With La Orotava providing one of the most picturesque views of the island of Tenerife, the town plays an important role of offering a glance to the island’s past and present, its culture and arts as well as the beautiful landscapes. This picturesque Canarian town boasts many a cobbled street lined with beautiful old buildings and magnificent gardens to feast on excellent viewpoints and tasteful dishes.
Getting Started: Daily Time Management in La Orotava
If you are thinking of paying a visit to La Orotava, it is very important to choose the day well in advance and also plan your daily schedule to the best of your ability to get the best out of this beautiful town of Tenerife.
1. Transportation
If you are driving a car, then you may find the following parking options in La Orotava easily for tourists: Free parking spaces include Plaza del Quinto Centenario, Lercaro Parking, and Casa de los Balcones you may opt for them to avoid paying parking fees. Once they have parked transport, they may move around the town on foot as many of the attractions are situated in close proximity to each other.
2. Timing
If you are in La Orotava, ensure you wake up early to do more and make the best out of your day. Some attractions and shops start in the morning, so you can freely walk trough the town before flocks of tourists appear. It is good to consult on the opening hours of certain facilities before programming your day to avoid disappointment.
3. Comfortable Attire
Orotava’s pavements are cobblestoned and there is some steep inclines so footwear will be best to wear appropriate walking shoes. Moreover, it is recommended that you carry along a hat, sunglasses and or sun block if you are planning to visit in the hot season.
4. Local Cuisine
It is recommended to try local and traditional Canarian dishes and sweets in restaurants or baking places in La Orotava. From gourmet dishes of the readiness as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce which is a traditional Canarian dish to desserts, for instance bienmesabe – an almond cream, one may state that there is no place for boredom in the matter of gastronomic offer in the Canarian Islands.
Discovering the Creole Architecture of La Orotava
The historic city centre of La Orotava wants to boast some of the most impressive architectural creations such as centuries old buildings, beautiful and inviting plazas, and of course, picturesque narrow streets. Your tour starting point should be Constitution Plaza which is also referred to as Plaza del Kiosko; here you will see a neo-Mudéjar Kiosco put up in the middle. Enjoy a lovely view at the elaborate kiosk; the area also houses the Church of San Agustín and Casa de Cultura de la Villa.
Proceed to the Taoro Lyceum from the Constitution Plaza – it is a tall mansion with lots of secrets. The interior of the Lyceum was constructed as a palace following some rules that were highlighted in a cultural magazine of the time in addition to having beautiful romantic gardens that form the shape of stairs. Since 1975, it is home to the Liceo de Taoro Cultural Association which organizes Cultural and social activities for the people of the town and tourists.
Next to Taoro Lyceum, there is the Victoria Garden, which is a green zone that was previously the territory of a mansion belonging to a Marquisate. The Victoria Garden comprises of steps terraces, water fountains, and plants giving it a serene touch in the mid of La Orotava. Casually walking through the garden, try to feel comfortable and button down; observe the details of the plants and other design elements of the garden.
Moving on your exploration of La Orotava’s historical centre, stroll along the Career of Sculptor Estévez which is the gorgeous street of town. Adjoining the Career of Sculptor Estévez one can see the historic and stately houses on one side with Casa Benítez de Lugo and Casa Benítez de las Cuevas. It is also so exciting to just walk around especially on the streets and seeing and hearing the beauty of the town, taking time to snap some shots of the picturesque surroundings.
Emerging with Architectural Masterpieces and Cultural Icons
While walking around the La Orotava’s tourist area, one will reveal many architectural and cultural touristic attractions of the town. Be sure to go to the La Orotava City Council located in a palace where eight pieces are temporarily exhibited in a museum and Romanesque sculptures. It is opened for free, and one can get to walk inside the palace while also getting to learn more about the palace.
Another remarkable and unmissable building in La Orotava is the house of Balconies, or Casa Méndez Fonseca Or Casa de los Balcones. It has been built in the seventeenth century its wood horn is considered the most significant wooden balcony in the Canary Islands. Go inside to find the interior of the house, which was artificially kept the same as years ago, to show the architectural state of the town.
Café Taoro Confectionery is also located within the building of the House of Balconies therefore, it is important that you get a chance to sample some food as you marvel at the balcony designs. Café Taoro originated as a pastry-café and restaurant in 1916 and serves different freshly crafted artisanal food products among them being cakes and other sweets. Spend some time for a dessert or have a cup of coffee in a pleasant atmosphere of the café exploring the taste of La Orotava.
Go further with architectural discoveries in La Orotava with a visit to Lercaro House, also known as Ponte Fonte, a great 17th-century stately house with exposed typical Canarian architecture. This is something that must be appreciated in terms of its spectacular patios and gardens and these are declared as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Monument. As the outstanding part of its history, there is a legend that spirits of a very old woman Catalina Lercaro are found in the house.
Eating Out and Local Foods
It is recommended no visit to La Orotava should be made complete without the cuisine and the Taste of Canarian Cuisine. The restaurants, cafes and bakeries which are situated all over the town serve traditional meals prepared with the products grown in the area. From tasty thick soups, sea foods to mouth watering pastries and sweets, you can easily find in any restaurant in La Orotava.
A great pleasure in tasting Canarian sweets available in La Orotava’s bakeries and confectioneries can be regarded as one of the highlights of the city’s dining culture. Try the almond cream called bienmesabe or papas arrugadas a wrinkled potatoes with sauce mojo which is the pride of Canarian cuisine. It will be a sin not to pay a visit to the Café Taoro Confectionery which is situated inside the House of Balconies and have a feeling of the town’s gastronomic traditions on your own taste buds by tasting homemade artisanal food products.
To feel the real taste of Canarian cuisine come to Casa Lercaro restaurant where they offer traditional dishes, and what is more, only fresh local products are used. The food varies from tasty little spanisch snacks like for example tapas, or grilling specialities like meats and fish as well as fresh fish and wholesome soups of the island kitchens of the Canary Islands. Wine from the island and cocktails with your dinner is all recommended to complete your pleasant dining atmosphere in La Orotava.
Useful Advice for Your Vacation in La Orotava
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to La Orotava, consider the following practical tips:
- Language: Nevertheless, knowing several phrases in Spanish can help to have a great trip and address people friendly.
- Currency: The money used in Tenerife is the Euro which has the symbol EUR. Always, it is wise to have some of the local money with you apart from credit and debit cards as there are places where the later is not accepted.
- Weather: The weather of Tenerife is pleasant throughout the year, a large part of the year has a warm climate and sunny weather. Nevertheless, the climate may differ in different seasons, so it is recommended to consult the weather prognosis before the visit and dress mostly appropriately.
- Safety: Crime rates are rather low in La Orotava and traveling here is considered safe however, one has to learn how to stay safe and safeguard one’s belongings. Do not display cash and other valuable property, and be cautious, especially while walking in a crowded area or in an area popular with tourists.
- Respect Local Customs: According to the locations or cultural activities wrought, one needs to preserve the cultures in the regions they visit. Always avoid bare-necked dressing especially when visiting churches and other religious institutions, be conscious of the set down rules and regulation as informed by the local authorities.
Conclusion: Living a Continuation and Accepting the Beauty of La Orotava
To sum up, everyone should visit La Orotava as this is a wonderful chance to get acquainted with the history and cultural and natural attractions of Tenerife. This beautiful Canarian town offers everything starting from historic landmarks and architectural marvels to beautiful vistas and delicious cuisine. With the help of this diverse manual, you would provide yourself with all that is possible to turn the trip in to La Orotava into an unforgettable and inspiring vacation that will remain in the memory for a long time after the trip is over. Therefore, grab your items, put on your comfortable shoes and put yourself in a journey discovery mood in La Orotava, the undiscovered town.