Sights and attractions in La Orotava

Plaza de la Constitución

This plaza is the centre of the old town, with everything else there is to see leading off from here. There is a vibrant atmosphere about the place. Tourists and locals alike congregate in the bar and cafe that trade from the shade of the church and trees, along with the people who are just passing through heading up into the streets of the Old Town.

Where: Plaza de la Constitución (on Calle San Agustín, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.

Mausoleum of the Marquess of Quinta Roja (Victoria Gardens)

Almost like the icing on the cake, the marble mausoleum sits on top of the three-tiered ornamental gardens next to the Plaza de la Constitución in emphatic style. The gardens are a well recognised and appreciated tourist attraction in the town with the flower beds and water features overlooking the old town and surrounding coastline, resulting in picture-perfect scenery.

Where: next to Plaza de la Constitución,  Calle San Agustín, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.

Liceo de Taoro Cultural Society

The house could almost be classed as modern compared to the contrast of the 17th century Old Town it sits around on the Plaza de la Constitution. Built in 1928 by Tomás de Ascanio and Méndez de Lugo, its gardens and architecture offers something a bit different to the town with its 20th century style. However the property is just as impressive, with its sloping garden leading up to what is now a thriving centre for art exhibitions and events.

Adress: Plaza de la Constitución,  Calle San Agustín, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 330 119

Iglesia de San Agustín (Church)

One of many baroque style churches, this ex-Convent of Nuestra Señora de Gracia takes pride of place overlooking the Plaza de la Constitución . Built in 1671, the church is renown for its crossed moulded ceiling, aesthetic reredos and ornate sculptures, with the two of ‘Nuestra Señora de Gracia’ and ‘San Agustín’ of particular interest.

Address: Plaza de La Constitución, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 330 050
Opening hours: during church service.

Iglesia de la Concepción (Church)

The Church of the Conception sits at the heart of the Old Town with it dominating the sky line. Despite being in the familiar baroque style that is commonly seen throughout La Orovata, the Church of the Conception was built on a much larger scale and is one of the greatest examples of its kind to be found in Spain. Inside are numerous examples of artwork, sculptures and beautifully crafted gold and silver treasures that really amplify the importance of religion in the area, past and present.  The neo-classical pulpit and unique Genoese tabernacle are features that add to the overall class and stature of the place.

Address: Calle Tomás Pérez, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 330 187

Hijuela del Jardín Botánico (Auxiliary Botanical Gardens)

Built in 1788, this 4,000 square metres of enclosed romantic garden creates an utopian atmosphere as visitors walk through the entrance and into a mass of greenery and nature. There are over hundred of flora species including the infamous dragon tree. It is a perfect get away from the bustle of the town.

Entrance via: C/ Tomás Pérez s/n, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.

 

La Casa de los Balcones (House of the Balconies)

One of the key attractions in the town, the House of the Balconies gives tourists a great insight into traditional Canarian culture and ways of life. The 17thcentury mansion was built for the marriage union between Juana Nieto  and Juan de Castro Bazo y Merino in 1657 and is a fine example of high class society and Spanish architecture with ornate wooden balconies enveloping a picturesque pebble-dashed courtyard. The ground floor is a mixture of craft and souvenir shops were visitors can watch craftspeople weave top quality Canarian lace, as well as having to the option to buy the reasonably priced linen, pottery, food and wines. Entrance to the museum upstairs costs €2, where visitors can witness what life was like for the Canarian aristocracy in the 17th century and also view Tenerife in a past age.

Address: Calle San Francisco, 3, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 330 629
Opening hours: Daily 08:30 to 19:30
Free parking for clients.

Museo Iberoamericano de Artesanía de Santo Domingo (Museum of Iberoamerican Crafts)

This popular local museum, located at the far northern end of the Old Town down Calle Tomas Zerolo, exhibits examples of handicrafts and popular arts from not only Spain but America too. The history between the two countries goes back centuries and there are many fine and highly skilled pieces of work for visitors to take in as they make their way around the building. Such pieces include the fine lace and linen that the Canary Islands are renown for making, along examples of leather and pottery that has taken years of expertise to achieve. The museum circles a picturesque courtyard where guests can sit and relax in the sun, whilst taking in the large sculptures on display. The price of entry is €2 per person and there is a reasonably priced gift shop too.

Address: Convento de Santo Domingo, Calle Thomas Zerolo 34, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 323 376/ 922 321 746
Opening hours: Mondays 09:00 to 15:00, Tuesdays to Fridays 09:00 to 17:00, Saturdays 09:00 to 13:00, close on Sundays.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo (Church)

Santo Domingo is one of many churches that can be found in La Orotava. The church’s defining feature is its baroque style spire that cuts into the town’s skyline as people look down towards the coast and is a common image for many postcards of the area. Constructed in the 17th century by the influential Mesa family, the church was adapted over a hundred year period to what is today and be found right next door to the Iberoamerican Crafts Museum. Inside visitors will find many exquisite paintings, with one of the most famous being ‘Virgen de La Consolación,’ a 16th century piece that was over from Antwerp.

Address: Calle Thomas Zerolo 34, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.

Pueblo Chico

Situated just outside of La Orotava, Pueblo Chico has shrunken the best parts of the Canary Islands into a quaint little model village. The tourist attraction is a great family day out, where visitors can take in popular sites such as Mount Teide, South Tenerife Airport and the Cliffs of the Giants in minute detail. The path takes people past sixty-five different models over 20,000m² of park, as they travel from old-age, traditional Tenerife into modern times.

Address: Camino Cruz de Los Martillos 62, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.
Telephone: (+34) 922 334 060
Opening hours: Daily 09:00 to 18:00
Admission fee: Adults €12.50, Children (4 to 11 years old) €6.50; Residents: Adults €8.50 and Children €5.00.