If you enjoy stunning small towns, La Orotava is a must-visit while you’re on Tenerife!
If you’re looking for a place on Tenerife that’s full of charm but with fewer crowds than the usual tourist spots, La Orotava is the perfect hidden gem. Keep reading to find out what to do and see while visiting this lovely town!
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WHERE IS LA OROTAVA
La Orotava is a town located in the northern part of Tenerife, within a gorgeous valley, and many know it for the beautiful old town, traditional Canarian culture and architecture, and proximity to Teide National Park.
La Orotava is about 30 kilometers west of the capital city Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and only 6 kilometers from Puerto de la Cruz.
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HOW TO REACH LA OROTAVA
The easiest way to reach this town is by car. If you have a car, it will take you around 30 minutes to reach it from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and around 15 minutes to reach it from Puerto de la Cruz. There are plenty of parking lots in the city you can choose from.
We parked at Parking Casa del Turista y Los Balcones and I wouldn’t really recommend it because it’s extremely steep downhill so it’s torturous to enter and exit the parking lot. For easier parking, find another parking lot and skip this one. Check out Parking Gratuito La Orotava, it’s huge and looks much better than the one we used.
If you don’t have a car, you can reach the town by public transport. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife you’ll need to take Bus 108 and the rides will be about 40 minutes. From Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll need to take Bus 345 or 101. The ride is 15–20 minutes.


IS LA OROTAVA WORTH VISITING?
La Orotava is definitely worth visiting! It’s small so it won’t take long to see everything the town offers, but it has got a really charming old town, beautiful architecture, and gorgeous gardens to explore. There are loads of great restaurants and cafes offering Canarian food, and the locals are lively and kind.
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WHERE TO STAY IN LA OROTAVA
If you’re looking for a really calm and peaceful place to stay with amazing views and almost no crowds, La Orotava is perfect for you. This town has a variety of accommodations, from historic hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here are some great options depending on your preferences:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN LA OROTAVA
Explore the Old Town
La Orotava’s old town is exceptionally charming. The town is full of traditional Canarian buildings, featuring wooden balconies dating back to the 16th century. There are also many narrow, cobbled streets which will take you to various popular landmarks in this town. Some of the are:


Casa de los Balcones
Casa de los Balcones is one of the most iconic and charming landmarks in La Orotava. This historic mansion will show you the best of Canarian architecture. The most important being the wooden balconies and traditional interior design.
The house has several carved wooden balconies made from Canarian pine and the building is constructed in a typical Canarian style, with a central courtyard (patio) surrounded by wooden galleries.
There is a small entrance fee of 3 euros per person, but it’s worth checking out!


Church of the Immaculate Conception
This church is one of the town’s most important symbols of cultural heritage. It dates back to the early 16th century, with construction beginning in the 1500s. The church was primarily built in the Mudejar style with added Baroque elements.
The church has a prominent bell tower, which is an iconic feature of the town’s skyline. The tower stands out and offers a panoramic view of La Orotava. It’s absolutely stunning and a must-see in La Orotava.


Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one of the most important and beautiful squares in the town. You’ll find it right in the heart of La Orotava and people often use it for community gatherings, cultural events, and celebrations. While we were visiting, there were Christmas decorations on the square, with people strolling around and socializing.
The most significant building at the square is the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). The building dates back to the 18th century and has a beautiful Canarian balcony. The square is also surrounded with numerous charming historical buildings, including traditional Canarian houses with colorful facades, wooden balconies, and intricate decorative features.

Walk through the Victoria Gardens
The Victoria Gardens perhaps impressed me the most out of all attractions. These are beautiful and historically significant gardens located in the heart of the town. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists, but there are no crowds. They are stunningly designed in a traditional Canarian style, with well-maintained paths, flower beds, and mature trees.
You’ll also find many fountains and water features there, which enhance the look of the already gorgeous gardens. The gardens are completely free and they offer breathtaking views of La Orotava Valley, so make sure these find their way to your itinerary.




Visit the Teide National Park
Teide National Park is the most famous attraction on the island. This national park surrounds Mount Teide, which is the highest peak in Spain and an active volcano. The park is famous for its incredible landscapes and unique geological formations. Once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet!
Driving from La Orotava to Teide National Park is a really easy way to reach the park. The distance is around 25 km (16 miles), and the drive typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.


