La Orotava, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Centrally located on the western side of the island of Tenerife, La Oratova is a charming and historic town surrounded by countryside and less than 10 minutes drive from the west coast.
La Orotava
A popular stop off for sight-seeing tourists, the historic town of La Oratova is replete with ornate architecture. Set in the fertile La Oratova valley at the foot of Mount Teide and surrounded by rural villages, there is plenty to explore and Puerto de la Cruz is also just a few minutes away.
Read more about: Beaches | Things to Do | Out and About | Nearby Attractions | La Orotava Reviews
Beaches
There are 3 beaches on the coast of La Oratova; Playa Ancon, Playa Bullollo and Playa Patos, all of which have dark sand and a remote, natural setting.
Things to Do
The La Oratova valley is replete with vineyards and banana plantations. You can visit the Bodgea Valleoro to learn of the impressive production techniques and acquire some of their award winning wines.
Stroll around the extensive exhibition centre and the herb garden at the Jardin Botanico (3km) and, from there, walk around the corner (1km / 15 minutes) to the lovely Orchid Gardens on the Camino Sitio Litre.
Pueblo Chico is located on the outskirts of La Oratova and provides an easy way to discover the landmarks and iconic sights of Tenerife all in one place. This fascinating miniature village has been constructed in 1:25 scale with the utmost accuracy. Take your time and let the sets come alive as you spot everyday activities taking place. Jump on the zip line for a birds eye view of the park or dine on the terrace of the Secret Garden with views to Mount Teide.
Out and About
In the old quarter you will find cobbled streets lined with old Canarian architecture and colonial mansions, churches, gardens and courtyards, chic boutiques and an authentic taste of island life. Foodwise, the old and the new town provide a full range of choices from traditional delicatessans to supermarkets and quaint tapas bars to modern fusion restaurants.
Admire the beautiful hand-carved wooden balconies adorning the 17th century Casa Mendez Fonseca. The house is a school for artisans and a good place to pick up a piece of embroidery, local wine and other handcrafted items. You can also rest in the charming courtyard or browse it's small museum which has rooms furnished as they were in the late 1800's.
Nearby Attractions
Visit Loro Parque (9km) and spend a day at this world class zoo set in beautiful tropical gardens. The park is well laid out and home to gorillas and monkeys, big cats and tropical birds as well as a huge aquarium and show pools with whales, dolphins and sea lions.
The gorgeous pools at the Lago Martianez are less than 10 minutes drive away (6km). Sun bathe in landscaped surroundings on the waterfront of Puerto de la Cruz and take your pick of the pools; there is huge main pool, children's pools and plunge pools with plentiful features such as tunnels and fountains.
Tenerife Resorts
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