Loro Parque

Loro Parque is the best-known zoological park of Tenerife, on the northern coast at Puerto de la Cruz, and it is one of the most visited attractions in the Canary Islands. It opened in 1972 as a small collection of parrots, started by a German entrepreneur, Wolfgang Kiessling, and its name, which means Parrot Park in Spanish, comes from that beginning. Over the decades it has grown into a large park of landscaped gardens, in which animals and plants from different parts of the world are displayed in themed areas, and it holds one of the largest collections of parrots in the world, with hundreds of species and subspecies. A foundation connected with the park has worked on conservation projects for endangered parrots and other species.

The parrots are still the core of the park's identity. Colourful macaws, cockatoos and amazons fill aviaries, and a large walk-through aviary and shows with flying birds give visitors the chance to see them in action. Beyond the birds, the park has grown to include many other animals. There is a gorilla enclosure in a landscaped habitat, tigers, chimpanzees, a large aquarium with a glass tunnel through which sharks and rays swim overhead, and an exhibit called Planet Penguin, a cold chamber in which a colony of penguins swims and walks on artificial ice and snow. Gardens with palms, orchids and exotic plants give the grounds a botanical interest.

Marine mammal shows with sea lions, dolphins and killer whales have been one of the park's most popular features, but they have also drawn criticism from animal welfare groups, who object to keeping such animals in captivity, and visitors should be aware of this debate when choosing how to spend their day. The park says it follows high standards of care and takes part in research and conservation. Opinions differ, and some people prefer to focus on the parrots, gardens and aquarium.

A visit usually takes most of a day, and there is a lot of walking, with plenty of shaded benches and places to eat. Show times are scheduled, so it helps to plan your route when you arrive. The park runs a free shuttle train from the centre of Puerto de la Cruz, from Plaza de los Reyes Católicos, which makes access easy without a car, and there are parking facilities for those who drive. Prices and opening hours change, so check the official channels.

It suits families with children, animal lovers and anyone who enjoys gardens. In the area are the Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos, the Palmetum and the Mariposario del Drago, and Mount Teide is within reach by road.