Visit the best collection of palm trees in Europe
Sloping landscapes with easy inclines, among waterfalls, lakes and rocks, surrounded by viewpoints which look out on to the sea, populate an artificial mound with natural greenery. This is the Palmetum, an elegant jungle with exquisite areas, which is the biggest green area in Santa Cruz de Tenerife as well as being home to the best collection of palm trees in Europe. Situated in the extreme east of the island, and a 20 minute walk to the capital, a stroll though its 12 hectares is like immersing oneself in an enormous secret garden, completely oblivious to the hectic city.
Get to know the greenhouse in the Palmetum
What in its day was the city dump is now a splendid botanic garden with 2,000 species of plants. Almost 500 palm trees from all over the world decorate this wonderful spot, from such places as the Caribbean, New Caledonia, Indochina and New Guinea. As well as boasting the biggest collection of tropical palm trees on the planet, its flora is divided into 14 bio-geographical sections which can be visited in a little over an hour and a half. The Palmetum’s jewel is its octagonal greenhouse, a place which is home to the plants most in need of humidity.