The garden was developed over a former municipal waste dump, which was capped and landscaped to create an ecological park.
It holds the largest collection of palms in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
The site contains over 2,000 species of plants, with palms representing a significant portion of the collection.
Many of the palms in the collection are considered threatened or extinct in their natural habitats.
The layout is designed to mimic the natural distribution of palms across different continents.
The garden's altitude and proximity to the sea create a unique microclimate that protects tropical species from extreme weather.
The Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a 12-hectare botanical garden built on a former landfill site that has been transformed into a global collection of palm species. It hosts one of the world's most significant collections of palms from tropical and subtropical climates, specifically highlighting species from the Caribbean. The site is divided into biogeographical sections, allowing visitors to walk through zones dedicated to Africa, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Its elevated position offers panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Santa Cruz harbor. The garden utilizes a recycled water irrigation system to sustain its diverse flora in the arid climate of Tenerife. It features a dedicated palm museum and a stream system that cascades through the park.
The Octagon, an elevated viewpoint that provides a 360-degree look at the park and the ocean.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the park involves traversing slopes and unpaved, uneven paths.
Apply sun protection thoroughly, as there is limited shade in the younger sections of the garden.
Bring a camera with a macro lens to capture the intricate textures of the various palm trunks and seeds.
Do not visit during the peak heat of the early afternoon without adequate water and sun protection.
Do not touch the plants or climb on the embankments, as the soil is prone to erosion.
