La Orotava (Historic Town & Valley)

A magnificent historic town situated on the slopes of the Orotava Valley at the foot of Mount Teide. La Orotava is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and aristocratic mansions with elaborate wooden balconies. The centrepiece is the Casa de los Balcones (House of Balconies), a 17th-century mansion featuring spectacular carved Canarian pine balconies — now a museum and craft workshop demonstrating traditional embroidery (calado canario). The Iglesia de la Concepción (18th century) with its distinctive twin towers and ornate Baroque interior is one of the finest churches in the Canary Islands. The town is also famous for its Corpus Christi celebrations in June, when the streets are decorated with intricate carpets made from coloured volcanic sand and flower petals — a tradition dating back to 1847. The Liceo de Taoro gardens offer panoramic views over the valley to the Atlantic.