Tenerife: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour

Thinking about exploring the culinary side of Santa Cruz de Tenerife? This self-guided Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour offers a relaxed way to sample some of the best local bites and drinks, all while soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys good food, a bit of walking, and a flexible schedule—not to mention those who love discovering a city through its flavors.

What really catches our eye is the authenticity of the experience—you’re visiting a carefully curated selection of local restaurants, with no rushing involved. Plus, the generous portions and variety of drinks—especially the praised sangria—make it stand out. On the flip side, it’s purely self-guided, so if you prefer guided tours with commentary, this might not be your first choice. This tour is well-suited for food lovers who want a casual, independent culinary adventure in Santa Cruz.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility: You choose your own pace and start/end times, making it easy to fit into your day.
• Authentic local flavors: Enjoy genuine Canarian tapas and drinks at four different restaurants.
• Iconic sights included: Walk past highlights like Plaza del Príncipe and Plaza de España while exploring.
• Quality food and drinks: Guests rave about the generous portions and especially the sangria.
• Convenient digital support: A PDF map and instructions are provided beforehand, plus WhatsApp support if needed.
• Suitable for most adults: Not recommended for children under 10, but perfect for adults wanting a relaxed tasting experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour

If you’re like us, thinking about a city’s culinary scene is a fantastic way to get to know it beyond the usual sightseeing. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with its lively streets and colorful plazas, also has a surprisingly vibrant food scene that this tour aims to showcase.

How the Tour Works

The tour is designed as a self-guided experience, lasting about 3 hours but with the flexibility to take longer if you want. Once you book, you’ll receive a digital PDF with maps and detailed instructions—this helps you navigate between stops with ease. You start at Tortillazo, the first restaurant, at your chosen time, and then meander through the city’s core, enjoying tapas and drinks at four local eateries.

You get to choose between two tapas options at each stop, which adds an element of choice and variety. Each restaurant serves up one authentic tapa plus one drink—be it wine, beer, sangria, or soft drinks—giving you a real taste of Canarian flavors.

The Stops and Sights

While the focus is on food, you also get to walk past some of Santa Cruz’s most notable landmarks. The tour includes Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias and Plaza de España, both lively hubs lined with cafes and historic buildings. You might also pass by Castillo de San Cristóbal and Iglesia de la Concepción, adding a touch of local history to your stroll.

What Makes It Stand Out

Guests have consistently praised the quality of the food and drinks. One reviewer mentions, “Really good tapas and generous portions. Drinks were great too, especially the sangria!” This suggests that the tour offers more than just a tasting; it’s a satisfying experience, with hearty servings and well-chosen drinks.

The flexibility is another winner. You can start at a time that suits you, and you have until 10:00 PM to complete your tasting journey, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or who prefer a leisurely pace.

More Great Tours Nearby

What You’ll Eat and Drink

The menu varies depending on the day, but typical offerings include local-style tapas—perhaps some traditional Canarian cheeses, seafood, or grilled meats—and a refreshing selection of drinks. The sangria seems to be a highlight, with many users praising it as especially enjoyable.

The Experience Provider

The experience is offered by GASTROWALK, a provider experienced in culinary tours. Support is available via WhatsApp if you need any help along the way, which adds peace of mind, especially when exploring a new city on your own.

Is It Worth It?

We think this tour offers excellent value for those who want a relaxed, authentic taste of Santa Cruz without the pressure of guided commentary. The generous portions and local flavor make it feel like a true culinary reward. The self-guided format means you can linger at favorite spots or skip ahead if you’re eager to move on.

Given the positive review—“Highly recommend”—it’s clear that many guests find this experience both enjoyable and satisfying. The visual aspect of walking past iconic landmarks adds a layer of cultural discovery alongside the culinary adventure.

The Downside

The main consideration is that since it’s self-guided, there’s no guide to share stories, history, or insights about each dish or landmark. If you prefer guided tours with commentary, you might find this less engaging. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 10, as the experience is more adult-oriented and involves alcohol.

Who Is It Best For?

This tour is perfect if you’re an independent traveler who enjoys discovering cities at your own pace, especially if you love trying local food and drinks. It’s particularly suited for adults who appreciate good wine, hearty tapas, and walking around lively city streets.

If you’re visiting Santa Cruz for a short stay and want a flexible, tasty activity, this could be a highlight.

The Breakdown of Each Stop

While the tour’s exact restaurant list can vary, they all share one goal: showcasing authentic Canarian cuisine in a relaxed setting. The first stop, Tortillazo, sets the tone with hearty, flavorful dishes, and subsequent stops continue the theme of quality, local ingredients.

Guests mention generous portions and good drinks, with one reviewer specifically highlighting the sangria as a favorite. The stops are close enough together to keep walking manageable, allowing you to take in the city’s sights in between tastings.

Walking and Sightseeing

Walking past Plaza del Príncipe and Plaza de España gives this experience a cultural backdrop. It’s not just about food; it’s a stroll through Santa Cruz’s most vibrant areas. You’ll get a sense of the city’s lively atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips

• Start at the scheduled time at Tortillazo; arriving late might mean missing out on the initial offerings.
• Take advantage of the PDF map for navigating between stops.
• Be mindful of the closing time—you have until 10:00 PM, but it’s best to pace yourself.
• Since the tour includes one drink per stop, pace yourself if you’re trying different beverages or want to enjoy the city afterward.

Final Thoughts: Is It for You?

If you love local food experiences and want to explore Santa Cruz at your own pace, this tour offers a delightful way to do just that. The authenticity of the tapas, combined with beautiful city streets and landmarks, makes it a well-rounded experience. The generous portions and quality drinks are a big plus, especially for those who aren’t shy about enjoying a good glass of wine or sangria.

However, if you’re seeking a guided tour with stories and detailed insights, or if you’re traveling with young children, this might not tick all your boxes. Still, for adult travelers eager to indulge in Canarian flavors while soaking in the lively city vibe, it’s a strong option.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 10 years because of the adult-oriented nature and alcohol included in the experience.

How long does the tour take?
You have about 3 hours, but since it’s self-guided, you can take more or less time depending on your pace.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your start time. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What do I receive after booking?
You’ll get a digital PDF with maps, instructions, and the order of stops, plus support via WhatsApp if needed.

Can I start the tour at any time?
You can choose your start time at booking, fitting it into your schedule.

Are the portions large?
Yes, guests mention the portions are quite generous, making it a satisfying experience.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour involves walking between restaurants in the city center, so accessibility might depend on the specific locations.

What kind of drinks are included?
One drink per stop, including options like wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, or water.

Is it a guided tour?
No, it’s self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

This Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour offers a relaxed, authentic taste of Santa Cruz’s culinary scene, perfect for those who love good food, local drinks, and a bit of city wandering. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, it’s an experience that combines flavor, culture, and flexibility in one enjoyable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: