La Orotava Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in La Orotava, from its cultural attractions and natural wonders, to its delicious cuisine and local culture.


Introduction to La Orotava

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Teide mountain range in Tenerife, La Orotava is a charming historic town famed for its rich heritage, traditional architecture, and stunning natural beauty. Known for its colorful tiles, intricate balconies, and vibrant gardens, this historic town has retained much of its old-world charm, with cobbled streets, elegant Baroque buildings, and enchanting courtyards adding to its unique ambiance and timeless appeal.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in local culture, soak up the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape, or simply relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings, La Orotava is a must-visit destination for any traveler heading to the Canary Islands.

List of Places to Visit in La Orotava

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

La Orotava is home to several historical sites and museums, giving visitors the chance to learn about the town’s fascinating cultural legacy. Some of the must-visit destinations include:

  • Casa de los Balcones. This 17th-century manor house is famous for its intricate balconies and impressive collection of traditional crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and embroidery.

  • Iglesia de la Concepción. This stunning Baroque church is one of the most important landmarks in La Orotava, with its ornate façade, exquisite interior, and beautiful choral music.

  • Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes. This museum houses an impressive collection of artwork and artefacts, including paintings, sculptures, and furnishings from the 16th to the 19th century.

Natural Attractions of La Orotava: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

La Orotava’s stunning natural beauty is perhaps its biggest draw, with visitors flocking to the town to explore its scenic landscape and natural attractions. From tranquil botanical gardens to towering peaks, here are some of the best outdoor attractions that La Orotava has to offer:

  • Jardín Botánico. One of the most popular attractions in La Orotava, the botanical garden is home to over 3,000 exotic plant species from around the world, with winding paths, glistening ponds, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Teide National Park. Rising up to a height of 3,718 meters, the Teide National Park is a vast volcanic landscape dotted with lava fields, craters, and bubbling hot springs. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to the peak for panoramic views of Tenerife.

  • Mirador Humboldt. This spectacular viewpoint is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of La Orotava’s mesmerizing beauty, with views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Orotava

La Orotava’s scenic landscape makes it the perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with a variety of trails and routes to suit all levels of ability.

  • Monte de las Flores. This popular hiking trail takes visitors through lush forests, picturesque streams, and hidden waterfalls, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Vía Verde. This former railway line connects La Orotava with the nearby town of Los Realejos and is a popular hiking and biking trail that meanders through the picturesque countryside.

Best Things to Do in La Orotava: Activities and Tours

La Orotava offers visitors a wide range of activities and tours, from cultural and historic tours to adventure sports and outdoor activities.

  • Walking Tours. Guided walking tours of La Orotava are a great way to explore the town’s rich heritage, with expert guides sharing their knowledge of local history and culture.

  • Wine Tours. Tenerife is renowned for its world-class wine, and visitors to La Orotava can take part in vineyard tours and wine tastings to discover the rich array of flavors and styles on offer.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Orotava

If you’re planning a week-long trip to La Orotava, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: City Tour of La Orotava

Day 2: Hiking in Monte de las Flores

Day 3: Visit Jardín Botánico and Mirador Humboldt

Day 4: Explore the museums and historical sites of La Orotava

Day 5: Wine Tour

Day 6: Visit Teide National Park

Day 7: Relax on the beach

Food and Drink Scene of La Orotava

La Orotava is famous for its delicious cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes. Some of the must-try dishes and beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Papas arrugadas. This traditional Canarian dish of small, salted potatoes is typically served with a savory green mojo sauce.

  • Gofio escaldado. This hearty dish is made from roasted maize flour, boiled water, salt, and spices, with various meats, fish, and vegetables added to the mix.

Local Beverages

  • Ron miel. This honey rum is a popular local tipple, with a unique sweet and spicy flavor that’s perfect for sipping straight or using as a base for cocktails.

  • Malvasia wine. This beautiful wine is produced in the La Orotava valley and is renowned for its dry, fruity taste and floral aroma.

Where to Stay in La Orotava: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

La Orotava has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses and hostels. Some of the recommended options include:

  • Hotel Rural Victoria. This charming hotel offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a beautiful outdoor pool.

  • Hotel La Raya. This traditional Canarian hotel is located in the heart of La Orotava and offers spacious rooms, beautiful views, and personalized service.

  • Hostel La Terrera. This cozy hostel is perfect for budget travelers, offering comfortable dorms and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in La Orotava: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

La Orotava is home to a wealth of local products and souvenirs, from traditional crafts and handmade textiles to delicious local produce and wine. Some of the must-buy items include:

  • Colorful tiles. La Orotava is famous for its beautifully decorated tiles, which are often used to adorn buildings, courtyards, and gardens.

  • Embroidered textiles. The town is home to many skilled embroidery artisans, creating beautiful pieces with intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Local Culture and Customs of La Orotava

La Orotava has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Spanish, Latin American, and African influences that’s evident in its cuisine, music, and language. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in local customs and traditions, such as:

  • Celebrating the Fiestas de la Rama in August, a vibrant festival where locals carry branches through the streets in honor of the town’s patron saint.

  • Learning about the traditional crafts and arts that are still practiced in La Orotava, from pottery-making and weaving to embroidery and lace making.

Best Time to Visit La Orotava

The best time to visit La Orotava is during the spring and autumn months (March to May and September to November). This is when the weather is pleasant and mild, with lower tourist crowds and a relaxed atmosphere.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Orotava

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions, including dress codes, local languages, and social norms.

  • Try the local food and wine, and explore the variety of tastes and flavors on offer.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local etiquette, such as tipping, greetings, and gestures.

  • Underestimate the sun and heat, and be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing.

Safety and Health

Safety in La Orotava

La Orotava is considered a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a generally-friendly and welcoming local population. Visitors are advised to take regular precautions common to any tourist destination, such as watching out for pickpockets in crowded areas and keeping valuables secure in public places.

Health in La Orotava

La Orotava has excellent medical facilities and healthcare services, with several hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies available for emergency or routine treatment. It is recommended that visitors ensure they have valid travel insurance that covers any medical expenses that may arise during their stay.

Getting to La Orotava: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Orotava

Tenerife North Airport is the closest airport to La Orotava, located around 20 minutes’ drive away. Tenerife South Airport is also easily accessible, with a journey time of around 45 minutes by car.

Bus Stations Near La Orotava

La Orotava has a Bus Station that is well-connected to other major towns and cities on the island, with regular services to Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz, and other destinations.

Other Options

Driving to La Orotava is an option for those who want to explore the surrounding region, with car rental services available at the airports and in the town itself.

How to Get Around in La Orotava

La Orotava is a relatively small town that is easily explored on foot or by using public transport. Taxis and buses are readily available, and rental services are available for those who want to explore further afield.

Where to Go Next from La Orotava: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

La Orotava is located in a stunning region of Tenerife and offers easy access to a wealth of other attractions and destinations. Some of the must-visit nearby destinations include:

  • Puerto de la Cruz. This bustling seaside town is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and vibrant cultural scene.

  • Mount Teide. This natural wonder is the highest point in Spain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Loro Park. This world-renowned animal park is home to a dazzling collection of animals, from exotic birds and primates to sea lions and sharks.

Conclusion

La Orotava is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and contemporary charm. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, this charming town is sure to capture your heart and leave you with a lasting impression of the Canary Islands.

View over the lower city from the Plaza de la Constitución View over the lower city from the Plaza de la Constitución Carved ceiling of the Iglesía de San Agustín Carved ceiling of the Iglesía de San Agustín Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja Courtyard of the Casa de los Balcones Courtyard of the Casa de los Balcones Corpus Christi volcanic sand 'carpet' in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento Corpus Christi volcanic sand 'carpet' in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento Creation of Corpus Christi flower 'carpets' Creation of Corpus Christi flower 'carpets' Bar Restaurante La Duquesa Bar Restaurante La Duquesa