Gran Canaria: Rum, Wines and Banana Tour

Discover the Flavors of Gran Canaria: Rum, Wines and Banana Tour

If you’re looking for a day filled with delicious tastes and authentic experiences, the Gran Canaria Rum, Wines and Banana Tour offers just that. For around $78 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring the island’s rich culinary traditions, with stops at a rum distillery, a banana museum, and a local winery. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, this tour balances education with plenty of tasting opportunities, making it a great choice for anyone eager to connect with Canary Island culture through its flavors.

What we love most is how the tour combines different senses—aromas from the rum factory, the vibrant sights of banana farms, and the taste of local wines. Plus, the workshop on making Mojo canario sauce offers a hands-on element that leaves you with a new skill to take home. The only potential drawback? The tour involves some walking and activities that might be a bit tiring for those with mobility issues, as it’s not designed for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. But if you enjoy immersive, flavor-filled days, this tour suits curious travelers who appreciate good stories, fine wines, and authentic food.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see a different side of Gran Canaria, beyond beaches and resorts. It’s perfect for food and drink enthusiasts, curious culture seekers, and anyone interested in learning how local products like bananas, rum, and wine are woven into island life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting: Includes tastings of rum, wines, and coffee, plus a chance to learn about local production methods.
• Cultural Insights: Visits to the Banana Museum and a traditional wine cellar deepen your understanding of Canary Island life.
• Interactive Element: A workshop on making Mojo canario sauce adds a hands-on culinary dimension.
• Expert Guides: Tour guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and multilingual skills.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel is in a modern, air-conditioned bus with pickup from designated touristic areas.
• Value for Money: For $78, you get a full day of activities, tastings, and learning that many reviews find well worth the price.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Arehucas Rum Distillery

The day kicks off with a visit to the Arehucas Rum Factory in Arucas, the island’s most famous rum producer. The scent of sugar cane immediately greets you—an aroma that hints at the sweet, spirited journey ahead. During the guided tour (offered in both English and German), you’ll learn how raw sugar cane is transformed into the smooth, aged rums the Canaries are known for. Visitors rave about the tasting session, especially the Carta Oro, which many describe as a “strongly enhanced” flavor that surprises even seasoned drinkers.

One reviewer noted, “the tour guide was really good and professional as well as the driver kept us safe and was very nice. The tour was also very good and got to taste really good rum, wine, and coffee.” This highlights how the guides make the experience both educational and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunity to savor the products straight from the source.

The Banana Museum: A Slice of Canarian Identity

Next, the tour takes a turn into a more whimsical side of local life with a visit to the Banana Museum. This stop isn’t just about the fruit—it’s a history lesson about how bananas became a staple of the island, both economically and culturally. You’ll learn that the yellow, brown-dotted banana is more than just a snack; it’s a symbol deeply woven into the Canary Islands’ identity.

Visitors often find this stop surprisingly charming. One reviewer shared, “just for the banana museum, it was worth it,” and many appreciated the chance to see how the banana industry shaped local communities. You can also browse a selection of banana-based products—wines, pâtés, creams—offering a delicious way to connect with the island’s agricultural roots.

More Great Tours Nearby

North to Agaete: Wine, Coffee, and Culinary Traditions

The third leg of the trip heads to Agaete, a picturesque fishing village famous for its volcanic vineyards. Here, you’ll visit a local finca (farm), where award-winning wines are produced amid volcanic soils—an environment that lends a unique character to the wine. The winemakers are proud to share their craft, and many guests say the tasting sessions are a highlight.

A special feature is the workshop on making Mojo canario, the iconic sauce that accompanies many Canary Island dishes. Guests report that this hands-on part of the tour is both fun and educational, leaving you with a new skill and a better understanding of local flavors. The aroma of fresh coffee roasting adds to the sensory experience, and the views of the lush vines make the stop even more memorable.

Practical Aspects and Overall Value

The tour is carried out in a modern, air-conditioned bus, which adds comfort during the day’s travels. Pick-up is available from various touristic areas, although it’s important to note that there is no pick-up or drop-off in Las Palmas city or at the harbor. The total duration, including transfers, is about 8 hours—ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

The price of $78 per person covers all tastings, guided tours, and transportation. Food is not included, but many reviews mention that lunch is optional and can be arranged separately. Some reviewers felt that the lunch options were limited or not representative of local cuisine, but the included activities and tastings more than compensated.

Authenticity and Overall Experience

What truly makes this tour stand out is the quality of guides and the authenticity of the experiences. Guests repeatedly praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and language skills, often switching effortlessly between English, Spanish, German, and Flemish. An example: “Tom, our guide, was super knowledgeable, friendly, and fun,” says one review. This kind of personal touch elevates the experience beyond a simple sightseeing trip.

Many reviews highlight the stunning views and the variety of flavors encountered. From the lush plantations to the vibrant wine cellars, the tour captures the diverse landscape and culinary richness of the north of Gran Canaria.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for food and drink lovers who enjoy tasting and learning about local products. It’s also ideal for those wanting a relaxed, engaging day out with plenty of opportunities to soak in the island’s character through its flavors and scenery. Keep in mind, the physical activity involved might be a bit much for travelers with mobility issues, as some walking is required at each stop.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to explore Gran Canaria’s culinary treasures in a structured yet relaxed setting, this tour offers remarkable value. It combines history, culture, and tasting experiences into a full-day adventure that many find both educational and fun. The excellent reviews on guide professionalism, the quality of tastings, and the scenic stops suggest this is a well-organized trip that delivers on its promises.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a rum enthusiast, or just someone curious about the local culture, this experience opens a window into the island’s soul through its flavors. It’s a day that not only satisfies your palate but also offers insight into how Canary Islanders have turned their natural resources into a vibrant culinary identity.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, you’ll travel comfortably in a modern, fully air-conditioned bus with pick-up from designated touristic areas. Remember, there is no pick-up or drop-off at Las Palmas city or the harbor—only from specific points listed during booking.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including transfers. Exact start times vary depending on your pickup point, so check the details when booking.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included in the tour price. You can choose to organize your own, or opt for additional options if available. Some reviews mention the lunch available in the village was limited, so many guests prefer to explore local eateries on their own.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to enjoy the tastings and learn about the production process even if you’re not a drinker. The experience is as much about understanding the culture as it is about sampling.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking and activities that might be challenging for those with mobility impairments. It’s best suited for able-bodied travelers comfortable with walking and standing.

What language is the guide?
Guides speak in English and Spanish, with some reviews noting multilingual guides who can switch between languages seamlessly.

How do I know where to meet?
You’ll receive specific pickup details when booking. It’s important to be punctual, as no refunds are available for late arrivals or missed pickups.

This tour offers a tasty, insightful look at Gran Canaria’s agricultural and cultural heritage, perfect for those who love exploring local flavors in a fun, relaxed setting. It’s a comprehensive way to savor the island’s best products while learning from passionate guides—making it a worthwhile addition to your Canary Islands itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: