There's more to Tenerife than beaches, and today you'll get to know some of the traditions, flavours and historic towns that give the island its character. As Ana, one of your local guides, will tell you, “To understand Tenerife, you need to look beyond the coast. Our old towns, crops and traditional foods tell the story of how islanders have lived here for generations.” You'll start in Güímar with a visit to an aloe vera farm, where you'll take a closer look at the plant that thrives in the Canarian climate and learn more about how it's grown and used.
Then, it's on to La Laguna. Its colourful façades, historic buildings and grid-like streets make it a great place to explore on foot. You'll join your guide for a walk through the centre before having some free time to wander at your own pace. You can browse the shops, stop for a coffee or pick a traditional tasca for some lunch, where Canarian favourites like wrinkled potatoes with mojo and local goat's cheese are well worth a try. If you want to take away the guesswork, you can book the option of this experience that includes lunch at a local restaurant.
Your final stop is La Orotava, a handsome old town surrounded by the green landscapes of northern Tenerife. After exploring its historic centre, you'll visit a traditional gofio mill. This toasted-grain flour has been part of the Canarian diet for centuries and remains a familiar ingredient in island kitchens today. You'll learn how it's made and discover why this simple food has such deep roots in Canarian culture.
