Gran Canaria: Food Tour with Distillery Visit & Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Gran Canaria and want to get a real taste of the island’s culture and cuisine, this food tour with a distillery visit and traditional lunch might catch your eye. It offers a well-rounded experience — blending local food, historic sights, and scenery — that’s designed to give you an authentic feel of Gran Canaria’s culinary and natural highlights.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are its variety of stops and the insider knowledge from the local guides. You’ll get to sample salt, rum, cheese, and more in a single day, which makes it a fairly packed yet relaxed adventure. Plus, the setting at La Laja farm and the historic town of Arucas are genuinely charming.

One thing to consider is that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or travel sickness, as it involves some driving and walking on uneven terrain. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy food, history, and scenic drives, but aren’t looking for a very fast-paced or physically demanding experience.

If you love discovering new flavors in beautiful surroundings and prefer guided insights rather than self-led sightseeing, this tour could be a great fit. It’s especially worthwhile if you enjoy trying local specialties in authentic settings.

Key Points

• Variety of experiences: Salt flats, distillery, farm, and local town visits provide a well-rounded glimpse of the island.
• Authentic tastings: From rum and cheese to chorizo and potatoes, the tour offers a true taste of Canarian cuisine.
• Beautiful scenery: The stops are set in picturesque locations, including a stunning gorge, salt flats, and colorful town streets.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Maria enrich the experience with interesting stories and suggestions.
• Flexible options: You can reserve and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Limited suitability: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those prone to travel sickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This 8-hour experience is a curated journey through some of the most iconic and delicious parts of Gran Canaria. Starting with a visit to Salinas de Tenefé, you’ll see the salt flats where sea salt has been harvested for centuries. It’s a quiet, natural spot that’s both scenic and culturally significant. Here, you might find the landscape reminds you of a quiet, timeless world where traditional work still happens.

Next, you’ll head to Arucas, a town famous for its colorful houses, lush parks, and the striking Church of St John the Baptist. It’s a picturesque spot framed by a volcano, making it a memorable backdrop for photos. You’ll then visit a historic Arehucas distillery, where you can sample their renowned oak barrel-aged rum. This part of the tour is often highlighted by visitors as a fun and flavorful experience, giving you a taste of local craftsmanship.

The highlight is the lunch at a family-owned Canarian restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients shine. Expect a hearty, authentic meal that may include fresh seafood, traditional potatoes, and local wines. It’s a good chance to sit back and soak in the friendly atmosphere of this small, family-run spot.

The last and most exciting stop is Finca La Laja, a farm set in a deep gorge near Agaete. Here, you’ll find a lively mix of local wines, cheeses, chorizo, and traditional potatoes. You’ll also get to taste the farm’s homemade coffee and learn how to prepare spicy mojo sauces—a staple of Canarian cooking. This farm experience is often praised for its rugged beauty and genuine authenticity.

In-Depth Look at Each Stop

Salinas de Tenefé: Salt Flats

Starting at Salinas de Tenefé, the salt flats are more than just a pretty landscape. They’re an important part of the island’s history and culture, with salt production dating back centuries. The flat, white salt beds contrast sharply with the surrounding greenery, creating a striking visual. It’s a peaceful place where you might spend a few moments simply enjoying the quiet and the views.

Some travelers note that this stop is a great introduction to traditional Canarian industry, providing context for the local way of life. It’s a calm, educational start to the day, and a chance to see a natural resource still being used today.

Arucas and the Distillery

Arucas is worth exploring on foot, especially with its lively streets and vibrant flower-filled parks. The Church of St John the Baptist looms large against the skyline, and its striking architecture is worth a look. The town has a friendly, small-town vibe that makes it easy to wander and take in the sights.

The Arehucas distillery is a major draw here. Visitors rave about the chance to sample oak barrel-aged rum, a Canarian specialty. The tour of the distillery itself isn’t detailed in the info, but the tasting is often the highlight—your guide will likely share insights into the rum-making process, adding depth to the experience.

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Canarian Lunch

After a morning of sightseeing and tastings, you’ll enjoy a lunch at a family-owned restaurant. The meals are made from locally sourced ingredients, which means fresh fish, authentic potatoes, and regional wines. The relaxed setting allows you to savor the flavors and chat with other travelers. Many reviews mention the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the quality of the food—it’s a real taste of local life.

Finca La Laja: The Farm Experience

The finale takes place at Finca La Laja, a farm nestled in a lush, rugged gorge. This spot is often described as wild and beautiful, with a peaceful atmosphere that offers a contrast to the busier parts of the island. Here, you’ll sample local wines, cheeses, and the farm’s own coffee.

One of the most beloved aspects is learning how to make mojo sauces, which can be quite spicy and flavorful. Visitors often comment that the farm visit feels authentic and personal, with a chance to see how local products are made and to taste them fresh.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration & Timing: The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at a time that varies depending on availability. It’s a full day, so wear comfortable footwear and bring a jumper—Gran Canaria’s weather can change, and the stops involve some walking.
• Transportation: The group is driven between stops, which makes it easier than navigating on your own. The route may change due to local festivities or road closures, so flexibility is key.
• Language: Guides speak English, German, Dutch, and French, so you can choose your preferred language.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with travel sickness. Walks may involve uneven terrain, so plan accordingly.
• Cost & Value: While not the cheapest experience, the price includes multiple tastings, a traditional lunch, and the chance to see diverse parts of the island. The variety of stops and expert guide make it a worthwhile option for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Gran Canaria.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for curious travelers who enjoy food, history, and scenic drives without strenuous physical activity. It’s ideal if you want to see and taste a broad spectrum of what Gran Canaria offers—local salt, rum, farm products, and coastal scenery—without having to plan each stop yourself.

If you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo but enjoy guided, immersive experiences, you’ll probably find this tour a good fit. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer more active outdoor adventures, this might not be the best choice.

Final Thoughts

Our impression is that this food and culture tour provides a generous slice of what makes Gran Canaria special. It combines scenic beauty with authentic flavors, guided by friendly locals who are eager to share their knowledge. The stops feel thoughtfully selected, and the chance to sample local products in their natural settings adds a genuine touch that more commercial tours sometimes lack.

While the price might be a consideration for budget travelers, many find that the variety and quality of experiences justify the cost. The relaxed pace and the opportunity to learn about traditional industries like salt production and rum distilling give this tour added depth and context.

Overall, it’s well-suited for anyone who values authentic, local experiences and enjoys discovering a place through its food and scenery. If that sounds like your kind of day on Gran Canaria, this tour is worth considering.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally geared towards adults and older teens. It involves some walking and uneven terrain, so younger children or those with mobility issues might find it challenging.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 8 hours, making it a full-day activity. It’s best to plan for a relaxed, unhurried day.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything special?
Bringing a jumper is advised, as weather can vary. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for the farm and salt flats. No special equipment is necessary.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes it flexible if your plans change.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides are available in English, German, Dutch, and French, so you can choose the one you’re most comfortable with.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation between stops is arranged, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.

Balancing scenic stops, cultural insights, and tasty bites, this tour offers a thoughtful way to experience Gran Canaria beyond the typical tourist spots. If you’re ready for a day filled with local flavors and stunning views, it might just be the kind of experience you’re looking for.

You can check availability for your dates here: