Jardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre
Jardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre
Jardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre
4
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
About
The mansion was built in 1730 and it seems was originally the headquarters and wine cellars of a Dutch wine exporting company.
In 1774 it was purchased by a Mr.Archibald Little a British merchant whose family owned the house until 1854 (thereby the name Little's Place, in Spanish SITIO LITRE)
In 1856 the property was bought by a Mr.Charles Smith whose family have owned the house right up until 1996, a period of 140 years. The historic English garden was first planned by the Little family, and added to by the Smith family.
Many famous personalities have spent time in SITIO LITRE either as house guests or simply as guests at the numerous garden parties given in the magic garden.
Amongst the most famous house guests were William Wilde, the father of Oscar Wilde, but possibly the most famous of all was Marianne North, the well known botanical painter, who lived in this house for two months in 1875, she is remembered in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London, where all her 832 paintings are on view. Many of her Tenerife works were painted in this garden (and we have placed copies of these around the garden, so you can see that even after 130 years, the garden is practically the same)
Party guests were numerous, but to name only three, we can mention Sir Richard Burton, who passed through Tenerife on two occasions between 1860 and 1863, Sir Richard was the first European to enter the holy city of Mecca (dressed as a Muslim), he also discovered lake Tanganika, but he is best known for having translated the three erotic works of the east into English, these being "The Kamasutra", "The perfumed garden" and "The Arabian Nights".
Many years later Agatha Christie and her daughter Rosalyn were on holiday in Puerto de la Cruz, the year was 1927 and she had just divorced her first husband, she was so inspired by the gardens that she wrote one of her novels, basing the plot in Puerto de la Cruz "The mysterious Mr.Quin".
The first of all these guests should not be forgotten, he was one of the world's most famous discoverers and botanist. The famous German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, he was the guest of honour at a party given for him on June 23rd 1799 by Mr Archibald Little. The house is still a private residence but the owners have decided to open the gardens to visitors, so they can savour this "Vision of Eden" and view the lovely collection of orchids, possibly the best in the Canary Islands.
The SITIO LITRE garden is the oldest surviving garden in Tenerife, now 235 years old. It has been owned continuously by British families since 1774.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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- EgbertHertsSt. Albans, United Kingdom208 contributionsDelightful gardensVisited both the Botanical Gardens and the Sitio Litre. The respective charges per person was €3 and €4.75. The Botanical Gardens are more extensive and each plant and tree is labelled. There are a number of interesting specimens from all over the world and you can spend an hour or so walking round the paths. To spend longer, you would need a keen interest in botany. The Sitio Litre gardens are not as extensive but have more character. There are colourful plants and flowers as well as a pond with coi carp and a cage of love birds. One of the features is the orchid area. At the end of the garden there is a good café. Again, an hour would be sufficientVisited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 5, 2020
- David AWest Bridgford, United Kingdom1,051 contributionsFaded elegance in the garden area but a good cafeVisited these gardens partly as the botanic gardens were closed because of storm damage also because we were recommended to. They are the gardens of an old mansion and have been kept true to their original style for many years. There is a connection to Agatha Christie as there seems to be for much in this area. It costs €4.75 each to get in. The gardens are quite contained and paths with steps and steep slopes to get around. At the top level are two ponds, one with water lilies and the other full of Carp. From here you progress down to the crochet lawn, alley with many orchids and then to the bottom layer where there is a cafe plus 600 year old Dragon tree.The gardens are well kept although there was definitely a bit of faded elegance about the place. I was unimpressed with the cage containing some 20 lovebirds. I accept this how it would have been but they didn’t add to the place. The best part was the cafe where we had delicious lemon cake and good coffee.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 29, 2020
- glyncooksonStourbridge, United Kingdom138 contributionsPeace & TranquilityWhat a find ! A small private garden having been in the ownership of British people since 1730 and several owners then have maintained the garden to it's present beauty. The lovely range of Orchids is breathtaking, the colours, size, and general beauty of these exotic plants is amazing. There are many other plants some from more tropical areas and some so typically English. There is another typical area, and that is the "tea room" where tea and coffee with lovely cakes can be purchased. It's a 5 minute taxi ride from Puerto sea front (4.5 euros), but it is walkable but quite a climb. The walk back is all down hill so is better.Visited February 2020Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
856 reviews
Excellent
347
Very good
310
Average
117
Poor
49
Terrible
33
Yas46
Adliswil, Switzerland849 contributions
Dec 2022
We were very disappointed, having driven 75 minutes from the south of the island to visit. This is a very small garden with some nice variety of plants but the so called orchid display was a big let down. There were probably around 3O phalaenopsis orchids only- my local supermarket has a much better display!
We enjoyed seeing the oldest dragon tree but for 4.75 Euros it was an expensive visit, compared to the amazing botanical gardens, which a 2 minutes drive away and only cost 3 Euros.
We were also disappointed by the attitude of the elderly owner, who scared and stamped at the cute cats to run away, whereas we had a a lovely chat with the local artist, who knew the cats well and told us all about them.
The cafe was also a disappointment as on the board of daily specials it advertised scone and jam but there were none at 11am and then when we ordered coffees, they were so sweet we could not drink them. The lady offered that we didn't have to pay but I was made to feel as if there was something wrong with my taste buds- we left the place with a bad feeling... went to the botanical gardens and had a great time!
We enjoyed seeing the oldest dragon tree but for 4.75 Euros it was an expensive visit, compared to the amazing botanical gardens, which a 2 minutes drive away and only cost 3 Euros.
We were also disappointed by the attitude of the elderly owner, who scared and stamped at the cute cats to run away, whereas we had a a lovely chat with the local artist, who knew the cats well and told us all about them.
The cafe was also a disappointment as on the board of daily specials it advertised scone and jam but there were none at 11am and then when we ordered coffees, they were so sweet we could not drink them. The lady offered that we didn't have to pay but I was made to feel as if there was something wrong with my taste buds- we left the place with a bad feeling... went to the botanical gardens and had a great time!
Written December 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elderly Traveller
Bournemouth, UK1,255 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
For the following reasons:
1. Fantastic selection of orchids
2. Atmospheric garden full of history and charm
3. The Agatha Christie connection
4. The delightful cafe
Be aware that the garden has lots of steps which adds to the charm but can be tricky to negotiate. It’s great value for under 5 euros. Highly recommended
1. Fantastic selection of orchids
2. Atmospheric garden full of history and charm
3. The Agatha Christie connection
4. The delightful cafe
Be aware that the garden has lots of steps which adds to the charm but can be tricky to negotiate. It’s great value for under 5 euros. Highly recommended
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hargrave
dorset uk117 contributions
Jan 2020
A beautiful peaceful garden just down from the Botanical Gardens and is a hidden gem. entry was 4.75 euros which seemed a little steep considering the Botanic was only 3 euros but after walking around it proved well worth it.The orchid displays were stunning and the variety of palms, climbers and flowering shrubs even in January were a plant photographers dream. The only downside is that you have to pay entry to go to the cafe in the garden but that is also a hidden gem.Very quiet and nice cake with a good selection of drinks. there is a huge (rescued) three legged Green Iguana by the pond .
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
94009007
Edinburgh, UK370 contributions
Dec 2021
Opening hours were restricted to 0930-1430 due to Covid so worth checking to see if this has changed. It's a really lovely garden with a large section devoted to a wide variety of orchids. Very peaceful place well worth the price of €4.50. There's a croquet lawn and ponds with lots of goldfish which you can feed for a euro. Look out for the monitor lizard that usually sits by the pond.
The cafe is very nice and run by a very friendly lady from England
The cafe is very nice and run by a very friendly lady from England
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy
Wakefield, UK29 contributions
Feb 2020
€4.75 per person to enter, €0.50 for fish food to feed the koi, €7 for a lovely cocktail smoothie. My other half and I enjoyed walking round taking photographs and having a drink. Nice selection of flowers, fruit plants, trees and painted tiles to see.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy H
Matalascanas, Spain223 contributions
Jan 2020
If you love flowers and quirky gardens you will adore this small garden at Sitio Litre. Some amazing people have visited here, including Alexander von Humboldt, Oscar Wilde's father and Agatha Christie. The colours and variety of plants are enchanting. There are no botanical markers--it's all about aesthetic combinations.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallorcanlover
Olney, UK53 contributions
Oct 2021
What a huge disappointment this was. The gardens are very dilapidated, plants not well cared for and very dirty ponds. The garden is small and not worth the 4.50 euro entrance fee for the state it is in. All in all it really needs a good clean and some attention, such a shame as the history is excellent.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cliff J
Los Gigantes, Spain88 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This is a superb place to visit.
The day we went it was heavy rain but even so the flower displays especially the orchids we’re stunning. The colours and different species were lovely.
It also has the oldest and largest Dragon tree in Puerto.
This is a must place to visit and we will certainly visit again
The day we went it was heavy rain but even so the flower displays especially the orchids we’re stunning. The colours and different species were lovely.
It also has the oldest and largest Dragon tree in Puerto.
This is a must place to visit and we will certainly visit again
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania27,066 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
A small botanical garden, with all kinds of plants. Orchids are not nearly as numerous as the name suggests. There is also a small pond with koy carp, it's quiet, a relaxed atmosphere. Neat, you can see that someone is constantly taking care of the maintenance. I visited it the first hour after opening, 10:00, and it was not crowded at all.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dizzieannie
Cumnock, UK22 contributions
Nov 2022
These private gardens are lovely to visit. They have the largest drago (dragon tree) in Puerto de la Cruz, and beautiful flowers, trees and water features, koi carp which you can feed for 50 cents, and a lazy laid back giant lizard. There is also a cafe run by an English mother and daughter, with lovely treats like fresh out of the oven cream scones, and a proper cuppa.
Only open a couple of mornings per week, Don't miss.
Only open a couple of mornings per week, Don't miss.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Synman
Bromley, UK174 contributions
Are the gardens accessible for people with limited walking / wheelchair users? Thanks.
josemanuelsancho2018
Mollina, Spain8 contributions
Cuál es el precio de la entradas para adultos y para menores de 6 años (hasta 5 años).
Gracias.
JOhnLuc2014
Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
El precio es de 4.75 para Adultos y niños gratis.Residentes 3.50
NICOLE F
Le Barcares, France27 contributions
À quelle distance se trouve le parc du terminal des bus ?
RosyneAch
Vise, Belgium42 contributions
1 arrêt + haut : Tucan & celui en contrebas El Risco = 5' à pied. Par contre à visiter le Parc Taoro en face est gratuit mais il faut savoir marcher rues à pente forte. Avons pris la rue Calle Belgica face à entrée du Jardin des Orquideas & sommes redescendus face à la punta della Carretera = très belles vues sur la baie & villes en + du jardin à apprécier (cascades + azulejos & ... lézards)
welshdragonwrecham
Wrexham, UK137 contributions
What time is the shop open please?
It was closed last time we visited.
philip19402017
Sheerness, UK11 contributions
I am so sorry but cannot remember, but my husband and I thought it well worth the visit.
Happy holiday
Se pueden comprar orquideas allÃ?
JOhnLuc2014
Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
Lo siento pero no.
Gracias
Ana V
Cala Millor, Spain10 contributions
Vamos a finales de enero, cual es el horario y el precio de la entrada
JOhnLuc2014
Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
El horario es de 09:30 a 17:30,
El precio es de 4.75€ por persona.Gracias
Cual es el precio de entrada y a que hora cierran?
JOhnLuc2014
Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
El precio de la entrada es de 4.75€ y de 3.50€ para residentes.
Gracias
Karin K
La Palma, Spain1 contribution
Welche Öffnungszeiten haben sie morgen, Montag, den 26.01.15?
Karin K
La Palma, Spain1 contribution
Welche Öffnungszeiten haben sie morgen, Montag, den 26.01.15?
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Claim your listingJardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Jardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre
- Jardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre is open:
- Mon - Mon 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Tue - Sun 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Hotels near Jardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre:
- (0.02 mi) The Blue Corner
- (0.03 mi) Secret Hotel
- (0.04 mi) Chinyero Apartments
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- Restaurants near Jardin de Orquideas de Sitio Litre:
- (0.09 mi) Zicatela Tenerife - Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
- (0.05 mi) El Rey de las Tortillas
- (0.13 mi) Bar El Camino
- (0.06 mi) Cafe Orquidea
- (0.05 mi) Ristorante Picci
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