La Orotava

Travel Guide

La Orotava
La Orotava showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
La Orotava featuring flowers and a city
La Orotava featuring a city
La Orotava featuring a city

Discover the magic of this lesser-known town, noted for its beautiful 17th-century houses and strong Canarian identity. 

La Orotava contains one of Tenerife’s most well-preserved old towns. Stroll through this compact part of town to see charming plazas, carved wooden balconies and other beautiful examples of traditional Canarian architecture around almost every corner.

After the Spanish conquest, La Orotava flourished throughout the 16th century because the lush valley surrounding the town was cultivated for chestnuts, grapes and bananas. During this prosperous time, the town’s wealthy inhabitants constructed beautiful mansions and churches. Look for many of these structures still visible today.

Don’t miss the Doce Casas (the Twelve Homes), which represent some of the finest examples of the town’s traditional Canarian architecture. Be sure to see the intricately carved balconies of Casa de los Balcones, which dates back to 1692.

Nearby find the Iglesia de la Concepción, a beautiful Baroque building. Originally built in the 16th century and restored 200 years later, the church’s design drew inspiration from the religious buildings of Latin America. Admire its pair of 79-foot-high (24-metre) bell towers and check out the lovely wooden sculptures housed inside. 

Go for a walk in Hijuela del Botánico, a lovely botanical garden home to more than 3,000 different types of plants. As you make your way along the network of paths, look for Australian conifers, Indian chestnuts and a towering dragon tree.

Look inside the Museo de Artesania Iberoamericana, which is set in a 17th-century former convent. The museum displays folk art from Spain and Latin America, including ceramics, textiles and various handicrafts. Notice the interesting musical instruments from Peru and Nicaragua. 

Adjacent to the museum, you’ll see the distinct Baroque-style spire of Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Step inside the church and admire its Mudéjar ceiling and exquisite paintings. 

La Orotava is located in northern Tenerife. It’s connected to nearby Puerto de la Cruz by a regular bus service.

Where to stay in La Orotava

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El Rincón

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El Rincón
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Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

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"The staff were brilliant. Alejandro on reception went out of his way to help us plan some elements of our visit. The breakfast was also really good!"

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in San Miguel de Abona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,689 reviews)
"Fantastic holiday. Complex clean, staff all friendly and plenty of restaurants within a max 20 min walk away. We stayed 12 days and didn’t eat at the same place twice. We managed the walk to los abrigos in 15 minutes with a 7&10 year old. We used taxis for beach days, water park and money world. ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jun, 2025

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Palm Beach - Excel Hotels & Resorts
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3.5 out of 5
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Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Adeje. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
7.4/10 Good! (748 reviews)
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Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

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Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Arona. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (680 reviews)
Never get sick of this place!!
"Stay here three times a year and love the place.Friendly, efficient staff who always try their best to accommodate my requests.Unfortunately some of the rooms are starting to look a bit jaded,but this certainly didn't affect my wonderful stay."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Beverly Hills Suites - Excel Hotels & Resorts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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