Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo Garden

Address: Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, Camino del Palmeral, 9, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Website: https://www.jardincanario.org/

Hours: Daily 9am -6pm (hours may vary seasonally; check official site)

Admission: Entrance to the botanical gardens: approx. €6-€8 (prices vary); reduced rates for children and seniors; some free days

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.

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.

• 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.