Santa Ursula: Nature, Culture and Wine in Tenerife

Santa Ursula offers a range of options for planning your trip: protected nature, views of the coast and Mount Teide, historic buildings, as well as wine and traditional cuisine. If you are looking for a hotel, it can help to first decide what interests you most about your trip. The area's nature and cultural experiences provide practical guidance.

Nature and Viewpoints

The Las Palomas Special Nature Reserve lies in the heights of Santa Ursula and La Victoria and covers 584 hectares. It protects and conserves the populations of laurel pigeons and their habitats. The focus of this natural area is therefore the protection of these birds and their surroundings.

The viewpoints also offer different perspectives. From Mirador de Taoro, you can look out over the protected La Resbala Nature Area and the Valle de la Orotava. Mirador de Cumbres del Norte, also known as Chipeque, offers views of the Valle de la Orotava and Mount Teide. The panoramas described therefore differ: from Mirador de Taoro, La Resbala and the valley are part of the view, while at Chipeque, Mount Teide and the valley take centre stage.

Coastal Views and Trails

Sendero de La Mancha is a paved walking path with panoramic views of the entire La Orotava coastline. From Paseo Miguel de Cervantes, you can observe the cliffs along the Acentejo coast at the edge of the Orotava Valley and various seabirds. The two locations offer different perspectives: one features the coastline in its panorama, while the other adds cliffs and birdwatching.

Cala de Santa Ana offers another coastal experience. This small cove has clear water and a rocky seabed; access is via a steep path leading downhill. This makes it very different to access than the paved Sendero de La Mancha. Check local access conditions before visiting the cove.

Buildings and History

Iglesia de Santa Úrsula, Virgen y Mártir, was built in 1612 and gave the town its name. In 2006, the church and its associated movable cultural heritage were declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). Casa de La Portuguesa is another monument in this category within the municipality; it was designated in 2007.

Casona de San Luis is a building in traditional Canarian architecture dating from the first half of the 17th century. Since its inauguration in 2013, it has served as a municipal cultural venue for cultural, musical and theatrical activities. A chapel was built in La Corujera in 1705 and opened for worship in 1713. The Romería de la Corujera also began there in 1997 and is still celebrated. The history of the buildings, their cultural use and living traditions each offer a different insight into the area's past.

Wine and Local Cuisine

Santa Ursula produces young red wines as well as dry, semi-dry and fruity white wines. The grape varieties mentioned include Listán negro, Listán blanco, Tintilla and Negramoll. At guachinches and bodegones, new wines are served with traditional food. When making specific plans, keep in mind that individual establishments and their opening hours may vary.

The Feria Enogastronómica is an established event for residents and visitors. At its eighth edition on 7 March 2026, wines from Santa Ursula were offered with tapas, cheese, honey and other products from the primary sector. The offerings may vary from one edition to the next. If you would like to include an event in your travel plans, check the date and programme.

Planning Bus Connections

TITSA bus line 380 runs to La Corujera and, at certain times, continues to Pino Alto. From Pino Alto, you can continue on foot to Mirador de La Atalaya. Line 101 connects La Orotava and San Cristóbal de La Laguna and serves the El Calvario district at stops 4016 and 4217. Since timetable details may change, check the current service before travelling.

Discover more destinations: La Quinta, Los Abrigos, Santiago Del Teide, Las Cañadas del Teide, Los Silos, Vilaflor, Bocacangrejo, Arico el Nuevo.

For the main travel overview: Tenerife.