La Orotava

La Orotava is a town in northern Tenerife, in Spain's Canary Islands, set within the valley that bears its name and stretches between the Atlantic Ocean and the Teide massif, Spain's highest peak, visible from town on clear days. Its historic centre, regarded as one of the finest in the archipelago, is notable for cobbled streets, colourfully fronted houses and carved wooden Canarian balconies, most famously those of the Casa de los Balcones. The town is also known for its temporary carpets of flowers and coloured sand laid out in the streets for Corpus Christi, a long-standing local tradition. The surrounding valley, made fertile by a mild subtropical climate, supports banana plantations and vineyards, the latter producing wines under the Tenerife designation of origin. A short distance away lies Puerto de la Cruz, a historic seaside resort, along with Teide National Park, reachable by car. La Orotava therefore makes a convenient base for exploring architectural heritage, volcanic landscapes and inland walking routes across the island.