TravelFeedTravelFeed Logo
The Palmetum in Santa Cruz

The Palmetum in Santa Cruz

May 2020 · 2 min read · Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Is there any group of people more neglected in the touristic sphere than palm tree fanatics? I mean, we all know a few, right? These “palm nuts” who just can’t get enough of their favorite tree, and travel the world on “palm-spotting” adventures? Actually, I’m not sure this is an obsession which anyone has, but if so… they’ll find their Disney World in the Palmetum, a botanic garden dedicated entirely to the world of palm trees.

The Palmetum and the nearby refinery
The Palmetum and the nearby refinery

I was feeling snarky when we parked and paid entrance to the Palmetum. “Oh boy. Palm trees. I must calm the restless beating of my heart.” But the park was more engaging than I suspected, and soon enough my cynicism was disappearing in favor of actual curiosity. Palm trees are actually not all that boring, and I started gobbling up information about them. “Jürgen, did you know this foxtail palm was only discovered in the 1980s?” (Unsure whether I was still in my mocking mood, he looked at me distrustfully.)

To be honest, I had no idea that there was such variety in palm trees… sure, I knew some produced coconuts, while others were cultivated for oil… but there are over 2500 species of palm! That shocked me. The Palmetum does its best to collect them all, in 12 hectares split between different global zones: the Canaries, Africa, Asia, and South America among them. There are also other trees, such as the African Baobab, banana trees (not a palm tree, I learned), and Polynesian noni plants.

But perhaps the coolest thing about the Palmetum is the ground upon which it was built. This used to be a landfill, shockingly close to downtown Santa Cruz, which was built up in the 1970s. Today the land has been spectacularly reclaimed for nature. The trees and ponds have attracted migratory birds, making this small city park a surprisingly good place for bird watching. And thanks to the height of its landfill-shaped mound, it offers excellent views of both the city and the coast.

Don't Forget: Get Travel Health Insurance!

To make your trip a worry-free experience, TravelFeed recommends SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. It provides comprehensive health coverage while you travel, so you can focus on exploring, not the unexpected. Get a quote here

I never expected to have such a good time at the Palmetum; I suppose the excellent weather also played a part in our experience. If you find yourself with a couple spare hours, and the desire to spend some time in a beautiful park, we can certainly recommend it.

From our Tenerife Travel Blog

Images were taking with this camera!

Travel Resources for your trip to Spain

Recommended by TravelFeed

Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to Spain.

Accomodation: Explore the best places to stay in Spain on Booking.com, Agoda and Hostelworld.

Travel Insurance: Medical emergencies abroad can be pricey, but travel health insurance is not. We always use SafetyWing for affordable and reliable coverage.

Transportation: Use 12go and Omio to find detailed bus and train schedules, making travel planning easier.

Car Rental: For hassle-free car hiring, DiscoverCars is our trusted choice with a wide selection of vehicles.

Internet: Got an eSIM compatible phone? Airalo is perfect for reliable internet access during your trip. Just install it before you go, and you're set!

Day Trips & Tours: We recommend GetYourGuide for a variety of well-organized and enjoyable activities.

Tickets: Save on entrance fees in Spain with Klook and Tiquets.

Travel Planner: Need a hand planning? Our free travel planner chatbot is your personal guide to Spain. Chat now.

Disclosure: Posts on TravelFeed may contain affiliate links. See affiliate disclosure.


Share this post