Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Palmetum is a botanical garden in Santa Cruz de Tenerife dedicated entirely to palms and tropical plants.

Spread across 12 hectares, it sits on an artificial hill overlooking the ocean — a site that, as recently as the 1980s, served as the city's landfill. Reclamation of the land began in 1995, and the garden only opened to visitors in 2014, after nearly two decades of work transforming waste ground into a landscaped park.

What is there to see?

The centerpiece is a collection of palms drawn from climate zones around the world, spanning Caribbean and South American species alongside African and Asian varieties. Paths wind through terrain crossed by artificial waterfalls, streams, and ponds, giving the garden a humid, tropical feel that contrasts with the island's generally dry surroundings.

The site also houses a museum dedicated to palms, covering both the biology of the plants and the history of the reclamation project, plus a shaded display house for species that need protection from direct sun. The layout of hills, terraces, and lookout points offers several different views over the bay of Santa Cruz as you move through the garden.

How do you get there?

The garden sits on the eastern edge of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, close to the port and city center, so it's an easy walk or short bus ride from most parts of town. It works well as a stop for anyone exploring the island's capital on foot, especially combined with the nearby waterfront and old town.

When is the best time to visit?

Tenerife's mild year-round climate means Palmetum can be visited in any season. Early morning or late afternoon are the most comfortable times, since the exposed sections of the hill get the full force of the sun — the shaded display house and tree cover offer relief, but the open viewpoints sit in direct sunlight.

How much time should you plan for?

Walking the full site, with stops at the viewpoints and the museum, typically takes an hour and a half to two hours. That's enough to see most of the collection at an unhurried pace without needing to set aside a whole day.

Frequently asked questions

How is Palmetum different from other botanical gardens on Tenerife? Palmetum focuses exclusively on palms and their companion plants, while other gardens on the island showcase a broader range of flora. Its history also sets it apart — the park was built on a former landfill, making it one of the region's larger land-reclamation projects.

Can you walk to Palmetum from central Santa Cruz? Yes, the garden is within walking distance of the city's main points of interest, though expect an uphill climb since the park sits on an artificial hill.

Is there shade to rest in at Palmetum? Yes, the shaded display house and the tree-lined stretches of path offer shelter from the sun, and the various lookout points invite longer stops along the way.

Is Palmetum suitable for families with children? Yes, the paths are flat and paved, and the water features — streams and waterfalls — tend to catch children's attention, while the relaxed pace of a visit keeps it from becoming tiring.