La Orotava as a holiday destination
La Orotava is one of the hundreds and hundreds of holiday destinations in Spain, a resort you'll find in Tenerife, just 6 kilometers away from the beautiful and popular Puerto de la Cruz. La Orotava can be translated into English as the ''Lush valley'', having its name inspired from the valley that surrounds the city from all parts: the valley is the origin of the huge prosperity of La Orotava, as the inhabitants started to grow crops around the city beginning with the 16th century, bringing a huge help for the economy.
Visiting the town
La Orotava is a town that deserves your attention, especially if you love sightseeing. Its old centre is a perfectly preserved one, having an attractive network of narrow and cobbled streets. This old centre became extremely popular due to the 12 mansions that display a beautiful Canarian architectural style that it hosts; they are known under the name of the ''Doce Casas'' and they represent one of the attractions that you are not allowed to miss in La Orotava. These mansions are all former residences of the leading families in the area, so you can imagine the beauty, the luxury and the opulence you will find there! Some of them, not all of them, are open every day to the public and they now work as souvenir shops. You should also have on your sightseeing list the large ornate garden known under the name of Jardin Victoria, as well as the Artesania Iberoamericana Museum, a handicraft museum that will attract your interest. The Corpus Christ celebration represent a huge attraction for La Orotava, as the town is decorated with thousands of flowers of all sizes and colors, volcanic sand and baked leaves. The tradition of this celebration started in 1847 and it used to attract religious people, but it now is a very lively and energetic one that entertains the tourists.
Useful information
You'll only find two places that offer accommodation in La Orotava, so before choosing it as your holiday destination, make sure you book rooms in advance; they are the Silene Pension and the Hotel Victoria. Don't hesitate to choose them as the services and the facilities they offer are excellent. For a delicious traditional meal, go to the restaurant of Hotel Victoria: I assure you that you will taste a few delicious local dishes. Enjoy La Orotava!
Martin Wynn
