What 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 to locals as Plaza del Kiosko, it’s a perfect spot for photos with views of one of the oldest towns in the Canary Islands.

Built in the 17th century, the Church of San Agustín blends Mudéjar, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Next door, you’ll find the current Casa de la Cultura, which was once the Convento de Nuestra Señora de Gracia.

2 Liceo de Taoro

Just a short walk from the Plaza, head to the gardens of the Liceo de Taoro. Founded in 1855 as the “Falansterio de Taoro,” it promoted culture and leisure among workers and artisans. Over time, it became “La Esperanza,” then merged with the Philharmonic Society, and was renamed the “Liceo de Orotava” in 1924.

From 1927 onwards, access was limited to members of the Sociedad Cultura Liceo de Taoro. However, I recommend visiting the garden, the lobby, and some of the entrance rooms. Walk through the gardens and climb the stairs for one of the most beautiful panoramic views of La Orotava.

If you search for it on Google, you’ll see it listed as “Cafetería de Taoro.” Indeed, it’s a café offering great value for sitting and enjoying a drink while taking in the views.

Entrance Fee

• Free

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

3 Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja

A few steps from the Liceo de Taoro, you’ll find the Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, also known as Jardines Victoria. To avoid the same mistake I made and think you missed a spot, remember they are one and the same.

These gardens were originally constructed as a mausoleum for Diego Ponte del Castillo, as the Catholic Church denied him burial in the local cemetery because he was a Freemason. Despite this, he was eventually accepted and interred in the family pantheon.

The gardens feature seven tiered terraces and are located on a high part of La Orotava. Here you can stroll and enjoy the landscape and the flowers that adorn it. From my perspective, it’s a lovely little maze that you should wander through to fully appreciate.

Entrance Fee

• Free

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM

4 Hijuela del Botánico

Descending from Jardines Victoria, you’ll reach another spot to visit in La Orotava, the Hijuela del Botánico. With a Drago tree over 200 years old, these gardens may not be as spectacular as the previous ones, but they are worth a visit.

Named Hijuela del Botánico because they belong to the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, located in Puerto de la Cruz.

Entrance Fee

• Free

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5 Ayuntamiento de La Orotava

Very close to the botanical gardens, you’ll see the Ayuntamiento de La Orotava. Inaugurated in 1895, it is located in the Palacio Municipal. The imposing pink façade is hard to miss, situated at one end of the square.

Climbing the stairs will give you a view of the roofs of the town’s most iconic buildings. Next to the left stairs, you’ll find a small pond with a bridge, and on the right, a fountain adorned with plants and flowers.

If you visit between May and June, you might catch the Alfombras de La Orotava during Corpus Christi. Declared a Cultural Asset of Interest and made with flowers and volcanic sand from the Teide National Park, they take 50 days to complete.

For more on this tradition, visit the Centro de Interpretación del Arte Efímero: Alfombras de La Orotava.

6 La Casa de los Balcones

Arguably the best place to see in La Orotava is La Casa de los Balcones. Built in the 17th century by one of the most prominent families in La Orotava, it’s a three-story house with a continuous balcony on the top and five balconies on the second floor. Naturally, it was constructed using Canary pine wood.

Inside, you’ll discover how life was back then, visiting the parlor, kitchen, bathroom, and the beautiful inner courtyard filled with greenery.

With your ticket, you can download a free audio guide on your phone to learn about life in that era.

Entrance Fee

• Adults: €6
• Adults residing in the Canary Islands: €3
• Students: €3
• People with reduced mobility: €3
• Free for children under 12

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

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 a staple in Canarian cuisine. The Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, used gofio in a wide range of dishes, making it a significant ingredient in Canarian food today.

Built in the 17th century, the mill originally used hydraulic power but now operates with electricity. The entire process is done manually in stone mills to produce various types of gofio, including mixed, corn, wheat, spelt, oats, or chickpeas.

If you want to see how gofio is made, taste it, and buy some products, Molino de Gofio La Máquina is one of the things to do in La Orotava.

Entrance Fee

• Free

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

8 Casa Lercaro

Built in the 17th century, Casa Lercaro belonged to a wealthy family that settled in the town after the Spanish conquest. Its Baroque façade features characteristic wooden balconies adorned with flowers.

Inside, you’ll find a restaurant and a café in several of its rooms, as well as in the outdoor area. I recommend exploring the rooms decorated with period furniture.

Entrance Fee

• Free

Opening Hours

• Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 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 is not one.

The church’s dome, inspired by the Cathedral of Florence in Italy, is visible from all points on your route today. Its Baroque façade features two towers, medieval-style gargoyles, and an image of the Immaculate Conception above the balcony.

I visited during Holy Week and saw all the figures adorned with fresh flowers, ready for the procession.

10 Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife

If you have time left or are a museum enthusiast, the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife is housed in a beautiful 17th-century building that was formerly the Convent of San Benito de Abad.

Inside, you’ll find a permanent exhibition of traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics from Ibero-American countries.

Entrance Fee

• General: €2
• Free for residents of the Canary Islands.

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Map of Things To Do in La Orotava · Tenerife

Below is a map created with Google Maps so you can easily add all the points mentioned in the infographic.

What to Do in Tenerife in a Week?

Here is a route to ensure you don’t miss the most important places if you’re planning to visit the largest island in the Canary archipelago.