Visit the Casa de los Balcones

This historic house museum showcases exquisite wooden balconies that are iconic examples of Canarian architecture. Visitors can explore rooms filled with traditional furniture, textiles, and handicrafts while watching local artisans demonstrate centuries-old techniques. The building itself is a masterpiece of Canarian design with its central courtyard and intricate woodwork.

Things to Know

Welcome to Casa de los Balcones, a beautifully preserved 17th-century mansion that offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Canarian architecture and craftsmanship. Step back in time and discover the authentic culture of Tenerife.

Opening Hours

Monday

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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Exploring Casa de los Balcones

Visiting the Casa de los Balcones in La Orotava, Spain, is a must for travelers looking to experience authentic Canarian culture and history. This iconic 17th-century mansion, located right in the heart of La Orotava, Spain, offers a glimpse into the traditional architecture and craftsmanship of the region. The house is particularly famous for its elaborate wooden balconies and intricate details that showcase the skill of local artisans from centuries past.

A Popular Destination

For those planning a trip to La Orotava, Spain, the Casa de los Balcones stands out as one of the top activities in the area. It is conveniently situated in the town center, making it easy to combine a visit with other things to do in La Orotava, Spain, such as exploring the historic streets, local markets, and nearby botanical gardens. Visitors find it fascinating how the house reflects the lifestyle of wealthy Canarian families from the colonial era, with beautifully decorated rooms filled with antiques, traditional textiles, and handcrafted furniture.

Budget-Friendly Experience

For travelers hunting cheap activities in La Orotava, Spain, a visit to this museum-like home is an excellent choice. The ticket prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly way to absorb local history and culture without spending a lot. Plus, the experience is enriching enough to stand alone as a significant cultural activity. It’s a perfect fit for those who want to enjoy cheap activities without compromising on the authenticity or depth of their travel activities.

Getting There

Getting to La Orotava, Spain is straightforward for many travelers. With cheap flights available to Tenerife North Airport, which is only about a 20-minute drive from the town, you can get there without fuss. Once in La Orotava, it’s easy to reach the Casa de los Balcones either by a short taxi ride or even by walking if you’re already exploring other parts of the town.

Immersive Cultural Activities

Besides the rich cultural experience, the Casa de los Balcones often hosts demonstrations of local crafts, such as embroidery and pottery, offering immersive activity options that add value to a trip. These engaging activities provide visitors with hands-on insights into traditional crafts, making your visit even more memorable.

Planning Your Visit

Travelers who enjoy using apps and tools find that planning these activities through an AI travel agent or a trip planner app can enhance their experience. These digital assistants can help uncover the best cheap activities in La Orotava, Spain, suggest optimal routes to fly to La Orotava, Spain, and craft an itinerary that balances history, culture, and leisure efficiently. By using such tools, visitors ensure they don’t miss out on underrated gems like the Casa de los Balcones during their trip.

Conclusion

In summary, the Casa de los Balcones offers a unique, affordable, and conveniently located activity for anyone venturing into La Orotava, Spain. It’s a charming and culturally rich spot with plenty of history, perfect for frequent travelers and culture fans alike. Whether you're looking for things to do in La Orotava, Spain, that add meaningfulness to your itinerary, a visit to the Casa de los Balcones is sure to be a highlight.

Amenities

Souvenir Shops
Folk Art Displays
Traditional Craft Demonstrations
Restrooms
Guided Tours Available

Reviews

Excellent

7.4k reviews

Absolutely stunning architecture and authentic Canarian crafts. The wooden balconies are breathtaking and the staff is very knowledgeable about the history. A must-visit in Tenerife to understand traditional Canarian culture.

Location

C. San Francisco, 3, 38300 La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Annual Visitor Count

250,000

Casa de los Balcones is one of Tenerife's most visited historical attractions, drawing over a quarter million visitors annually. Its popularity stems from its well-preserved Canarian architecture, authentic crafts, and central location in the picturesque town of La Orotava. Visitors flock to see the famous wooden balconies and purchase traditional embroidery and lacework.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Casa de los Balcones is during the spring months (March-May) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Morning visits are recommended to avoid the midday rush. The annual Corpus Christi festival in June features spectacular flower carpets created in front of the building, making this an especially magical time to visit.

Accessibility Notes

The main ground floor areas are accessible, but some upper floors and traditional areas may have narrow doorways and steps that could challenge wheelchair users. The historic nature of the 17th-century building means some areas have uneven floors and limited accessibility. Staff are generally helpful in accommodating visitors with mobility needs where possible.

Cultural/Religious Notes

As a cultural heritage site, visitors are expected to show respect for the historical artifacts and traditional crafts. Modest attire is appreciated though not strictly enforced. The site represents an important part of Canarian identity, so respectful behavior and quiet conversation are appropriate, especially when artisans are demonstrating traditional techniques.

Famous Events and Dates

The building is particularly famous during the Corpus Christi celebrations in June when elaborate flower carpets are created on the streets surrounding the house. The annual Craft Fair held nearby often features demonstrations by artisans from Casa de los Balcones. Traditional Canarian festivals throughout the year often include cultural events and exhibitions at this historic site.

Historical Significance

Built in 1632, Casa de los Balcones represents one of the finest examples of traditional Canarian architecture. The house has been preserved as a museum to showcase the unique wooden balconies that became symbolic of La Orotava's architectural heritage. It serves as an important cultural center for preserving and demonstrating traditional Canarian crafts and building techniques.

Kid/Family Friendly

The attraction is family-friendly with interesting visual elements that can engage children, though younger children might find the museum aspects less exciting. The craft demonstrations can be particularly engaging for older children. The courtyard provides space for movement, and the souvenir shops offer child-friendly items. Elderly visitors should note some uneven flooring in historical areas.

Photography Allowed

Photography is generally permitted throughout most areas of Casa de los Balcones for personal use. Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to preserve delicate textiles and artifacts. Commercial photography requires prior permission. The beautiful balconies and courtyard provide excellent photo opportunities of traditional Canarian architecture.

Time Required to Explore

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring Casa de los Balcones thoroughly. This allows time to appreciate the architecture, watch craft demonstrations, browse the souvenir shops, and learn about traditional Canarian culture. Those interested in detailed photography or extensive shopping may want to allocate additional time for their visit.

Transportation and Accessibility

Located in the heart of La Orotava's historic center, the attraction is easily accessible by public bus from Puerto de la Cruz and other major towns. Limited parking is available in nearby public lots. The town center is pedestrian-friendly with cobblestone streets. The building is within walking distance of other historical sites in La Orotava's charming old town.

Weather Sensitivity

As primarily an indoor attraction, Casa de los Balcones can be visited in most weather conditions. Rainy days may make the cobblestone approach slippery. The interior maintains a comfortable temperature year-round, making it an excellent option during Tenerife's occasional rainy periods or particularly hot days when outdoor attractions are less comfortable.

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