Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Gardens in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Jardin Botanico Canario Viera y Clavijo Gran Canaria
Jardin Botanico Canario Viera y Clavijo Gran Canaria
CC BY-SA 2.0 /

Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is the Canary Islands’ flagship botanical garden, designed to showcase native and Macaronesian plant life in a setting that feels more like a natural ravine walk than a manicured park. Paths wind through palms, succulents, and laurel-forest species, with changing microclimates as you move between shaded gullies and sunnier slopes.

It is one of the best “reset” stops near Las Palmas when you want a break from the city's pace without committing to a full island road trip. Build it into a self-guided day that combines nature and culture: do the garden in the morning when temperatures are cooler, then return to the city for an afternoon walking tour through historic streets, viewpoints, and museums.

History and Significance of the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo

The garden was created to protect, study, and present the unique flora of the Canary Islands, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Beyond being beautiful, it functions as a living reference collection, supporting scientific work and conservation efforts tied to fragile island ecosystems.

Its significance is also practical for visitors: it is one of the easiest places on Gran Canaria to understand what makes the archipelago’s landscapes distinctive. Instead of seeing “generic” Mediterranean planting, you encounter the real botanical character of the islands-plants shaped by altitude, trade winds, volcanic soils, and long isolation.

Because it is built around natural contours, the garden does not feel like a single flat loop. That design choice matters: it creates variety, protects sensitive species in sheltered pockets, and makes the visit feel exploratory rather than box-ticking.

Things to See and Do in the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo

Start with the lower paths and work upward, letting the garden reveal its contrasts-dense, shaded greenery in ravine-like sections, then more open, sunlit areas where succulents and drought-adapted species dominate. Even if you are not a plant expert, the shifts in temperature, light, and vegetation make the route engaging.

Look for sections dedicated to Canarian endemics and laurel-forest species, which give context for hikes you might do elsewhere on the island. This is also where the garden feels most “of place,” because the plants connect directly to landscapes you may have seen from viewpoints or on drives through the interior.

If you enjoy a structured visit, keep an eye out for guided options and interpretation points, but the garden also works extremely well as a slow, self-guided wander. It is a strong photography stop, especially where paths curve and open into layered greenery, and it suits travellers who prefer calm over crowds.

How to Get to the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo

Most visitors reach the garden from Las Palmas by bus, taxi, or rental car, as it sits outside the central sightseeing area. The simplest approach is to travel to the garden entrance and then explore on foot, allowing extra time for the final walking sections within the grounds.

Nearest airports include Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Booking.com. From the airport, you can travel into Las Palmas first, then continue by taxi, bus, or car depending on your schedule and whether you plan to add other stops the same day.

Gran Canaria does not have an island-wide passenger train network, so train travel is not part of the typical approach to this visit. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Buses are a workable option for a straightforward out-and-back, while taxis are convenient if you want to control timing and avoid waiting between services.

If you are driving, the easiest strategy is to arrive earlier in the day for simpler parking and cooler walking conditions, then combine the garden with a nearby viewpoint or crater walk. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) Monday – Friday: 07:30–19:00. (Winter) Monday – Friday: 07:30–18:00. Saturday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00. Closed on 24 December, 25 December, 31 December and 1 January.
  • Official website: https://jardincanario.grancanaria.com/en-GB/
  • Best time to visit: Go early for cooler temperatures and quieter paths, especially if you want to walk the upper sections without rushing.
  • How long to spend: Allow 1.5-3 hours depending on how much you like slow wandering and photography.
  • Accessibility: Expect some slopes and uneven paths; if mobility is limited, focus on the flatter lower areas and plan your route conservatively.
  • Facilities: Bring water and sun protection; treat it like a nature walk with limited on-site services compared with central-city attractions.

Where to Stay Close to the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo

For most travellers, the best base is Las Palmas around Las Canteras and Santa Catalina if you want a culture-heavy itinerary with beaches, dining, and the easiest day-to-day logistics; choose the quieter Tafira area instead if your trip’s main focus is nature access and a calmer residential feel. If you want a reliable, well-located city base that makes it easy to mix beaches, museums, and a day trip to the garden, consider Hotel Cristina by Tigotan for its practical waterfront setting and straightforward transport connections. For a comfortable, central option that suits travellers who plan to sightsee in the city and take occasional taxis or tours outward, AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott works well as a polished base near key city hubs. If you prefer a slightly calmer, more design-forward stay that still keeps you well connected for day trips, Boutique Hotel Cordial La Peregrina is a good fit for walking to historic streets while keeping the garden visit easy to plan.

Is the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo Worth Visiting?

Yes-if you want a low-stress way to experience Gran Canaria’s “real” landscapes through the lens of native flora, it is one of the most rewarding half-day outings near the city. Honest pivot: if you dislike walking on sloped paths or you only have a tightly packed city schedule with no room for travel time, you may be better served by a shorter urban park visit and saving the botanical garden for a return trip.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (9,342)

Botanical garden with 500 plant species native to the Canaries, including trees, cacti & succulents.

Erik
a month ago
"Recommended to visit as a relax place where great to stay for 2-3 hours to see all in this botabical garden. Also possible to walk uphill to see theentire garden. Free of charge, parking lot near the road for free, also parking on the other side of garden on upper side, also free of charge. Plenty of space for parking...."
Moira Cox
2 weeks ago
"Beautiful and fascinating place! Looking at the history, its very disappointing that there is no mention of the creator Eric Ragnor Sventenius, norany directions to his statue or grave on the map. The statue to Don Jose Viera y Clavijo at the top of the garden does not mean it was his creation, which is what I thought until I did more research. Less important, but note that restaurant wasn't open in December! less..."
Dmitry B.
4 months ago
"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. Wehad a nice time there...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a strong choice for families because it feels like an outdoor adventure rather than a formal museum visit, and children usually enjoy the changing terrain and “find the next viewpoint” rhythm. Bring snacks and water, and plan a shorter route that prioritises the most scenic sections without overcommitting to steep climbs.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The garden is ideal for a slower morning together, especially if you like nature walks that still feel curated and photogenic. Pair it with an afternoon stroll back in the city for a balanced day that mixes greenery, viewpoints, and a relaxed pace.

Budget Travelers

Free entry makes this one of the best-value experiences near Las Palmas, and you can keep costs low by using public transport and packing water and snacks. It is also an easy way to “see the island” without paying for a full-day tour.

FAQs for Visiting Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo

Getting There

Yes, many visitors go by bus or taxi and treat it as an out-and-back trip from Las Palmas. A car is mainly helpful if you want to add extra nature stops nearby on the same day.
Take a taxi to the entrance, walk the lower and mid-level paths, then return the same way. This avoids long waits and still gives you a strong sense of the garden’s variety.

Tickets & Entry

No, entry is typically straightforward and you can visit independently. If you want a guided activity, check ahead for timing and reservation requirements.
Treat it like a conservation space: stay on marked paths and avoid disturbing plants or wildlife. Plan your route so you are not rushing near closing, as access may be managed later in the day.

Visiting Experience

Light cloud can be ideal because it keeps walking comfortable and improves photography in bright green sections. In heavy rain or high winds, it is better to reschedule because paths can be slippery and conditions may affect access.
Pair it with a nearby viewpoint or a short crater walk if you have a car, or return to the city for an old-town walking loop if you are using buses and taxis. That combination keeps the day varied without feeling rushed.

Photography

Yes, especially for layered greenery, unusual endemic plants, and ravine-like compositions that look more “wild” than typical gardens. The best shots often come from stopping on gentle bends in the path where the landscape opens up.
Casual photography is generally fine, but be respectful of any signed areas and avoid blocking narrow paths. If you are using tripods or doing extended shoots, keep a low footprint and avoid busy pinch points.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas may be challenging due to slopes and uneven surfaces, so plan to focus on flatter sections and take your time. If mobility is a concern, a shorter, lower-level route is usually the most comfortable approach.
Yes, you will find resting spots along the way, but they may not be evenly spaced in steeper sections. Bring water and schedule short pauses so the visit stays pleasant.

Nearby Attractions to the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo

  • Caldera de Bandama: A dramatic volcanic crater with trails and viewpoints for an easy add-on if you want more geology and scenery.
  • Pico de Bandama: A higher viewpoint near the crater with wide panoramas that pair well with a morning in the garden.
  • Vegueta Old Town: The historic heart of the city for a compact walking loop of architecture, small squares, and museums after your nature time.
  • Casa de Colón: A strong cultural stop with exhibitions that help round out a day split between outdoors and heritage.
  • Las Canteras Beach: The easiest “decompress” option for late afternoon, with a long promenade and sunset-friendly atmosphere.

The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) Monday - Friday: 07:30-19:00.

(Winter) Monday - Friday: 07:30-18:00.

Saturday - Sunday: 10:00-18:00.

Closed on 24 December, 25 December, 31 December and 1 January.

Price:

Free.

Address: Carr. del Dragonal, Km. 7, GC-310, 35017, Las Palmas, Spain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 5 km
Telephone: +34 928 21 95 80
Official Website

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