Food Tours in Tenerife

Often combined with whale watching and wine tasting, food tours in Tenerife are a delectable way to explore the island. Imagine tucking into tapas on the deck of a catamaran or trying roast pork while visiting a mountainside winery. It’s a great way to get to know Tenerife.

The cuisine of the Canary Islands focuses on fresh seafood, locally made cheese and, of course, wine. It tastes even better when it comes with a view!

Up next, you can check out our comprehensive guide on food tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Tenerife.

What are the most popular food tours in Tenerife?

Northern Tenerife food excursion with wine tasting at Casa del Vino

If you prefer food tours in Tenerife that remain on dry land, then these trips will have your stomach rumbling. They take place on the Casa del Vino estate in El Sauzal, with a focus on food and wine pairing.

Transport isn’t included with this excursion, so it’s best to travel by taxi or rental car. On arrival, you can explore the house and gardens – the views of Mount Teide are spectacular!

Then it’s time to get stuck into the food tasting where you'll try local produce like cheese, bread and honey. Still hungry for more? You can upgrade your experience to include plates of roasted pork, olive oil and artisan donuts.

All the dishes come with their own wine pairing – red, white and sparkling options are all on the menu. The wine is produced here on the estate, and you’ll be able to see the vineyards as you wander around the grounds.

This is one of the most popular Tenerife wine tasting tours, since it comes with a carefully curated selection of tapas.

Southern Tenerife food tour plus whale and dolphin watching

Many food tours in Tenerife take place on board a boat, with some whale watching and dolphin watching thrown in for good measure. Life on the ocean wave doesn’t get better than this.

Your day begins with a pickup at your hotel, so you don’t need to worry about arranging transport. You’ll be driven to the port where your vessel awaits. This is usually a catamaran or a sailboat, for the ultimate luxury cruise experience.

As you set off into the deep blue sea, you’ll begin your onboard meal. This is usually a delicious range of local tapas dishes, as well as a glass of wine or Cava to wash it all down. The photogenic backdrop seems to enhance those unique Canarian flavors – it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!

While you cruise along the Costa Adeje coast with your alfresco buffet, keep an eye out for the marine mammals that often grace these waters. Whales, dolphins and turtles are frequently spotted. Some tours have listening devices on board so you can hear the whales singing in the depths.

The trip finishes with swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of La Caleta Bay. Then you’ll return to the port, full of tapas and memories. For a little added romance, why not book one of the evening sunset boat trips in Tenerife?

Private Mount Teide and northern Tenerife food and wine tour

For a truly luxurious experience, opt for a private food tour in Tenerife with added sightseeing along the way. These trips last up to 8 hours so it’s a comprehensive day out.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven through the rugged island interior. Teide National Park and the Orotava Valley are particular highlights – there will be plenty of photo stops.

Eventually, you’ll descend into the lush mountainside area of El Sauzal, where the Bodegas Monje winery awaits. Your guide will show you around the vineyards before lunch, which you’ll enjoy in the panoramic terrace restaurant. The food here is inspired by local Canarian cuisine and accompanied by wine from the estate.

Delicacies like watercress butter, almogrote cheese paste and chorizo kick off proceedings in style. Then there’s gofio (cereal) soup, black Canary Island pork and fish in onion sauce to follow. Your meal ends with homemade quesillo sponge and red wine jam – delicious.

Afterward, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in the evening. You will arrive in time for dinner if you still have room after all that feasting.

Where will I go on food tours in Tenerife?

From the water

As the majority of Tenerife food experiences take place on the water, you’ll be passing some of the island’s most dramatic coastline. Many trips focus on the Costa Adeje region which is known for its whales and sea turtles.

Back nearer land, the boat will anchor in the beautiful bay of La Caleta de Adeje. This is where you can swim and snorkel to your heart’s content. The shoreline here is famed for its lava landscapes, endemic plants and birdlife.

Some excursions take in the enormous cliffs at Los Gigantes, over on the west coast. These imposing rock formations make the perfect backdrop for food tasting, and the charming resort town looks pretty from the water.

On the island

Land-based Tenerife food excursions take place in the north of the island as well as the rugged central highlands. On Teide National Park tours you’ll get to see the mighty volcano up close while driving through the moon-like landscape.

Other popular stops include La Orotava Valley, and the prestigious Bodegas Monje wine estate in El Sauzal. Surrounded by photogenic vineyards, this winery is a great place for a traditional Canarian lunch on the terrace.

How much do food tours in Tenerife cost?

For the northern Tenerife food experience at Casa del Vino, expect to pay around €20 per ticket. As this is a self-guided tour, you can explore at your own pace. Food and wine tasting is included in the cost, as well as complimentary access to the wine museum, house and gardens. Note that the price does not cover transport to the venue.

Tenerife tapas tours with whale watching range from €40 to €60 per participant depending on the operator. These boat trips last around 3 hours and include hotel pickups, a guide, snorkel equipment and bottled water. A buffet lunch plus wine, Cava or champagne is also provided.

These boat excursions run on a group basis, and you can expect between 10 and 74 passengers on board. You’ll find that the cheaper trips tend to have more people on them. Check the details carefully if group size is important to you.

The private food tours in Tenerife that take you through Teide National Park to the winery in El Sauzal cost €540. This is for two people and includes a guide, luxury road transfers and bottled water. The food and wine pairing at the winery is also covered by the package price.

What do Tenerife food tours cover?

Most Tenerife food tasting tours come with transport provided, whether that’s by land or by sea. Hotel pickups and drop-offs are usually offered too. The notable exception is the Casa del Vino visit – no transport is available with these trips.

All food and drink on the tasting menus are included in your package, as well as wine pairings where applicable. On the boat trips, this is in the form of a buffet lunch with tapas and wine. Alternatively, on the private food tour to Bodegas Monje, an extensive 3-course lunch and half a bottle of wine are provided.

Meanwhile, at Casa del Vino, you have three different pairing options, with between two and seven tapas dishes to choose from. Prices range from €12 to €24 depending on how many delicacies you wish to try.

Where do they start?

Tenerife food tours begin from a variety of different locations on the island. Many operators offer hotel pickups for seamless transfers – check with your provider to see if your accommodation is on their list.

If hotel collection is not included in your excursion package, you will need to head to the designated meeting point. If you have booked a combined boat and food tour, the starting place is usually Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje.

How long do they last?

Most food tasting excursions in Tenerife last around 3 hours. This often includes combined experiences like whale watching and boat cruises along the coast.

For a more in-depth trip, there are longer tours that take in the culinary scene in the north of Tenerife. These private jaunts can be up to 8 hours long and also take in Teide National Park.

When is the best time to go on a food tour in Tenerife?

You might be surprised to know that Tenerife is a bit of a foodie paradise, with lots of local delicacies to discover. It’s therefore best to arrange food tours in Tenerife early on in your trip. That way you can enjoy eating your way through the rest of your vacation like a true insider.

Timing your experience to coincide with lunch or dinner means you won’t have to worry about heading out for a meal. Just make sure you arrive with a healthy appetite!

What other gastronomic experiences can you enjoy in Tenerife?

• Dinners in Tenerife
• Cheese tastings in Tenerife
• Beer tastings in Tenerife

Travel tips

• If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements, make sure to inform your tour guide or the restaurant staff beforehand.
• Popular food tours and restaurants can get booked up quickly, especially in the tourist seasons. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
• Tenerife has a variety of delectable desserts, such as Bienmesabe, Frangollo, and Príncipe Alberto. Save some space in your stomach to indulge in these sweet treats.