Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo
Garden Botanical garden on Gran Canaria with native Canary flora
Botanical garden near Las Palmas displaying Canary Island flora across terraced gardens. Visitors walk trails to study endemic plants and regional horticulture.
The Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is a large botanical garden on Gran Canaria in the municipality of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, established in 1952 and occupying about 27 hectares. It is the principal botanical garden on Gran Canaria dedicated to the conservation and display of Macaronesian and Canary Island plants.
The garden presents a range of themed sections arranged on terraced slopes, including a laurel-forest area that replicates cloud-forest conditions, a xerophytic section for dry-adapted plants and an extensive palm collection. Pathways and paved routes connect beds, specimen trees and interpretive signs across the site for self-guided viewing.
Created in 1952 to assemble and conserve the region’s native and endemic plants, the garden developed through the mid to late 20th century with expanded plantings, research and public facilities. It functions as both a public park and a centre for botanical research and ex situ conservation of Macaronesian species.
Set in the Tafira area within Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on the island of Gran Canaria, the garden sits inland from the northern coast of the island and is administered by local authorities and botanical bodies.
- Area: About 27 hectares in size, laid out on terraced slopes with paved paths for most major routes.
- Foundation year: Founded in 1952 as a regional botanical collection and conservation centre for Macaronesian and Canary Island flora.
What to See #
- Major garden sections: Contains distinct cultivated sections including a laurel-forest area that reproduces Macaronesian cloud-forest conditions, a xerophytic zone for succulents and dry-adapted plants, and a substantial palm collection featuring Canary Island palms.
- Visitor facilities: Houses visitor facilities including paved paths, interpretive signage and a small educational centre, arranged across terraced beds and slopes to accommodate the island's terrain.
How to Get to Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo #
Located in Tafira Alta on Gran Canaria, the garden is reachable by car from Las Palmas (about 15 minutes) and by local bus lines that serve the Tafira area. Clear signage on the GC-23 and surrounding local roads leads to the garden’s entrance.
Tips for Visiting Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo #
- Arrive in the morning to see the plant collections before tour groups converge.
- Download a garden map or pick one up at the gate to locate the island and subtropical plant collections efficiently.
- Visit the Canarian pine and the extensive succulent beds - both are highlights often missed by quick visitors.
Best Time to Visit Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo #
Pleasant year-round; spring and autumn offer the best combination of bloom and comfortable temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo #
Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 45 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.