The small, sweet Canary banana is one of the island’s oldest crops and one of its most recognisable landscapes. Along the coasts of Tenerife, terraced fields under rows of plastic and greenhouse netting grow the platano de Canarias, a variety that is smaller and more fragrant than the bananas sold in most supermarkets, and the plantations are a living part of the island economy. A guided farm visit takes you among the plants, explains how the crop is grown, watered and harvested, shows how the fruit hangs and ripens and lets you taste it fresh. The tour we link to pairs the walk with a tasting of banana liqueur and other banana-based products, a natural way to end a short visit. The pace is gentle, the setting is green and the tour is short enough to slot between a morning on the beach and an afternoon by the pool. It is popular with families and curious couples, and it gives an easy introduction to the farming culture of the island, which is often missed by visitors who stay on the resort coast. Check the product page for the exact location, the language of the guide and the tasting included.
How it works
You choose a date and time, travel to the plantation by car or taxi, or meet the group at a stated meeting point, and join a guided walk through the rows. The guide explains how the banana palms are planted, why the terraces and greenhouses exist, how the plants flower and set fruit, and how a bunch is cut and prepared for sale. Most tours end at a shop or tasting room, where you can try several products made from the fruit, such as liqueur, jam and chocolate-covered bananas, and buy what you like.
What to expect
A relaxed walk of an hour or so on flat or gently sloping paths, with plenty of shade from the leaves, humid air and a smell of green fruit. The guide usually gives time for questions and photographs, and children enjoy seeing the bunches up close. The tasting involves alcohol, so children and drivers should stay with the non-alcoholic options. The farm is a working site, so the details of the visit depend on the season and the harvest, and some areas may be closed on busy days.
Making the most of it
Go in the morning when it is cooler and the light is good for photos, and wear comfortable shoes, since paths can be damp or muddy. Pair the visit with another stop on the same coast, such as a winery, the harbour of Garachico or a beach, to fill a half day.
Ask the guide how the Canary banana differs from the imported varieties, and why the island’s farmers rely on terraces and careful irrigation. If you are staying in the south, check the location carefully, because plantations are found around the island, and choose one that suits your route.
Good to know
The banana plant is not a tree but a giant herb, and each stem fruits only once before it is cut and replaced by a new shoot, a detail guides often share. Farms near the coast have to balance heat, wind and water supply, which is why the terraces and nets are so important. You can usually buy bananas, jams and liqueurs in the shop, which make easy gifts, though check airline rules before packing liquids in hand luggage. Children who are fussy eaters often enjoy trying fruit straight from the plant.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through a working banana plantation followed by a tasting of liqueur and other banana products.
Best time
Morning, when the farm is cool and the light is soft.
How long
Allow one to two hours.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and check the location and tasting details before you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious travellers and families who want a short, gentle look at local farming.
- Families
- Children enjoy seeing the bunches up close and tasting fresh fruit, with non-alcoholic options available.
- Couples
- A relaxed, green hour with a tasting at the end.
- Pair with
- A winery visit, the harbour at Garachico or a beach afternoon.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What makes Canary bananas different?+
They are smaller and sweeter than most imported bananas, with a stronger aroma, and they are grown on terraces and under greenhouse cover on the island.
Does the tour include a tasting?+
The linked tour pairs the plantation walk with a tasting of banana liqueur and other products. Check the product page for the exact items.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes. The walk is easy and short, and children can taste fresh fruit. The liqueur is only for adults.
Do I need a car?+
A car or taxi is easiest, though some visitors come on a day tour that includes a plantation stop.
How long does it take?+
Most visits last between one and two hours, including the tasting and time in the shop.
