Gran Canaria: The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo
The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, or “the Canarian Garden”, is the largest botanical garden in all of Spain. It was established in 1952 by the Swedish botanist Eric Sventenius, who was working at the Botanical Garden of Tenerife. He decided he wanted to continue the work of the 18th-century Canarian pioneer botanist José de Viera y Clavijo and create a unique botanical garden on Gran Canaria dedicated to the conservation of the rich and spectacular flora of the Canary Islands. Just past the main entrance you will find a mini laurisilva (laurel forest), which originally covered the island in pre-Hispanic times but which was later destroyed completely.
Named after José de Viera y Clavijo, the author of the Canarian Natural History Dictionary, this botanical garden focuses on flowers and plants endemic to the seven islands of the archipelago, inclusive of the islands belonging to the Macaronesia, Madeira, the Azores and Cape Verde. More than 2,000 different species of plants can be found in the Canary Islands. 600 of these are native to all the islands, while 399 are exclusively endemic to a single island. There are areas that showcase flora unique to each island..
Most of the 27 hectares/67 acres is laid out along a steeply sloping side of the Barranco de Guiniguada. Set on terraces and growing in their natural environment, the Jardín Botánico accords each species their own space.
Eric Sventenius remained the garden’s director until his unfortunate death on June 23, 1973, in a traffic accident just in front of the garden he had donated his heart to. It was decided they would bury him in the garden surrounded by his dream, so that the gardeners could keep the grave nice with the many beautiful flowers it was surrounded by.
After his death, the botanical garden continued to grow and it evolved into a research, conservation and educational center. New facilities were built to house laboratories, a library, a herbarium and greenhouses. The botanical garden is renowned internationally, attracting foreign researchers for its work and environmental educational model.
This is a true paradise for botanists and nature lovers – absolutely worth a visit.
Address: Carretera del Centro Km 7, Tafira Alta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Price: Free.
Schedule as of August 2023:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 to 19:00 (April to September).
Monday - Friday: 7:30 to 18:00 (October to March).
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: from 10:00 to 18:00 (all year round).
The last access allowed is always one hour before the closing time.
On December 24th, 25th, 31st & January 1st will be remain CLOSED, as it is an official public holiday.
Telephone: +34 928 219 580
E-mail: jardincanario@grancanaria.com
