La Orotava

La Orotava

This picturesque town is situated in the hills above Puerto de la Cruz, in the Orotava valley. The old town is a popular place of interest for tourists and locals.
People visit La Orotava to enjoy the town and to visit the house of the balconies, Casa de los Balcones. Also the church Nuestra Senora de la Concepción.

The streets of La Orotava can be quite steep. There are cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture and plants everywhere you look. Notice the Spanish balconies on the old houses in the old town centre.

Canarian town La Orotava, with cobblestone streets and old yellow houses

In the historic Casa de los Balcones, from the 17th century, you can for instance buy local products and all kinds of table cloths.

There is an entrance fee for the museum, but there is an open area where you can buy souvenirs and other products.

The origin of the town’s name is not known, but it is believed it derives from the Guanches, who called La Orotava Arautaba or Arautápala.

You’ll find restaurants and cafe’s throughout the old town of La Orotava. We also recommend you visit the restaurant and viewpoint Mirador de Humboldt.


Alexander von Humboldt

The famous explorer Alexander von Humboldt was so fascinated with the Orotava valley that he called it the most beautiful place on earth.

Mirador de Humboldt, high up in the Orotava hills, is named after him. It is a cafe & restaurant with magnificent views over the valley and Puerto de la Cruz. And of course, a statue of Humboldt enjoying the view.

How To Get There

To visit La Orotava you can take the main road, drive past Santa Cruz, and follow the directions to Puerto de la Cruz. Or drive through the El Teide national park and enter La Orotava from above, near the old town centre. That is, however, a much slower drive.

Just above La Orotava is the Guanche museum Pinolere ethnographic museum and park. There you can learn more about the island’s history.

Old town of La Orotava. The post office is in the centre. There are a few people walking and cars parked.
The post office in La Orotava (Correos)