A garden with a total surface area of over 15,000m3, split into two levels by a bamboo forest, that is home to over 1,300 different varieties of orchids and 5,000 tropical plants. Can you imagine such a place exists? Well it does, and not in some far-flung corner of the world, but in Estepona in the Costa del Sol. The Orchidarium is the biggest orchid house in Spain, a conduit between the plant and animal worlds, with the sea and the mountains in the background. As you wander around, you will be wowed by the colours, the shapes and the aromas of the plants. Fancy coming to explore with us?
A celebration of the natural world
Before we get going, we were wondering, have you ever heard the word ‘orchidarium’ before? It’s used to describe a space that is dedicated to orchids, giving you the opportunity to wander among the plants and marvel at their incredible shapes, colours, aromas and survival mechanisms. Contrary to popular belief, orchids aren’t actually a delicate plant, but actually survivors that have an incredible ability to adapt. Although traditionally associated with tropical climes, they can also survive in deserts as well as cold and even polar temperatures.
Fuente: Orquidario Estepona
Opened in 2015, Orchidarium Estepona is a place where you can throw yourself into the plant world and awaken all your senses with the vibrant colours of the orchids and the tropical plants growing here. A true celebration of the natural world.
Estepona, Jardín de la Costa del Sol
Part of the Estepona, Jardín de la Costa del Sol (Estepona, Garden of the Costa del Sol) project, the orchidarium is part of the botanic garden. Offering 1,000m2 and 15,000m3, the orchid house is home to countless plants and orchids as well as a pond, a 15m waterfall and three glass domes that give the plants the right levels of humidity and natural light. All this combines to paint an extraordinary picture that will leave you lost for words.
There are over 1,300 varieties of orchids in Orchidarium Estepona, most of which come from the relatively warm climates of South America and South-East Asia. As you make your way through the space, you will see orchids whichever way you look: some hang down from the roof, some sit on the branches of trees and some form funny little bunches of colour on the floor. You will be amazed to see the miniature varieties, which are housed in a small glasshouse, taking you aback with just how tiny the plant can be.
The orchidarium also has a 200m2 vertical garden where the plants climb as they would in the natural world. You will also see exotic plants which are commonly used in cosmetics (Cananga Odorata, Bixa Orellana, etc.).
Tickets for Orchidarium Estepona cost €3 for adults and €1 for children. You don’t need to worry about booking in advance; you can get your tickets at the door. The Orchidarium has made Estepona’s Botanic Garden - whose collections are renowned around the world - a must-visit in the Costa del Sol. Estepona, as you can see, has a lot more to offer than great sun, sea and sand. The plazas and streets are bursting with fragrant flowers, the cuisine is delicious, the culture fascinating, the leisure options endless and the selection of hotels extraordinary. All reasons to come and visit this picturesque part of the Malaga coastline.
