Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo
Explore Spain's largest botanical garden, a free sanctuary of unique Canarian flora with diverse themed landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Spain's largest botanical garden, a free sanctuary of unique Canarian flora with diverse themed landscapes.
"A wonderful place for anyone who loves nature and wants to take a quiet walk away from the noise of the city."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is huge! Parking at the top and hiking down is recommended for a full experience.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Both upper and lower parking areas are free, making access convenient.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Canarian Flora Showcase
Discover endemic plants unique to the Canary Islands, including giant lizards and dragon trees.
Vast Cactus Collection
Explore an impressive garden dedicated to cacti, featuring over 2,000 specimens.
Diverse Themed Gardens
Wander through distinct sections like Laurisilva, pine forests, and palm groves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Rewards
+1Embrace the Natural Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is huge! Parking at the top and hiking down is recommended for a full experience.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Both upper and lower parking areas are free, making access convenient.
🚌 Easy Public Transport
Accessible by bus from Las Palmas, making it a great option without a car.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated while exploring the expansive grounds, especially on warmer days.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is huge! Parking at the top and hiking down is recommended for a full experience.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Both upper and lower parking areas are free, making access convenient.
🚌 Easy Public Transport
Accessible by bus from Las Palmas, making it a great option without a car.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated while exploring the expansive grounds, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Perfect for nature photography, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo for its impressive collection of native flora, vast size, and free entry, making it a peaceful escape. Some note that while its natural beauty is a highlight, more maintenance and accessibility to areas like the nursery would enhance the experience.
"I recently visited this botanical garden that focuses on preserving nature in its most natural form.
The experience was truly enjoyable. Unlike some gardens that feel overly landscaped, this one had a more organic and untouched feel, making it a perfect place to relax and appreciate nature.
The variety of plants was impressive, with well-maintained walking paths that allowed visitors to explore different areas without disturbing the surroundings. There were plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and I especially liked how the garden integrated local plants.
Overall, it’s a wonderful place for anyone who loves nature and wants to take a quiet walk away from the noise of the city. While it may not have dramatic, manicured flower displays, its natural beauty speaks for itself. I would definitely recommend a visit."
I
"It's hard to rate this place because its potential is limitless, but more effort should be put into maintaining it. I'd like to be able to enter the nursery. I'd like to be able to buy a succulent or pay for entry if it would help the place. Five stars because this place can't be allowed off the map of Gran Canaria."
Łukasz Szuba
"Awesome extremely big garden with different themes. If you want to hike - park at the top. Don't - park at lower spot. A lot to see, long to walk. We had a nice time there."
Dmitry B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is conveniently located about 7 km from Las Palmas city center. You can drive and use the free parking available at both the top and lower sections. Alternatively, it's easily accessible by public bus (guagua) from San Telmo station in Las Palmas.
Yes, there is free parking available. Many visitors recommend parking at the top if you plan to hike through the garden, as it allows for a downhill walk.
Absolutely! The garden is well-connected by public transport. Buses run from Las Palmas, making it a feasible option for those without a vehicle.
The garden is located at Carretera del Dragonal Km 7 (GC-310).
It's a short distance, approximately 7 kilometers from the center of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance to the garden is completely free! +1
It's best to check Google for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit, as they can vary.
No, tickets are not required as the garden offers free admission.
Guided tours may be available, but it's advisable to check their availability and schedule in advance.
Some visitors have expressed a desire to enter the nursery area, but it may not always be accessible to the public.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden boasts over 500 plant species native to the Canary Islands, including endemic flora, a large cactus collection, Laurisilva, pine forests, and palm groves.
Yes, the garden is perfect for a peaceful walk. It features well-maintained paths and offers a natural, organic feel rather than overly manicured displays.
Indeed, there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the garden.
It is the largest botanical garden in Spain, covering an impressive 27 hectares.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for nature photography, especially during the golden hour for beautiful lighting.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Mornings can also be good for softer light and fewer crowds.
The diverse themed gardens, the extensive cactus collection, and the natural landscapes offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
While the garden is beautiful for photos, one visitor shared a story about getting accidentally locked in after a photoshoot, so be mindful of closing times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The natural, less manicured environment encourages imaginative play, and there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a picnic. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes for little feet. 🚶 Nature Lovers & Hikers
The organic feel of the garden makes it a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Haven for Canarian Flora
Visitors can explore distinct ecological zones, including the lush Laurisilva forest, the rugged Pinar (pine forest), and the arid Palmeral (palm grove). The garden also features a remarkable cactus garden with over 2,000 specimens, showcasing the incredible diversity of succulents adapted to arid environments. This focus on native flora makes it an invaluable resource for understanding and appreciating the botanical heritage of the Canaries.
Founded in 1952 by Swedish botanist Eric Sventenius, the garden was established with the primary goal of conserving and protecting the rich endemic flora of the islands. It's named in honor of José de Viera y Clavijo, an 18th-century naturalist and pioneer of natural sciences in the Canaries.
Navigating the Expansive Grounds
Many visitors suggest parking at the upper entrance and walking downhill to cover more ground and enjoy the varied landscapes. The garden's layout encourages a natural flow, with well-maintained trails winding through different botanical zones. While it may not have the highly manicured appearance of some European gardens, its strength lies in its organic, untouched feel, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature.
Getting to the garden is straightforward, whether by car using the free parking or by public bus from Las Palmas.
This accessibility, combined with the free entry, makes it an attractive destination for a day out, though it's wise to check opening hours beforehand. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit