Things to do in La Orotava

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Loro Parque

Loro Parque is located on Tenerife, Spain, and was founded in 1972. It is a comprehensive zoo that integrates animal exhibits, educational programs, and nature experiences. The park houses more than 400 species of animals from around the world, far beyond parrots—gorillas, hippos, lions, red pandas, penguins, dolphins, and orcas can all be seen here. The park is known for its parrot collection and features a parrot museum displaying porcelain parrot pieces dating back to the early 18th century. Animal shows are a signature experience at the park, with educational presentations for sea lions, parrots, dolphins, and orcas, allowing visitors to experience the intelligence and physical abilities of these animals up close. Planet Penguin recreates the Antarctic environment with real snow and a massive iceberg and is home to hundreds of penguins, making it a highly recognizable immersive exhibit area in the park. Katandra Treetops is themed around Australian forests, where visitors walk along suspension bridges through the canopy and can observe the flight of lorikeets and other Australasian birds. The Jungle Ara rainforest area creates a jungle atmosphere with banyan trees, palms, and waterfalls, where macaws call freely among the trees. In addition, the orchid garden displays more than 200 species of orchids, the aquarium features a shark tunnel, and the AquaViva area showcases various jellyfish and tropical fish. The park is densely planted, from palms and orchids to cacti, simulating the natural habitats of different animals. The park's affiliated Loro Parque Foundation has long been involved in species conservation and research, and the Kinderlandia children's area provides a dedicated play space for families, and a walk through the entire park often brings surprises among the tropical plants.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Tenerife

Tenerife is located in the Canary Islands, and is the archipelago's largest island by area and population. The capital,Santa Cruz, sits on the northeast coast. The island rises in terraces from the shore toward the center and, from a distance, looks like a pyramid pulled up from the Atlantic; its summit is the Teide volcano, which rises to more than 3,700 m above sea level. It is higher than any peak on the Iberian Peninsula and, if measured from the seabed, reaches over 7,000 m. Surrounding the volcano, Teide National Park is blanketed in black lava and colorful volcanic tephra, its landscape resembling the moon and Mars, and the unique geological landscape has attracted space agencies to carry out related research here; the summit is snowcapped in winter, and on clear nights it is an excellent place for stargazing, while the beaches at the mountain's base remain warm, so one island contains multiple climate zones. The island's north and south faces are sharply contrasted: the north shore is windward, rainy, and lush year-round, and the Anaga mountains in the northeast hide ancient laurel forests shrouded in mist, which attract hikers; the south shore is leeward, dry, and sunny, and most resort beaches are concentrated there. Off the southern coast, pilot whales and common bottlenose dolphins reside year-round, and boat trips often encounter them; on the west coast, giant cliffs rise hundreds of meters from the sea, and the old village of Masca deep in the Teno mountains is tucked at the end of a steep valley, making it a classic stop for a self-drive island tour. The Santa Cruz carnival in late winter to early spring, known for its elaborate parades and street bands, is one of the island's signature cultural events.

Lago Martiánez

Lago Martiánez, located on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, is a lake brimming with natural charm and unique design, nestled in the beautiful Orotava Gorge. Designed by architect César Manrique, the lake is a relaxing retreat that blends natural landscape with art. The area surrounding the lake features numerous pools, fountains, and waterfalls. Its most distinctive feature is its vast artificial waters, dotted with floating rock islands of various shapes, creating a dreamlike effect. The waters are crystal clear, perfect for both swimming and relaxing. Lago Martiánez is more than just a resort; it embodies local culture and architecture. The lake's design blends traditional Canarian architectural elements with modern art, and the surrounding buildings and sculptures add a touch of artistic flair to the area.

Botanical Garden

Located in the north of Tenerife Island in the Canary Islands, Spain, the Botanical Garden is a popular destination that blends history, science, and natural aesthetics. Established in the late 18th century by order of King Charles III of Spain, the garden was created to introduce tropical plants from around the world. Today, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Spain, featuring a rich variety of plants and a long history. The garden is lush and home to tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, particularly species from the Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Araceae families. The plants here are notable for their beauty, size, rarity, or remote origins. Strolling through the garden, visitors can admire various beautiful flowers and ancient trees, experiencing the tranquility and harmony of nature. Additionally, the garden features a dedicated herbarium that showcases plant resources unique to the Canary Islands, offering plant enthusiasts ample opportunities for learning and research.

Playa San Telmo

Casa de los Balcones

Nestled in the heart of La Orotava's historic centre, Casa de los Balcones is an outstanding example of traditional Canarian architecture. Built in 1632, this 17th-century manor house-turned-museum showcases the lifestyle of the wealthy Valencian family of Domingo Sancho Simon-Ponte and his wife, María Enriqueta Torrelles. Its stunning wooden balconies and intricate craftsmanship are a testament to the island's rich history and artistic traditions. Both the first and second floors feature spaces dedicated to the island's rich heritage. With handicraft workshops to explore, unique Souvenir to browse in the gift shop, and antique furniture and living quarters of Canarian gentlemen to admire in the house museum, your visit to Casa de los Balcones promises to be an unforgettable journey into the past.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Mount Teide

Teide is located in Tenerife and is a famous icon of the Canary Islands. As the peak of Spain and the Atlantic islands, Teide is also the largest volcano in the world, and it is an active volcano, which is very attractive. There is a bus at the foot of the mountain to take tourists to the mountainside, and then you can choose to take the cable car or walk up. Along the way, watching the sea of clouds and barren mountains has a unique flavor. When you reach the top of the mountain at an altitude of 3,713 meters, the mountains are stacked together and the temperature is a little cold, and you will feel that your soul has been purified. If the weather is good, the top of the mountain is also very suitable for watching the stars, which can be described as romantic. It is worth mentioning that the movie "10,000 Years Before History" was shot here, so you can also enter the imaginary space and feel like you are on other planets.

Mirador de Chipeque

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Tenerife Island

Teide National Park

Teide National Parkis located in the heart of the Canary Islands, Spain, on Tenerife, and is one of the most popular national parks in Europe. The park features diverse volcanic landscapes, including volcanic cones, lava flows, and craters, which form a unique geological landscape. Among them, the Las Cañadas caldera is about 15 km wide and surrounds Mt. Teide, showcasing colorful rocks and peculiar landforms. The park's ecosystem is also rich, boasting a variety of plants adapted to high-altitude environments, such as the Tajinaste. In addition, the Izaña Observatory within the park is one of the largest solar observatories in the world, making it an ideal location for observing the universe due to its clear skies and high-altitude conditions.Teide National Parkis not only a paradise for nature lovers but also an important base for geological and astronomical research. Its unique volcanic landscape and rich ecosystem make it an ideal place to explore the mysteries of nature.

Parque Natural El Montillo