Tenerife: A tour in a food forest and a vanilla cultivation

Exploring Tenerife’s Hidden Green Side: A Food Forest and Vanilla Tour

Tenerife isn’t just about beaches and volcanoes; tucked away on the island is a fascinating experience at Finca La Canopea, where a local farmer aims to transform a once-deserted patch into a thriving subtropical ecosystem. This one-hour tour offers a rare glimpse into the world of vanilla cultivation, a crop you’d typically associate with tropical rainforests, not the Canary Islands. What makes this tour particularly appealing is its support for a non-profit association, giving your visit a feel-good factor. It’s also a wonderful chance to see permaculture techniques in action, creating a lush environment where edible plants flourish.

Two aspects I really liked are the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to learn about vanilla’s adaptation to subtropical conditions. Pascal, the guide, is friendly and enthusiastic, making complex growth processes easy to understand. The environment itself is a delight, full of curiosities like edible plants you may not have known exist in the Canaries. A minor consideration is that the tour is quite brief — just an hour — so if you’re after an in-depth or hands-on experience, you might want to supplement this with other activities.

One possible drawback is that the tour is not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues, which might limit family options if you have younger kids or wheelchair users in your group. Still, for those interested in eco-farming, unique local agriculture, or simply seeking a peaceful, authentic moment in Tenerife, this adventure offers genuine value.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Unique Vanilla Cultivation: The only vanilla farm in the Canary Islands, offering a rare chance to see how this prized aroma is grown in subtropical conditions.
• Supports a Non-Profit: Your participation helps a community project aimed at transforming desert land into productive ecosystems.
• Short but Informative: One-hour tour that provides a broad overview of permaculture and edible plant cultivation.
• Multilingual Guides: Available in English and French, which makes it accessible for a variety of travelers.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 8 participants) ensure a personalized and relaxed experience.
• Seasonal Highlights: You might observe flower pollination or pod harvesting during the blooming season from April to July.

Discovering the Hidden Green of Tenerife

When I first heard about a vanilla farm in Tenerife, I assumed it was a tourist gimmick. But I was pleasantly surprised to find a genuine, eco-conscious operation run by Pascal, who is passionate about transforming a desert into a lush food forest. The inclusion of permaculture techniques shines through and provides a practical example of sustainable farming. This approach not only benefits the environment but also creates a fertile habitat where a variety of edible plants grow.

The Finca La Canopea is a project with a purpose: to sustain and support a community initiative. Visiting here means supporting local sustainability efforts. The farm’s goal is to expand vanilla cultivation, taking advantage of the island’s subtropical climate. Pascal explains how vanilla, which is usually associated with rainforests like Madagascar, has adapted remarkably well here. During the blooming season, you might witness the pollination process, which is usually manual due to the flowers’ delicate nature, making the experience more intimate and educational.

The tour begins with Pascal giving a simple yet thorough overview of how permaculture mimics natural ecosystems to create a biodiverse environment. He points out the various edible plants, many of which you might recognize but perhaps never thought could grow in Tenerife. The environment is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to ask questions and take your time absorbing the details.

What I find particularly valuable is the authenticity of this experience. It’s not a commercialized show but a genuine effort to cultivate and educate. The seasonal aspect adds an element of anticipation — during blooming, the opportunity to see how vanilla pods are pollinated and harvested makes the visit even more engaging.

Visiting Tips

• Be sure to check the language of your tour when you book (English or French). Pascal is fluent and enthusiastic in both.
• Wear comfortable shoes — the terrain may be uneven or rustic.
• Bring sun protection if you are sensitive, as Tenerife can get quite sunny even in the shade.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 12 or for those in wheelchairs, so plan accordingly.

Inside the Food Forest: What You’ll See and Learn

Once you arrive at Finca La Canopea, Pascal will give you a quick introduction to his ambitious project. It’s fascinating to see how a deserted plot is being turned into a fruitful ecosystem. You’ll learn about permaculture principles—a sustainable farming method that emphasizes harmony between humans and nature.

The highlight? Of course, the vanilla. Pascal’s modest crop isn’t just for show. He hopes to expand vanilla cultivation, showing how it can thrive outside its usual tropical habitat. During the flowering season, you’ll observe the manual pollination process, a delicate task that requires patience and precision, giving you a sense of how much care goes into vanilla production.

You’ll also get to see a variety of edible plants, some familiar, some surprising. Pascal points out how these plants are chosen not only for their flavor but also for their role in supporting a healthy, balanced ecosystem. The relaxed pace means you have ample opportunity to ask questions about permaculture, vanilla, or Tenerife’s climate.

The Environmental and Cultural Significance

This farm isn’t just about growing vanilla; it’s about environmental resilience. Pascal hopes to show that even a small patch of land, managed thoughtfully, can produce a wide range of edible and useful plants. It’s a lesson in sustainability that feels especially relevant in a world facing climate challenges.

On top of that, understanding vanilla’s adaptation here offers insight into local agricultural innovation. It’s a reminder that even iconic crops can be cultivated in unexpected climates with patience and ingenuity.

Practical Details and Visiting Logistics

The tour lasts about an hour, making it perfect for a quick but meaningful escape from the typical tourist itinerary. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures an intimate atmosphere where you can comfortably engage with Pascal and ask questions.

The meeting point varies depending on your booking, so check carefully when reserving. The activity ends back at the original meeting point, making it easy to continue your day afterward. The tour is available in English and French, accommodating a broad range of travelers.

This experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility if your plans change. Payment is reserve now, pay later — a practical perk in case you want to lock in your spot but keep your options open.

While not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users, it’s an excellent choice for eco-enthusiasts, foodies, or anyone interested in sustainable farming.

Cost and Value

At a modest cost, this tour offers a distinctive look at vanilla cultivation—something you won’t find elsewhere in the Canary Islands. The knowledge gained, combined with the support for a community project, makes it a cost-effective way to add a green, educational layer to your Tenerife visit.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re curious about sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, or local food production, this tour will resonate with you. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic activity that offers both education and a sense of contributing to a community project. Nature lovers and plant enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see edible plants and learn about permaculture in action.

However, if you prefer high-energy or long-duration tours, you might find this one a little brief. Families with younger children or travelers with mobility issues should consider their needs, as the terrain and age restrictions limit accessibility.

Final Thoughts

The vanilla and food forest tour at Finca La Canopea presents a rare, authentic opportunity to see how permaculture techniques can turn barren land into a lush, productive environment. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that sustainable farming and environmental care can go hand-in-hand, even in unexpected places like Tenerife.

This experience is especially suited for those who enjoy learning about food production, supporting local initiatives, or simply craving a peaceful, green escape from more crowded attractions. The combination of vanilla cultivation, edible plants, and eco-conscious farming creates a unique snapshot of Tenerife’s potential for sustainable agriculture.

If you’re prepared with comfortable shoes and a curiosity about nature’s resilience, you’ll find this tour both informative and inspiring — an authentic taste of Tenerife’s hidden green side.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 12, as the experience involves walking and observing delicate plant processes that require patience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, making it a brief but impactful visit.

Can I choose the language of the tour?
Yes, tours are organized in English and French. Be sure to check your preferred language when booking.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point varies depending on the booking, but the activity starts and ends at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Is it possible to cancel the reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is there a fee included in the tour?
Yes, the one-hour visit is included in the booking price. It covers the guided tour and the environment’s exploration.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended, especially if you are sensitive to the sun or plan to spend time outdoors.

This vanilla and food forest experience at Finca La Canopea in Tenerife offers a genuine, eco-friendly insight into sustainable farming and the island’s potential for unique agriculture. It’s perfect for curious, environmentally-minded travelers eager to see a different side of Tenerife—one where lush plants and thoughtful land management take center stage.