The Jardín de Cactus Teresa is a charming botanical space located in the city of Motril. This garden, dedicated to the memory of Teresa Ortiz Vázquez, a lover of nature and cacti, is an oasis of beauty and tranquility in the heart of the Costa Tropical. Its establishment was made possible by the donation of nearly six hundred plants from the private collection of Manuel Soler, a biologist and professor at the University of Granada, known for numerous publications in specialized journals and books. He was a distinguished scientist and head of the Zoology department at the university, who continued to cultivate these plants after his wife Teresa passed away in a traffic accident. She was a true cactus enthusiast, a passion that he inherited and maintained.
The garden houses an impressive collection of cacti and succulents from various parts of the world, with more than 1000 different species. They have been carefully cultivated to create a unique and exotic environment. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, admiring a diverse range of shapes, colors, and sizes of cacti, from the columnar and spiky forms of cacti to the lush and curious shapes of succulents. It is considered one of the best collections of this type of plants. Currently, this collection of cacti and succulents continues to expand, aiming to become one of the most important natural spaces in Europe for the conservation of cactaceae plants.
The concept of this garden creates a space that differs from the usual cactus gardens, aiming to establish a collection with the greatest possible number of different species. Additionally, the Teresa Garden is distributed along its path into various spaces designated for specific typologies. We find biogeographical zones such as Madagascar or the Canary Islands; areas dedicated to specific genera like Aloes, Mammillaria, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia or Opuntia; and finally, zones based on developmental characteristics.
The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the Jardín de Cactus Teresa makes it an ideal place to relax and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. This botanical garden is a true treasure that combines a love for cacti with the natural beauty of the Costa Tropical. It is a delightful destination for nature lovers, amateur gardeners, and anyone seeking a corner of serenity and wonder in the province of Granada.
Opening time: from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Address: Cañada de Motril 11, 18600, Motril
The cactus and succulent garden is located in the southeast of the Parque de los Pueblos de América. Admission is free. Group visits are available by prior appointment, arranged via email at cj.captussuculentasteresa@motril.es or through the Motril Tourist Office.