La Orotava Tenerife
This historic town, distinguished by its monumental architecture, shady squares and characteristic ancestral homes, lies amidst the banana plantations of the valley from which it takes its name.
The celebrated old centre, itself declared a monument of artistic national interest, is a must see on any cultural tour of the island. The Conception Parish Church is a notable landmark as is the outstanding Casa de los Balcones which epitomises the island's architectural heritage.
The town also boasts an astounding botanical garden - La Hijuela del Botanico - with more than three thousand species of tropical and sub-tropical plants of American, African and Australian origin. Also of interest is the Jardin Victoria with its famous marble mausoleum designed in 1882 by the French architect Adolph Coquet.
The surrounding mountains provide excellent hiking along the huge number of paths and trails, some of which reach as far as the great Canadas del Teide and beyond. There are also three beautiful sandy beaches nearby that rarely get crowded.
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