Palmetum – Botanical Garden
The Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a truly unique botanical garden and a world-renowned paradise built on a former landfill. This 12-hectare (30-acre) project is a stunning example of ecological restoration, transforming a mountain of waste into a lush oasis specializing in the palm tree family.
What Makes the Palmetum Botanical Garden Special?
- A Triumph of Transformation: The garden's most remarkable feature is its origin. It was constructed on a former city garbage dump, turning a highly degraded space into a vibrant green area teeming with life and demonstrating incredible environmental recovery.
- The World's Best Palm Collection: It holds the largest collection of palm trees in Europe and is considered the most important botanical collection of island palms in the world. It is home to over 2,000 plant species, with a focus on palms from tropical and subtropical regions.
- A Journey Around the World: The garden is organized into biogeographical sections, allowing visitors to travel through different parts of the globe—like the Caribbean, Madagascar, Africa, or Polynesia—by exploring the plant life native to those areas.
- Spectacular Panoramic Views: Located on a hill by the sea, the Palmetum offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city of Santa Cruz, the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, and the nearby Anaga mountains.
- Rich Biodiversity and Water Features: Beyond palms, the garden features stunning waterfalls, lakes, and streams that create a lush, tropical atmosphere. This environment attracts a wide variety of native and migratory bird species, making it a haven for birdwatching.
- A Model of Sustainability: The Palmetum is a living testament to sustainable urban development, showcasing how derelict industrial or waste sites can be transformed into valuable natural, educational, and recreational resources for everyone to enjoy.