In the centre of Puerto de la Cruz lies one of the most historically important gardens in Tenerife. Sitio Litre combines botanical history, scientific discovery and the story of the island’s earliest European visitors.
The mansion at Sitio Litre was built in 1730 and later developed into a garden estate that welcomed travellers, scientists and artists drawn to the island’s mild climate and natural landscapes.
Today the property is recognised as the oldest surviving garden in Tenerife and is believed to be the longest continually British-owned property in the Canary Islands.
Quick Answer
What is Sitio Litre Garden? Sitio Litre is a historic garden in Puerto de la Cruz founded in the eighteenth century. It has welcomed scientists, travellers and artists for more than two centuries and is home to a famous 600-year-old dragon tree.
Origins of Sitio Litre
The house at Sitio Litre was built in 1730 and originally served as the headquarters and wine cellars of a Dutch export company operating in Puerto de la Cruz.
In 1774 the property was purchased by the British merchant Archibald Little. His ownership gave rise to the name “Little’s Place”, which gradually evolved into the Spanish form Sitio Litre.
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Puerto de la Cruz became an important stopping point for travellers visiting Tenerife. The mild climate and fertile landscapes attracted naturalists, explorers and artists who used the town as a base for exploring the island.
Famous Visitors to Sitio Litre
Over the centuries the gardens welcomed many notable visitors who travelled to Tenerife to study its landscapes and climate.
One of the earliest was the German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. On the eve of the festival of San Juan in 1799 he attended a gathering at Sitio Litre and later described the evening in his diary.
The British botanical artist Marianne North also spent time in the gardens while painting several of her Tenerife works, inspired by the island’s unique plants.
William Wilde, surgeon to Queen Victoria and father of the writer Oscar Wilde, visited the Canary Islands during his travels and is also associated with the garden’s history.
In 1927 the writer Agatha Christie stayed in Puerto de la Cruz during a period of travel. Today the town commemorates her connection to Tenerife with a biennial festival in her honour.
The Origins of Canary Island Bananas
Sitio Litre is also linked to an important chapter in the agricultural history of Tenerife.
Historical records indicate that banana plants were cultivated at Sitio Litre and in the nearby Garden of Acclimatisation — now the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz — during the nineteenth century.
From these early introductions the crop spread across the fertile landscapes of the Orotava Valley, where the island’s mild climate and volcanic soil proved ideal for banana cultivation.
Bananas later became one of Tenerife’s most important agricultural exports, shaping the landscape of the valleys surrounding Puerto de la Cruz.
You can learn more about this agricultural landscape in our article about Tenerife bananas and the island’s plantations.
Charles Piazzi Smyth and the Tenerife Astronomical Experiment
In the nineteenth century Sitio Litre became associated with one of the most important developments in modern astronomy.
The Scottish astronomer Charles Piazzi Smyth travelled to Tenerife in 1856 to test his theory that telescopes placed at high altitude could produce clearer observations of the stars.
While preparing the expedition he stayed at Sitio Litre in Puerto de la Cruz. A small structure was constructed on the roof of the mansion to temporarily house his telescope.
Smyth later transported his instruments to observation sites on Mount Teide, where his experiments confirmed that astronomical observations improved dramatically at higher altitude.
You can read more about this expedition in our article about astronomy in Tenerife.
Restoration of the Gardens
Like many historic estates, Sitio Litre has evolved over the centuries and has been carefully restored in recent years.
One reminder of this transformation can be seen in the koi ponds that now form part of the garden landscape. These ponds were once a swimming pool before the property was restored and redesigned.
Today the gardens combine historic architecture, tropical plants and peaceful water features to create one of the most distinctive historic sites in Puerto de la Cruz.
Guests visiting the gardens during the Ladies Touring Tenerife experience enjoy brunch here before continuing to explore the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Sitio Litre Garden?
The mansion dates from 1730 and the gardens are considered the oldest surviving garden in Tenerife.
How old is the dragon tree at Sitio Litre?
The dragon tree in the garden is estimated to be around 600 years old.
Did Alexander von Humboldt visit Sitio Litre?
Yes. Humboldt attended a gathering at the garden in 1799 during his visit to Tenerife.
What is the connection between Sitio Litre and astronomy?
The astronomer Charles Piazzi Smyth stayed at Sitio Litre in 1856 while preparing his famous high-altitude astronomical experiment on Mount Teide.