High above the ocean, overlooking the city of Santa Cruz, lies one of the most unique gardens I’ve ever visited, the Palmetum of Santa Cruz. At first glance it’s simply a beautiful botanical garden, but what makes it truly special is its focus, this entire garden is dedicated almost entirely to palm trees from around the world.
Walking into the Palmetum feels like stepping onto a miniature version of our planet. The garden is divided into different regions, each representing a part of the world and the palms that grow there. As you walk through the pathways, you move from the Philippines to Thailand, across the Canary Islands, through Africa, and even into Madagascar, all within just a short walk. Each section showcases the palm species native to that region, creating the feeling of traveling across continents in a single afternoon.
The variety of palms is incredible. There are hundreds of different species, all with their own shapes, sizes, colors, and even smells. Some tower high above your head with enormous leaves stretching toward the sky, while others are shorter and more delicate. Some palms have bright green leaves, others almost silver or deep dark shades, and some even have unusual textures on their trunks. It was fascinating to see just how different palm trees can be when you start paying attention to the details.
One of the most surprising facts about the Palmetum is its history. This beautiful garden wasn’t always a lush tropical paradise. For many years, the site was actually a landfill, a huge garbage dump where the city’s waste was piled up. Eventually, the area was transformed into what is now considered one of the most remarkable garden transformations in the world. What used to be a mountain of trash has been turned into a thriving botanical garden filled with plants from across the globe.
As you walk along the paths, you also quickly notice that the garden sits on top of a cliff. This means there are incredible viewpoints everywhere. From several lookout spots you can see the bright blue Atlantic Ocean stretching into the distance, as well as a wide view of the entire city of Santa Cruz. At one point we could even spot our apartment and our school from the garden, which made the view feel even more special.
Exploring the different sections almost feels like going on a world tour. In just a few minutes you can walk from the dense, exotic palms of Madagascar to the tropical palms of Southeast Asia. Each area feels slightly different, almost like stepping into a new landscape.
The Palmetum is also home to wildlife. Birds live throughout the garden, and there are information cards showing the different species that can be found there and which palms they prefer to live in. It adds another layer to the experience, making the garden feel alive rather than just a collection of plants.
One of my favorite parts of the visit was definitely taking photos. The garden is full of beautiful spots, and we probably spent ages there just taking pictures from different angles, next to different palms, and at different viewpoints. Every corner seemed like another perfect photo location. By the end of the trip, I had taken so many pictures it felt like we went to a photoshoot.
Before leaving, I bought a bracelet from the shop, a small souvenir to remember the trip. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of the incredible place where nature, travel, and history all come together.
The Palmetum of Santa Cruz is more than just a botanical garden. It’s a symbol of transformation, proof that even a former landfill can be turned into something beautiful. Today, what once was a pile of waste has become a tropical paradise filled with natural treasures from all around the world, standing proudly above the sea
