Hotels in La Orotava

La Orotava sits in the hills above Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife's north coast, and it's the island's best-preserved example of Canarian colonial architecture: cobbled streets, carved wooden balconies and the Baroque Iglesia de la Concepción, all set against a lush valley of banana plantations climbing toward Teide. It's known for its flower carpets during Corpus Christi, made from volcanic sand and dyed salt, and for the historic centre that most Tenerife visitors only pass through on their way to the beach or the volcano.

There's no coastline here, the town is small, and nightlife is minimal, so it suits travellers who want culture and mountain scenery over sun loungers. It's well placed for climbing Teide and only a short drive from Tenerife Norte airport, useful if you're arriving late or leaving early. Stay in the historic centre itself, near the main square, where the old buildings and short walk to the church and market justify skipping the coast for a night or two.