Things to Do in La Orotava
1 Plaza de La Constitución
Start your day at the Plaza de la Constitución, located in the historic center of La Orotava. Known by locals as Plaza del Kiosko, it’s a perfect spot to take photos with views of one of the oldest towns in the Canary Islands.
Built in the 17th century, the Church of San Agustín blends Moorish, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Right next to it, you’ll find the Casa de la Cultura, which was once the Convent of Nuestra Señora de Gracia.
2 Liceo de Taoro
Not far from the Plaza, you can visit the gardens of the Liceo de Taoro. Founded in 1855 as “Falansterio de Taoro”, it promoted culture and recreation for workers and artisans. Over time, it became “La Esperanza” and later merged with the Philharmonic to become the “Liceo de Orotava”. In 1924, it took its current name.
From 1927, access was limited to members of the Sociedad Cultural Liceo de Taoro, but I recommend visiting the garden, the lobby, and a few rooms at the entrance. Walk through the gardens and climb the stairs for one of the best panoramic views of La Orotava.
If you search for it online, you’ll find it listed as “Cafetería de Taoro“. So yes, it’s a café with great value for money where you can sit down, enjoy a drink, and take in the views.
Entry Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
3 Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja
Just a short walk from Liceo de Taoro, you’ll find the Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, also known as Jardines Victoria. Don’t get confused like I did and think you’ve missed a place—these are the same gardens.
The gardens were originally built as a mausoleum for Diego Ponte del Castillo after the Catholic Church denied him burial in the local cemetery because he belonged to the Freemasons. Despite this, he was eventually accepted and buried in the family tomb.
The gardens have 7 stepped terraces and are located on a high point in La Orotava. From here, you can stroll around and enjoy the scenery and flowers that decorate the area. In my opinion, it’s a beautiful little maze where you should just get lost and enjoy it.
Entry Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm
4 Hijuela del Botánico
When you leave the Victoria Gardens, head over to another spot to visit in La Orotava, the Hijuela del Botánico. With a Dragon Tree over 200 years old, these gardens might not be as impressive as the others, but they are definitely worth a visit.
The gardens are called Hijuela del Botánico because they belong to the Botanical Garden of La Orotava, located in Puerto de la Cruz.
Entry Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
5 Ayuntamiento de La Orotava
Not far from the botanical gardens, you’ll find the Ayuntamiento de La Orotava. Inaugurated in 1895, it’s located in the Municipal Palace. The striking pink façade of the building makes it hard to miss, and it stands at one end of the town square.
If you climb the stairs, you’ll be treated to a view of the rooftops of some of the town’s most famous buildings. On the left side of the stairs, there’s a small pond with a bridge, and on the right, a water fountain surrounded by plants and flowers.
If you’re here between May and June, during Corpus Christi, you might see the Alfombras de La Orotava. These are intricate flower and volcanic sand carpets created for the festival. They take 50 days to finish and are declared a Cultural Heritage Site.
To learn more about this tradition, you can visit the Centro de Interpretación del Arte Efímero: Alfombras de La Orotava.
6 La Casa de los Balcones
One of the best places to visit in La Orotava is La Casa de los Balcones. Built in the 17th century by one of La Orotava’s most important families, this three-story house features a long balcony on the top floor and five balconies on the second. As you’d expect, it was made using Canarian pine wood.
Inside, you’ll see how life was in those days, with rooms like the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a beautiful interior courtyard filled with plants.
With your ticket, you can download a free audio guide on your phone to learn more about life back then.
Entry Fee
- Adults: €6
- Residents of the Canary Islands: €3
- Students: €3
- People with reduced mobility: €3
- Free for children under 12
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
Buy your tickets for La Casa de los Balcones
7 Molino de Gofio La Máquina
To the right of La Casa de los Balcones, you’ll find the Molino de Gofio La Máquina.
Gofio, a type of flour, is one of the most important foods in Canarian cuisine. The Guanches, the native people of the Canary Islands, used gofio in many of their dishes, which is why it’s still so important in traditional Canarian meals.
Built in the 17th century, the mill originally worked with hydraulic energy, but today it runs on electricity. The whole process is still done by hand, using stone mills to make blends of gofio from maize, wheat, spelt, oats, or chickpeas.
If you want to see how gofio is made, try it, and buy some of their products, the Molino de Gofio La Máquina is one of the best things to do in La Orotava.
Entry Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Buy your tickets for La Casa de los Balcones + Molino de Gofio
8 Casa Lercaro
Built in the 17th century, this house belonged to a wealthy family that lived in the town after the Spanish conquest. Its Baroque-style façade is decorated with typical wooden balconies adorned with flowers.
Inside, you’ll find a restaurant and a café in some of its rooms, as well as in the outdoor area. I recommend visiting its rooms, which are decorated with period furniture.
Entry Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
9 Iglesia de la Concepción
Inaugurated in 1788, the Iglesia de la Concepción is also known as the “Cathedral of La Orotava,” though it isn’t actually a cathedral.
Its dome, inspired by the Cathedral of Florence in Italy, can be seen from various points along the route you’ve taken today. The Baroque-style façade features two towers, a medieval-style gargoyle, and a statue of the Immaculate Conception above the balcony.
When I visited during Holy Week, the church was decorated with fresh flowers, ready for the procession.
10 Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife
If you have some extra time or you love museums, the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife is located in a beautiful 17th-century building that used to be the San Benito de Abad convent.
Inside, you’ll find a permanent exhibition of traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics from Ibero-American countries.
Entry Fee
- General: €2
- Free for Canary Islands residents.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Things to Do in La Orotava
From La Orotava, you can easily visit nearby towns like Icod de los Vinos, Puerto de La Cruz, and Garachico. Since these destinations are relatively close, it’s simple to get there by bus or rental car.
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of things to do in La Orotava. If you’re up for exploring other parts of the island, check out these recommended excursions:
Visit Mount Teide by Cable Car
A trip to Tenerife isn’t complete without experiencing Mount Teide. For a worry-free adventure with a guide to explain everything along the way, this excursion is ideal for you.
Book a Mount Teide Cable Car Tour
Banana Plantation Tour
On this tour of a banana plantation, you’ll taste freshly harvested bananas, learn about their history, and explore the production process while walking among the banana trees.
How to Get to La Orotava
While Tenerife has two airports, the best way to get to La Orotava is by flying into Tenerife North Airport, located about 26 kilometers away. This is the most convenient option.
If you find a better deal flying into Tenerife South Airport, don’t worry. Renting a car is the easiest way to travel around the island without depending on buses. Both the airport and the port have car rental offices. My go-to rental company in the Canary Islands is CICAR, and they’re highly reliable.
If driving isn’t an option, you can use the public buses (guaguas) operated by Titsa. From Tenerife North Airport, take a bus to Puerto de la Cruz bus station in about 30 minutes, then connect to another bus to La Orotava. For the most up-to-date routes, download the Titsa App. This option is perfect if you prefer not to drive, even though it might involve a couple of transfers.
Where to Stay in La Orotava
Staying in La Orotava is a great idea if you’re looking for a peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the island’s south or busier spots like Puerto de la Cruz or La Laguna.
Here, you’ll find accommodations for all budgets. Choosing La Orotava is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a unique experience in Tenerife.
Where to Eat in La Orotava
While dining options in La Orotava might be a bit limited, there are some fantastic restaurants that stand out for their quality.
Here are some top choices: Restaurante Victoria, Casa Palacio Lercaro, and Casa Egón.
FAQs About La Orotava
Still have questions about your trip to La Orotava? Here are some frequently asked questions and a quick recap of the top highlights.
How long does it take to visit La Orotava?
La Orotava can be explored in just over an hour, but to truly enjoy it, I recommend spending at least half a day.
Is La Orotava worth visiting?
Absolutely! La Orotava is home to one of the most beautiful Canarian houses with balconies in Tenerife—the Casa de los Balcones.
What to See in La Orotava in One Day?
Start at Plaza de la Constitución and grab a coffee at Cafetería Liceo de Taoro. Then, visit the Victoria Gardens and the Botanical Garden Hijuela for stunning views of the sea.
Next, explore the Town Hall, Casa de los Balcones, and the Molino de Gofio La Máquina to learn about Canarian milling traditions. Don’t miss Casa Palacio Lercaro, the Church of La Concepción, and end your day at the Ibero-American Craft Museum to discover local art and culture.
What Can I Do for Free in La Orotava?
Enjoy free attractions like Plaza de la Constitución, the Victoria Gardens, and the Botanical Garden Hijuela. Entry to the Church of La Concepción, the Town Hall, and the Molino de Gofio La Máquina is also free.
What to Do in La Orotava with Kids?
The Victoria Gardens and the Botanical Garden Hijuela are ideal for kids. These open-air spots are perfect for playing and enjoying nature.
Map of Things to Do in La Orotava · Tenerife
Here’s a Google Maps map to make it easier for you to add all the spots shown in the infographic.
Things to Do in Tenerife for One Week
If you’re planning to visit the largest island in the Canary Archipelago, here’s a 7-day itinerary for Tenerife so you don’t miss the must-see spots.
7-day itinerary for Tenerife
