Jardín Sitio Litre

Jardín Sitio Litre is one of the oldest botanical gardens on Tenerife, tucked into the heart of Puerto de la Cruz. The story of the site begins in 1730, when a mansion was built to serve as the headquarters and warehouses of a Dutch wine-trading company. The property changed hands several times before being purchased in 1774 by Archibald Little, a British merchant. His surname gave the garden its name — "el Sitio Little" gradually evolved into today's "Sitio Litre." The estate stayed in the Little family until 1996, making it one of the longest continuously held private gardens on the island.

What can visitors see in the garden?

Sitio Litre is best known for holding the largest orchid collection on Tenerife, cultivated for generations in a microclimate well suited to these demanding plants. The garden's shaded, humid corners create natural conditions that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere on the island. Alongside the orchids, the garden's other star attraction is a striking dragon tree (drago) more than 300 years old — one of the enduring symbols of the Canary Islands' endemic flora, easily recognized by its distinctive, branching silhouette.

Why does this garden matter historically?

The garden has long drawn notable visitors. Among those said to have visited Sitio Litre are the German naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt and the writer Agatha Christie, a testament to the reputation the site already enjoyed in the 19th and 20th centuries. The garden also maintains ties with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London — through this collaboration it hosts an exhibition of paintings on loan from the British institution, blending botanical history with art.

Where exactly is Jardín Sitio Litre located?

The garden sits in Puerto de la Cruz, a popular resort town on Tenerife's northern coast known for its black volcanic beaches and lush subtropical vegetation. Its location within the town makes it easily accessible both for visitors staying in Puerto de la Cruz and for those exploring the island from other bases.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Sitio Litre garden? The garden is more than 220 years old and is considered the oldest garden on Tenerife, though the mansion around which it grew dates back to 1730.

What is the garden's biggest attraction? Its main draw is the orchid collection — the richest on the entire island — alongside a dragon tree over 300 years old, one of the oldest specimens of its kind in the region.

Where does the name Sitio Litre come from? The name comes from Archibald Little, the British merchant who acquired the estate in 1774. Over time, "el Sitio Little" ("Little's place") evolved into the form used today, "Sitio Litre."

Is the garden linked to any famous historical figures? Yes — past visitors are said to include Alexander von Humboldt and Agatha Christie, and the institution also maintains links with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.