La Orotava Botanical Garden Tenerife – Tropical Trees, Waterlilies & Scenic Paths

Nestled on the lush north coast of Tenerife, the historic Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava (often called Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Garden) has welcomed plant lovers since 1792. The collection mixes centuries-old specimen trees with vivid tropical displays, offering one of the island’s most photogenic green escapes.

Entrance sign of the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava surrounded by lush greenery.

The modern entrance sign greets visitors just minutes from Puerto de la Cruz’s seafront, hinting at the botanical riches that lie inside.

Dense canopy of palms, ferns and tropical plants forming a green backdrop in the botanical garden.

From the first viewpoint, a wall of palms and tree ferns rises above basalt terraces draped in epiphytic ferns—proof of the valley’s humid micro-climate.

Heritage Trees & Dramatic Roots

Majestic Moreton Bay fig with dramatic aerial roots towering over flowering beds.

The star resident is a Ficus macrophylla planted in the 19th century whose flying buttress-roots create cathedralesque arches and natural shade for understory blooms.

Exotic Palm Grove

Cluster of mature fan palms rising above fern-covered basalt walls.

A neighbouring grove showcases Chamaerops and other fan palms, their crowns rattling softly in the Atlantic breeze while carpets of maidenhair fern cling to volcanic stone.

Waterlily & Calla Pond

Reflective pond with blooming pink water lilies and reeds at the botanical garden.

The central pond mirrors the sky and flame trees above, dotted with vibrant pink Nymphaea blooms that attract dragonflies all summer.

White calla lilies thriving on a floating island in the garden pond.

A floating island of elegant calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) adds soft whites to the palette and provides nesting spots for Moorhens.

Tropical Flowers in the Lower Terraces

Vibrant clusters of orange and yellow lantana blooms beside the path.

Ground-covering lantana splashes fiery oranges and yellows against deep-green foliage, perfuming the air with a subtle citrus scent.

Shell ginger and red ginger inflorescences among tropical foliage.

Further along, shell ginger arches above red ginger spikes, inviting hummingbirds and providing nectar for Tenerife’s butterflies.

Strap-leaf plants with delicate white star flowers in shaded bed.

In shaded corners, spider lilies (Hymenocallis) release a sweet fragrance at dusk, rewarding late-day visitors.

Variegated Breynia shrub sprinkled with tiny pink and white leaves.

The variegated Breynia disticha adds confetti-like pink and cream foliage, brightening semi-shaded beds.

Large bird’s-nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) carpeting the forest floor.

Bird’s-nest ferns form lush, architectural rosettes—perfect examples of the garden’s focus on tropical understory species.

Young jackfruit hanging from a tropical tree surrounded by exotic understory plants.

A productive jackfruit tree hints at Tenerife’s mild climate, capable of ripening one of the world’s largest fruits right beside the Atlantic.

Paths, Terraces & Rest Areas

Forked gravel paths lined with succulents, hydrangeas and shady trees.

Neatly-kept gravel paths fan out between themed beds, making the 20,000 m² grounds easy to explore in an hour or two.

Stone steps leading to upper terrace framed by ferns and a silk floss tree.

Elegant 19th-century stone stairs connect the lower and upper terraces, each landing revealing a fresh perspective.

Wooden bench facing a wall of purple bougainvillea, perfect resting spot.

Strategically placed benches beneath cascading bougainvillea provide tranquil spots to listen to birdsong and admire the planting schemes.

Cultural Touches & Conservation Stories

Bas-relief fountain and bust honouring botanist amid palm courtyard.

Art meets science in a courtyard fountain that honours Canary-Island botanists with classical bas-relief figures symbolising flora and fertility.

Interpretive panel explaining the century-old female cycad ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’.

Interpretive signage reveals the garden’s role in cycad conservation—one female Encephalartos laurentianus produced seed here after a pollen exchange with Málaga’s botanical garden.

Plan Your Visit

Open year-round, La Orotava Botanical Garden is a must-see for plant enthusiasts, photographers and anyone seeking a peaceful getaway near Puerto de la Cruz. From monumental figs to jewel-bright waterlilies, every turn offers a fresh reminder of Tenerife’s unique climate and the garden’s historic mission to acclimatise tropical species to Europe.

Tenerife Post

Discover Tenerife