Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Botanical garden with palm collection in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
The Palmetum is a botanical garden built on the site of a former landfill that now houses more than 600 palm species from around the world. The 12-hectare area is divided into different zones featuring plants from Madagascar, the Caribbean, and other tropical regions.
The site functioned as a municipal landfill until its closure in 1983, when plans began to transform it into a botanical garden starting in 1995. After nearly two decades of development, the garden opened to the public in 2014.
The garden serves as a refuge where wild birds nest and move freely among the palms without disturbance. Many visitors come specifically to watch these birds and experience nature in a largely untouched state.
The garden is located in the Cabo Llanos district and features well-maintained walking paths, informative signage, and a visitor center with a shop. A visit is most pleasant during cooler months, as summer heat can be intense in this part of the island.
The garden was deliberately designed and maintained without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, allowing plants to grow more naturally. This approach has made it one of Europe's few fully organically managed botanical gardens.
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