Hotels in La Orotava

La Orotava

La Orotava is one of the most beautiful historic towns in the Canary Islands, set in a lush valley of banana plantations on the northern slope of Tenerife with the towering peak of Mount Teide as its backdrop. The entire old quarter has been declared a Site of National Historic-Artistic Interest, thanks to its remarkably preserved colonial architecture featuring ornate wooden balconies, cobblestone streets, and noble mansions dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. The iconic Casa de los Balcones, built in 1693, is the most emblematic building on the island and now houses a traditional Canarian handicrafts centre open to visitors. The Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, also known as Victoria Gardens, are elegant 19th-century terraced gardens of French design cascading down the hillside around a striking marble mausoleum. La Orotava is the island's largest municipality, covering over 207 square kilometres, and roughly 78 percent of Teide National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — falls within its boundaries. The town serves as one of the main gateways to the national park, with the volcanic summit reachable in just 20 minutes by car from the historic centre. During the Corpus Christi celebrations, the town hall square is adorned with an enormous carpet made entirely from volcanic sand and natural pigments, a tradition unique to La Orotava that draws visitors from around the world. The parish church of Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion, with its impressive Baroque facade and twin bell towers, dominates the skyline and is considered one of the finest churches in the Canary Islands. The surrounding Orotava Valley enjoys a mild subtropical climate with temperatures rarely exceeding 28 degrees in summer or falling below 21 degrees in winter, creating ideal conditions for the banana plantations and tropical gardens that blanket the landscape. La Orotava offers an authentic alternative to the southern beach resorts, combining centuries of Canarian heritage, world-class natural attractions, and a peaceful atmosphere that rewards unhurried exploration on foot.