Tastes of Gran Canaria A Day of Flavours and Culture

If you’re someone who loves discovering local tastes and getting a glimpse of a place’s soul through its food and drinks, this tour might catch your interest. The Tastes of Gran Canaria experience offers a balanced mix of culinary treats and cultural sights, all wrapped into a full day. It’s a good option if you want an active day that combines scenic views with tastings of island specialties.

What really drew us in are the visits to the Arehucas Rum Distillery, where you can learn about award-winning rums, and the Bodega Los Berrazales, which combines wine and coffee in a stunning natural setting. Plus, the story of bananas at Rekompensa Banana World adds a charming, educational touch.

However, a potential snag is that it’s quite a long day—about 9 hours—and involves a good amount of bus travel, which might feel a bit tiring if you’re not a fan of long tours. Also, it’s not tailored for those with mobility issues or wheelchairs, so keep that in mind.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy food and drink experiences, are comfortable with a busy schedule, and appreciate scenic drives and cultural stops. It’s also a good pick if you want to see a variety of sites without piecing together multiple excursions yourself.

Key Points

• Diverse Cultural Insights: Learn about island traditions through rum, wine, coffee, and banana history.
• Tasting Opportunities: Enjoy high-quality samples recognized at international competitions.
• Scenic Settings: Experience the beauty of the Agaete Valley and charming towns like Arucas.
• Educational Value: Guided tours provide deeper understanding of each product and its cultural significance.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickups and drop-offs, making logistics easier.
• Long but Rewarding: The 9-hour schedule packs in a lot but may be tiring for some travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Gran Canaria’s Flavors

We loved how this tour offers a taste of Gran Canaria in more ways than one — through its food, drinks, and stunning scenery. The day’s journey begins with a bus ride from your hotel, taking you from the busy southern resorts into the lush, greener parts of the island. This drive sets the tone, with views that shift from arid landscapes to verdant valleys, making the whole experience visually appealing.

Rekompensa Banana World — The Sweet Beginning

Your first stop is Rekompensa Banana World, which is surprisingly more than just a farm. It’s an educational spot where you’ll learn about the banana’s journey from its early days to its current status as a global favorite. The guide brings the story alive, explaining how bananas have shaped the island’s agriculture and culture.

Here, you can enjoy a guided walk around the farm, seeing the banana plants up close, and tasting fresh bananas, banana drinks, and traditional mojos. Many reviews mention how engaging and informative this part was, with one noting, “The story of the banana really opened my eyes to how important this fruit is to the island.” It’s a laid-back, friendly start that sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the day.

Arehucas Rum Distillery — A Spirited Experience

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Arehucas Rum Distillery, where the house’s history and product range are explained thoroughly. The guided tour takes you through the steps of rum production, from selecting ingredients to distillation techniques.

Most people find the tastings to be a highlight — two rums, awarded at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, are sampled. The guides are knowledgeable and eager to share insights, making it more than just a sip-and-go experience. One reviewer mentioned, “You get to taste some of the best rums and really understand what makes them special.” It’s an excellent stop for those curious about spirits or looking to pick up a quality souvenir.

The Charm of Arucas

After the distillery, the tour stops in Arucas, called the “Pearl of Gran Canaria.” It’s a charming town, best known for its neo-Gothic church, the San Juan Bautista. You’ll have about an hour to explore on your own, so it’s a perfect chance to walk around, snap photos, or grab a quick coffee.

Many visitors appreciate the peaceful vibe here, with one noting, “The church is stunning and the town feels authentic yet welcoming.” The nearby park adds a lush, relaxing spot to soak in the local atmosphere and enjoy some art and local crafts.

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Bodega Los Berrazales — Wine & Coffee on a Scenic Estate

The day concludes with a visit to Bodega Los Berrazales in the Agaete Valley, a family-run estate combining a vineyard with one of Europe’s few coffee plantations. You’ll be guided through the vineyards and coffee trees, and the tastings are a real treat — sample award-winning wines and rich Arabica coffee.

This setting, with dramatic cliffs and fruit trees, makes it easy to relax and savor each sip. Many reviews praise the quality of the wines and coffees, with one saying, “The guided tour made the tasting even better, and the scenic views were unforgettable.” It’s a fitting way to wrap up a day focused on the island’s flavors.

Practical Details to Keep in Mind

The tour provides convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from numerous locations, which helps take the hassle out of organizing transport. The entire day lasts around 9 hours, starting around 9:30 a.m. and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Transportation is by coach, and the itinerary involves several short stops with some walking involved — comfortable shoes are a must. The tour is conducted in both English and Spanish, so language shouldn’t be a barrier if you’re comfortable with either.

Taste testing is strictly for those over 18, which makes sense given the alcohol involved, and it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues. Be sure to bring essentials like sunscreen, hat, water, and a camera to capture the scenic moments.

Price & Value

Given the inclusions—multiple tastings, guided tours, and scenic visits—the price seems reasonable, especially considering the quality of the experiences and the fact that it’s a full 9-hour day. Many reviewers felt that the cost was justified by the depth of information and the variety of sites visited.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed but engaging day learning about Gran Canaria’s local produce and culture. It’s not for those seeking adventure or high-energy activities — it’s more about savoring and understanding.

If you enjoy wine, spirits, coffee, or simply learning about how local products are made, you’ll find this tour both informative and delicious. It’s also good for those who appreciate scenic drives and charming town visits, especially if you like walking around small towns and snapping photos.

Keep in mind, the long day and bus travel may be tiring if you’re not used to full-day excursions or long drives. If you prefer more flexible, less structured days, this might not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from numerous locations, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, with a start time around 9:30 a.m. and late afternoon return.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, tastings of alcohol are only for participants over 18 years old.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, camera, and water are recommended for a comfortable day.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is available in both English and Spanish.

In the end, this Tastes of Gran Canaria tour offers a flavorful, culturally rich snapshot of the island. It’s perfect for curious travelers who enjoy good stories with their tastings and want a day filled with scenic beauty and local flavors. If you’re looking for a relaxed way to explore Gran Canaria’s culinary side while enjoying some stunning vistas, this could be a great fit.

You can check availability for your dates here: