Discover La Orotava, Tenerife's largest municipality
Did you know that this municipality located in the north of the island of Tenerife is the largest on the island? Not only that, but it is also the one with the largest forest area thanks to the fact that the 78% of the Teide National Park is part of this municipality.
The buildings and various constructions have never left aside the stately air that has endured since the conquest of the island, which has led to the La Orotava to be declared Historic-Artistic Site.
It is considered one of the most beautiful localities The main features of the island are the landscape crowned by Mount Teide, the typical gardens and balconies that adorn the façades of the houses, the carpets of flowers and the pleasant climate that accompanies the municipality for a large part of the year.
In this post we will let you 8 spectacular corners of this marvellous place that you definitely cannot miss during your stay here.
Places to see in La Orotava
HOUSE OF THE BALCONIES
Considered the house-museum most unique on the island thanks to its combination of architecture, history, traditions, folklore and handicrafts.
Its construction was completed in June of this year 1632and is the temple of most important Canary Islands This is one of the two most widely used craft techniques in the islands: it is an embroidery technique that consists of unravelling a cloth that is tightly attached to a wooden frame.
It is a ideal place to unwind and relax while we get to know in depth the culture and history of the Canary Islands through a journey through time to which its patios and balconies take us.
Site information:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 h.
- It closes only on the day of La Romería de La Orotava.
- Free parking.
- Admission fee for adults 5€, students or persons with reduced mobility 2,50€ (27/04/2022)
MUSEUM OF IBEROAMERICAN CRAFTS OF TENERIFE
Its construction dates back to the 17th century.becoming one of the Convents The most important in the province of Tenerife for the beauty of its facilities, especially the stone arch at the entrance, the cloister, the wooden ceilings and the stone staircase.
All these elements reflect the work carried out by the architect from the Canary Islands, Antonio de Orbarán.
Thanks to the MAIT is part of the outreach programme carried out by the Island Council of TenerifeThrough its large exhibition, we can appreciate a detailed representation of all Ibero-American handicrafts giving special priority to those in the Canary Islands.
Adult ticket price 2€ (27/04/2022)
Timetable:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 15:00 h.
- Saturday: 10:30 - 13:30 h.
GOFIO MILL
The gofio is a toasted cereal flour that has been a staple food of the Canary Islanders since the Guanches based their diet on it. Even after the conquest, our Canarian aborigines continued to use it, and thanks to this, its use has been passed down to the present day.
Windmills have existed in La Orotava since the XVI. In this section of the street, we will find the "Water Road or Water Route". It consisted of 13 original mills, 10 of which are still standing today.
They are built around a water channel that used to run down this street, but nowadays, only part of the stone sections are preserved.
Gofio is still present in the diet of the Canary Islanders, and mills such as thisare still active as small retail outlets.
Timetable:
- Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Closed on Sundays
TOURIST HOUSE
The Tourist House is currently a place of souvenirs for tourists. Here, we can catch a glimpse of the embroidery The most elegant and exquisite products that bring with them the tradition of Canarian craftsmanship, the traditional costumes of the seven islands, and different and unique clay objects made in-house by local craftsmen.
In addition, we cannot leave behind theor the best of island craftsmanshipas well as the agri-food products so typical of us.
Adult ticket price 5€.
Timetable:
- Monday to Saturday: 09:00 - 18:30 h.
- Sundays: Closed.
BOTANICAL ORCHARD IN LA OROTAVA
4000 square metres have led to this romantic garden being distinguished as a Bien de Interés Cultural since 2008.
Initially, it was presented as a complementary centre of the Acclimatization Garden of La Orotava, but today it is recognised as the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz.
Visiting this place will provide you with a unique opportunity to walk among the hundreds of different species which brings together such as the Indian chestnut, the fire tree, the Australian conifers and even a beautiful specimen of the sacred tree El Drago.
Timetable:
- All year round: 09:00 - 14:00 h.
- Free admission.
VICTORY GARDENS
Victoria Gardens are located next to the Plaza de la Constitución and the Liceo Taoro. Here we have before us a majestic spaces which can go unnoticed if you don't know the area or if you don't know of its existence.
They were built in the 19th century by the French architect Adolph CoquetThis may explain the peculiarity of their design. They are formed by a staggered seven tierswhere gardens abound with vegetation decorated with fountains of inexplicable beauty.
In addition, at the top of the gardens, you can enjoy a see beautiful old town of La Orotava.
If what you were looking for was to discover unique places in the Canary Islands, Jardines Victoria serves you that opportunity on a plate thanks to the order and precision of its entire structure.
Admission is free.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and weekends from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm.
CHURCH OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN
We go back in time to 1948when this Church was declared National Historic Monument.
Although in 2012, the Council of Tenerife modified the category of the Asset of Cultural Interest declared by the Decree by which the Church of La Concepción was declared a Historic Artistic Monument, it was changed to that of Monument.
The history of this church tells us how the building suffered from the consequences of the previous earthquakes the eruption of the Güimar volcano, which caused so much damage to the volcano that it had to be declared a in ruins in 1758.
Thanks to the contributions of the Crown, it was rebuilt in 1788, where it was Baroque, Neoclassical and Mudejar combine to highlight the outstanding sculptural design of this honourable church, thus making it a one of the identifying symbols of the entire locality.
To see the Museum of Sacred Art El Tesoro de la Concepción, general admission is 4€ and for students, residents and pensioners 2€ (27/04/2022)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00
LERCARO HOUSE
Constitutes one of the architectural and historical jewels of La Orotavawith characteristics specific to the Baroqueas well as Genoese influence.
This stately home has two courtyards. The central courtyard has a form in "U" and although it has undergone a series of renovations, it still retains its original structure.
On the other hand, we have a lower courtyard where the water mill is located, being the last mill in the locality through which the water channel that came from the springs used to run.
Once again, we have before us an emblematic place which is well worth a visit. We will be accompanied at all times by the presence of tropical plants and Canarian endemismsthanks to its splendid botanical garden.
Admission fee for adults 5€.
Ticket price for students, senior citizens, large families or groups of more than 8 visitors 3,50€.
(27/04/2022)
PLACES TO EAT IN LA OROTAVA
Spending the day amidst gofio mills, flowers and botanical gardens and touring the unique history of this municipality can whet anyone's appetite.
So, here are a series of places to eat that will be just a few steps away from any of the places you decide to visit:
Bar La Duquesa
Lentils, gazpacho, salmon... the bar La Duquesa offers a variety of dishes perfect for discovering the wonders of our local gastronomy.
The Gomez family
Have you ever asked someone if they had to recommend a place to eat in La Orotava, what would it be? Los Gomez would probably be one of their first answers.
It has always been said that the best area to sample the local food is the north of the island, and this guachinche lives up to its reputation. You can't miss it.
The Cuban
If you are looking for a place where they serve best local products always at a price within the reach of the client, this place is ideal for you. Here you will spend some time surrounded by the nature that beautifies the corners of La Orotava, while you taste the best dishes of the island.
A municipality brimming with natural beauty, with a history still to be told, and with places to sample the best local gastronomy on the island, what more could you ask for?
Egon House
Delight yourself with a unique taste in the oldest bakery in the Canary Islands, more than a hundred years old.
A sensory journey into the past: the millefeuille made with puff pastry, egg yolk and apricot marmalade, the yolk doughnuts with pure egg yolk and puff pastry and the biscuits with small ingredients such as coconut, chocolate, apricot jam are an icon of this bakery.
Do you want to enjoy more amazing places in Tenerife?
If you come to visit Tenerifeyou will be more interested in spectacular locations to see around this Canary Island:
- What to see in Candelaria
- What to see in Puerto de La Cruz
- What to see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
- What to see in Icod de Los Vinos
- Seafaring village
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