’s considered the best example of Baroque art in the Canary Islands and dates back to 1516.
5. Church of Our Lady of the Conception, another place to visit in La Orotava, Tenerife
In fact, it has been a National Monument since 1948, making it an important point of interest, especially if you like architecture and art. The focal point of the church is its dome, which was inspired by the dome of the Cathedral of Florence in Italy.
You can see this beautiful red dome looming above the buildings in town from just about any viewpoint in the city. Along with its dome, the façade is worth seeing, too.
6. Casa Lercaro, something else you must visit in La Orotava
Casa Lercaro is an old 17th-century manor house that you must see in La Orotava. This charming 54,000ft² space combines the past and present, and it stands out for its architecture and gardens.
6. Casa Lercaro, something else you must visit in La Orotava
This place is so gorgeous that many production companies film commercials here. One of the best parts of Casa Lercaro’s architecture is the interior patio, which has a restaurant serving Canarian and Mediterranean cuisine. So, if you’d like to relax with some good local wine and food, check out this restaurant in La Orotava!
7. La Orotava Town Hall, another cool place to see in La Orotava, Tenerife
The Town Hall of La Orotava, Tenerife is a main point of interest you should check out. This municipal palace reflects the neoclassical architectural style and was the work of architects Maffiotte and Manuel de Oráa.
7. La Orotava Town Hall, another cool place to see in La Orotava, Tenerife
That said, what really stands out about the Town Hall is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which belonged to the convent of San José until the 19th century. During the festivities of Corpus Christi, which usually occur in June, the 9,700ft² plaza is lavishly decorated with religious iconography made of flowers and volcanic sand from the Cañadas del Teide.
If you’re visiting Tenerife during this time, don’t miss this event. The natural carpet of flowers and natural sand are an Asset of Cultural Interest and hold the Guinness record for the largest floral carpet in the world.
8. Visit a banana plantation, an amazing thing to do in La Orotava
One of the things that the Canary Islands are known for is its banana production. In La Orotava, you’ll be able to see first-hand how the Canarian climate works its magic by visiting a banana plantation.
This is a fun thing to do in La Orotava, especially with children. During the tour (which is half-price for kids), you’ll learn the difference between a plantain and a banana, and the steps involved in Canarian banana production, from planting to marketing.
8. Visit a banana plantation, an amazing thing to do in La Orotava
You’ll also learn the characteristics of the Canarian banana, the only variety of banana that has achieved the Protected Geographical Indication seal. And of course, you’ll end the tour with a tasting and a shot made with this fruit, so it’s an experience that’ll leave a good taste in your mouth!
9. Molino de Gofio La Máquina, a cultural place to visit in La Orotava
Gofio is a Canarian food made from toasted grain flour, and in Canarian cuisine, it’s widely used in desserts and stews. It’s also the main ingredient in dishes like gofio escaldado and gofio paella.
9. Molino de Gofio La Máquina, a cultural place to visit in La Orotava
To this day, you can still find gofio mills throughout La Orotava, and visiting these mills is a great way to learn more about the town’s culinary history. After the conquest of Tenerife, the town developed around these mills and their aqueducts.
The La Máquina gofio mill, whose name comes from being the first traditional mill to use turbines, is something you must see in La Orotava. It dates back to 1634 and received the 10th Villa de La Orotava Heritage Craft Award in 2008.
10. Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife, a must-see in La Orotava
If you’re still not sure what to do in La Orotava, I recommend visiting the Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife (MAIT). It’s in the former convent of San Benito Abad and displays Ibero-American handicrafts, including those from the Canary Islands.
10. Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife, a must-see in La Orotava
Here, you’ll find some interesting things like the “Popular Art in American and the Philippines” collection and popular instruments from Spain and America. You’ll also see the popular Spanish alferería, a traditional form of pottery.
Where to stay in La Orotava, Tenerife
If you want to stay overnight, there are some wonderful accommodations in La Orotava, like the Hotel Rural Orotava. The décor is very Canarian, and since it’s in La Orotava’s oldest town, it’s surrounded by mountains. The hotel restaurant is on the patio and serves traditional home cooking and local wines. You can also visit the hotel’s cellar, which has stone floor stables.
Another traditional hotel in La Orotava is the Hotel Rural Victoria. This 16th-century house is located between the sea and the mountains, in the Villa Monumental de La Orotava. The hotel’s facilities and original architecture have been carefully restored, and there are 13 double rooms and just one suite, so be sure to book in advance.
Where to stay in La Orotava, Tenerife
Finally, the Hotel Alhambra is an elegant mansion with an outdoor pool, sauna, large rooms, and satellite TV. There is also a game room with board games and TV, so it’s a good accommodation in La Orotava for kids. For the adults, there is free tea and coffee available throughout the day.
Where to eat in La Orotava
If you’re looking for a place to try some traditional Canarian cuisine, book a table at Bar Los Castillos, one of the best restaurants in Tenerife. Not only is it one of the most popular restaurants in La Orotava, but it’s also inexpensive. The homemade dishes there are carefully prepared, and the atmosphere is very pleasant.
The Haydée Restaurant raises the bar a bit and is a treat for all the senses. It’s more expensive, but the menu is exquisite, including the tasting menu, which is what we ordered.
Another top-rated place to eat in La Orotava is Bar La Duquesa. While we didn’t eat here, the menu seems good if you want to try traditional Canarian dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo or a good Canarian stew.
La Orotava map
To make things easier for you, here is a map of La Orotava with all the places and things to do in La Orotava that I mentioned.
That’s it from me! If you still have questions about what to see in La Orotava, or you’d like to make a recommendation, leave me a comment. Until then, have a great trip!
