Not every day in Tenerife is beach weather—and that’s a good thing. Because on those misty, cloud-draped days when the ocean breeze turns cool, there’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored: the Marquesado de la Quinta Roja Garden in La Orotava.
Tucked in the heart of this elegant historic town on the north side of the island, the garden offers a peaceful retreat steeped in history and beauty. It’s part of the old family estate of the Marquises of Quinta Roja, whose stately mansion—now a cultural center—stands proudly beside it.
The garden itself is like stepping into a 19th-century romantic dream: carefully terraced paths, delicate fountains, towering palms, and stone benches shaded by jacarandas and laurel trees. On cloudy days, the soft light makes the colors pop and the garden takes on a mysterious, almost enchanted feel. You might even catch the scent of damp earth and flowers drifting through the air—pure magic.
When to Visit?
Spring and early summer are ideal, when the flowers are in full bloom and the town of La Orotava is buzzing with cultural events (like the famous Corpus Christi flower carpets). But truly, the garden is beautiful year-round—especially on those cooler, overcast days when the clouds roll in from the mountains and you’re looking for a quieter kind of beauty.
How to Get There
La Orotava is just a short drive from Puerto de la Cruz. Once in the town, the garden is easy to find—just head to the historic center and look for the Casa de los Balcones or ask any local about the “Jardines del Marquesado.” They’ll point you in the right direction.
So next time the sun hides away in Tenerife, skip the beach and wander through this serene garden. You might just find that the island’s true charm lies not only under the sun, but also in the soft shade of its misty mountains.
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