La Orotava
Nobility, Balconies, and the Eternal Garden of Tenerife
If there is one place on the island that exudes elegance in every corner, it is La Orotava. Located in the stunning valley that shares its name and watched over by Mount Teide, this town is, for many of us, the most beautiful village in Tenerife. Strolling through its cobblestone streets is like opening a living history book where Canarian aristocracy left its mark in the form of stately mansions and dreamlike courtyards. Get ready to fall in love with the north!
A Journey into Stately Canarian Architecture
La Orotava is not just a collection of old houses; it is the best-preserved historic center in the Canary Islands. Its old town was declared a National Historic-Artistic Site, and for good reason. What makes this town special is the perfect symbiosis between the intense green of the northern vegetation and the vibrant colors of its historic facades.
The Crown Jewel: La Casa de los Balcones
You can't say you've been here without visiting the Casa de los Balcones (House of the Balconies). Built in the 17th century, it is the ultimate example of Canarian craftsmanship in "pino tea" (heartwood pine). Its hand-carved balconies are world-famous, but the true treasure lies in its interior courtyard: an oasis of coolness and silence that transports you to another era. It is the ideal place to learn about traditional "calados" (embroidery) and the life of the island's former nobility.
Gardens and Carpets: Ephemeral and Eternal Art
The town is famous for its flowers. The Victoria Garden, with its stepped terraces and Masonic mausoleum, offers some of the best views of the valley and the sea. But if you visit during the Corpus Christi festivities, you will experience something unique: the streets are covered with flower carpets, and the Town Hall square transforms into a giant canvas made with colored sands brought directly from the Teide National Park. It is a spectacle that, as a local, I guarantee will give you goosebumps.
Insider Tips: Experience the Town Like a Local
To ensure you don't look like just another tourist and enjoy La Orotava like a true "villero," here are my best-kept secrets:
- Smart Parking: The historic center is steep, and parking is almost an impossible mission. Don't drive around aimlessly; look for the Lercaro parking lot or the areas around Plaza de la Constitución. From there, everything is a short walk away (but be prepared for the slopes!).
- A "Barraquito" with a View: Head to the terrace at the Hijuela del Botánico. It’s a small botanical garden behind the Town Hall with exotic species where the coffee tastes even better surrounded by greenery.
- Traditional Sweets: If you have a sweet tooth, find the local bakeries and ask for a "trucha" (typically for Christmas but sometimes available year-round) or any almond-based pastry. The confectionery here is on another level.
- Valley Weather: Much like in La Laguna, the weather here changes fast. Even if it's sunny down in Puerto de la Cruz, in La Orotava it can get chilly or a "mirusca" (fine drizzle) might fall. Always carry a light jacket.
- Beyond the Center: If you have a car, drive a bit higher up toward the guachinches of La Orotava. There is nothing more Canarian than eating "carne de fiesta" and drinking local wine in a family garage surrounded by vineyards.
Conclusion
La Orotava is a mandatory stop for those seeking the aristocratic and traditional essence of Tenerife. It is a place to put away your camera and simply breathe in the history of its squares and the scent of its gardens. I promise you'll want to move into one of its courtyards!