GARDENS AND PARKS
Great, let's talk about the gardens and parks of Tenerife! There are many beautiful gardens and parks
on the island that offer a glimpse into the rich flora of the Canary Islands.
Which ones would you like to know more about?
JARDIN BOTANICO
That's right, the Jardin Botanico is a fantastic botanical garden that offers a glimpse into the unique flora of Tenerife and beyond. In addition to the plants collected for the king's garden, there are many other species from around the world, including palms, cacti, bromeliads, and orchids. The garden is beautifully designed, with winding paths, ponds, and fountains, and it is a great place to take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the natural beauty. There is also a small museum on the site that provides more information about the history and importance of the garden. It's definitely a must-visit for anyone interested in botany, horticulture, or just enjoying the natural beauty of Tenerife.
Open: 9:00 – 18:00 ( in summer until 19:00).
SITIO LITRE
Do you like orchids? If so, you should visit the gardens Sitio Litre, decorated in English style. They are located in Puerto de La Cruz, two bus stops from Jardin Botanico. This is a real corner of English landscape design, where you can walk along well-groomed paths past various plants and flowers. There is even a fish pond and fountains. Where without fountains? And if you want to have a snack, you can do it in a cafe in the park. If you are still in doubt, here is another argument for you: the oldest dragon tree in Puerto de La Cruz grows in Sitio Litre. It is worth looking at and imprinting on memory. A free booklet about the gardens is issued at the entrance.
Open: 9:30 - 14:30
RISCO BELLE
If you want a little taste of the Victorian era, welcome to the Risco Belle Water Garden. This garden is also located in Puerto de La Cruz, very close to Jardin Botanico and Sitio Litre. It is an old Victorian garden with a wide lawn, various citrus and exotic plants from the tropics, and a unique landscape. On the grounds of Risco Belle, there are ponds inhabited by swans, herons, and ducks. Sit down on a bench and admire these views in silence while relaxing. If you're hungry, you can grab a snack at the cafe located in one of the historic buildings on the grounds of Risco Belle.
Open: 9:30 – 18:30
TAORO
In Puerto de la Cruz, you can find not only gardens, but also parks. The most famous of them is located on the eponymous Mount Taoro, which offers an impressive view of the city. More than 100 thousand square meters are divided into three main zones: La Atalaya, el Camino de La Sortija and los jardines de Taoro. Each of the zones has its own unique features, but on the territory of each there are gardens, alleys, fountains, waterfalls and viewing platforms. Taoro Park is a great place to relax, walk and play sports. There is also a children's park and several places for a snack.
Open: 24 hours
PALMETUM
From Puerto de La Cruz, we move to the capital of the island - Santa Cruz. And yes, there is also a Botanical Garden here - Palmetum. It was opened recently - in 2013. One of its features is that it was built on the site of a former city dump, making it an excellent example of urban space arrangement. There is nothing left of the landfill here, but there is a huge number of plants and trees that can be easily identified by signs. Jardin Botanico del Palmetum is also interesting because it has the largest collection of palm trees in Europe, making it a palm paradise. And that's not all. A great bonus for visitors is the carefully placed benches for relaxation and the wonderful views of the ocean. You are welcome to make yourself at home!
Open: 10:00 - 18:30
GARCIA SANABRIA
You can also explore the unique tropical flora of Santa Cruz at the city's Garcia Sanabria park, a popular recreation spot for residents and visitors alike. In addition to providing a pleasant pastime, the park serves as the main source of greenery for the capital of Tenerife. The park is named after its founder, Garcia Sanabria, who was the mayor of Santa Cruz and established the park in 1926. The park boasts a variety of unique plants, convenient paths, fountains, and places to relax. Interestingly, the park also lives up to the slogan "Freedom is a parrot!", with many parrots living freely in the dense tropical vegetation without any restrictions. One of the main attractions of Garcia Sanabria is the flower clock, located on the side of Pilar Street, where you can check the time. Best of all, this splendor is available to visitors 24 hours a day and free of charge!
Open: 24 hours
JARDINES DEL MARQUESADO
DE LA QUINTA ROJA
The small and very pretty town of La Orotava has its own garden and park complex, which was built in the 18th century. Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, also known as Victoria Gardens, cascade down the hillside and consist of seven levels, on top of which stands the mausoleum of the owner of the gardens - the Marquis de La Quinta Roja. However, he was never laid to rest there (this is a separate story) and the mausoleum became just a garden decoration. Jardines Quinta Roja is a symbol of Masonic culture in Tenerife, which in itself already attracts travelers. Here, every detail has its own meaning. If you want to explore it for yourself, come to La Orotava. It's worth your attention even without Victoria Gardens.
Open: 09:00 - 20:00
HIJUELA DEL BOTANICO
In La Orotava, there is another garden worth visiting. In 1788, as a substitute for the Jardin Botanico in Puerto de La Cruz, its own Botanical Garden was established. The Hijuela del Botanico has gradually outgrown its original role and in 2008 received the status of cultural heritage of Tenerife. On an area of 4 thousand square meters, you can find achras, Australian coniferous trees, horse chestnut, and many other representatives of flora from around the world. When you are in La Orotava, take the time to visit the Hijuela del Botanico. Moreover, it is absolutely free. Please note that it closes quite early and therefore should be one of the first places to visit during your trip to La Orotava.
Open: 9:00 - 14:00
PARQUE DEL DRAGO
Another park that deserves attention is located in the northwestern part of the island, in the town of Icod de los Vinos. We will talk about this town separately, and its name is a clue to the topic of our conversation, but for now, we will focus on the Parque del Drago. Here you will find a dragon tree that many consider to be the oldest in the world. The tree is 16 meters tall, and its circumference at the base is 20 meters. Its exact age is not known, but various estimates suggest it could be up to 2500 years old! However, the park is not just about the dragon tree. Visitors can explore old wineries, visit the Guanche cave, view the huge laurel trees, as well as tree-like daisies and other representatives of the Canary flora. And of course, you can simply relax in the park. During your trip to Icod de los Vinos, be sure to visit the Parque del Drago. It's definitely worth it!
Open: 08:00 - 19:00