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

Imagine wandering through a lush, vibrant garden in Tenerife, where edible plants grow alongside subtropical curiosities. This one-hour experience at Finca La Canopea offers just that—an intimate look at vanilla cultivation, a rarity in the Canary Islands, and a thoughtfully designed food forest born from permaculture principles. Led by Pascal, you’ll gain insight into sustainable farming and taste the results of a project that supports a non-profit association.

What we love about this tour is its relaxed pace and focus on authentic, local cultivation techniques, plus the chance to see vanilla—a fragrant spice more often associated with far-flung tropical countries—growing right here in the Canary Islands. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) makes for a personal experience, and the inclusion of multiple languages (English and French) ensures clear communication.

One possible consideration is that it’s not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility challenges, due to the nature of outdoor, uneven terrain. However, if you’re a traveler with a curiosity for subtropical ecosystems and sustainable farming, this tour offers genuine value in a tranquil, educational setting.

This experience suits eco-minded travelers, food lovers, or anyone interested in how permaculture can transform a barren landscape into a lush garden. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a short, meaningful activity that deepens your understanding of local agriculture and supports a good cause.

Key Points

• Unique Vanilla Cultivation: The only vanilla farm in the Canary Islands, offering a rare glimpse into tropical spice production.
• Permaculture Environment: A food forest designed to mimic natural ecosystems, showcasing sustainable practices.
• Support for a Non-Profit: Your visit helps fund local environmental and sustainability projects.
• Educational and Relaxed: Led by Pascal, the tour emphasizes learning about plants and ecosystems without feeling rushed.
• Multilingual Guides: Tours available in English and French, ensuring clear explanations for a diverse group.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups enhance the experience, making it more personal and engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Finca La Canopea Experience

An Introduction to a Desert Turned Garden

We begin at Finca La Canopea, where Pascal’s goal is to transform what was once a desert-like landscape into a thriving subtropical ecosystem filled with edible plants. This ambitious project is a living example of permaculture in action, blending ecology with human needs. As we step into this green oasis, it’s easy to see how much work has gone into recreating a natural habitat that supports both flora and fauna.

Pascal’s enthusiasm is contagious as he explains his methods—using permaculture techniques to grow fruit trees, herbs, and ornamental plants in harmony. This approach isn’t just about aesthetics; it provides a practical blueprint for sustainable farming in arid or semi-arid regions. We loved the way the farm seamlessly combines beauty and utility, creating a space where visitors can both relax and learn.

The Unique Vanilla Cultivation

The highlight, of course, is the vanilla cultivation—a rare feature in the Canary Islands. Pascal explains how vanilla, a tropical orchid, has adapted to the subtropical climate here. During the blooming season (April to July), visitors may witness the pollination process—a delicate task that only a few farmworkers perform by hand. We found this fascinating because it’s such a labor-intensive process for such a prized spice.

The farm’s modest vanilla production is a testament to Pascal’s passion. He hopes to expand this in the future, but for now, the farm’s vanilla pods are harvested with care, and some may even get processed during the tour. We appreciated the honest insight into what it takes to produce high-quality vanilla outside its traditional tropical homes.

A Dive into Subtropical Curiosities

Walking through the food forest, you’ll encounter a variety of subtropical plants—some familiar, others more unusual. Pascal points out edible herbs, tropical fruits, and ornamental plants, making this a delightful botanical stroll. The environment is designed not only for production but for educating visitors about sustainable land use.

We loved the way Pascal emphasizes the harmony between nature and human activity—showing how permaculture can transform even a challenging landscape. It’s a hands-on approach that makes the concept of sustainable farming tangible and inspiring.

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What’s Included and How It Works

The tour lasts about one hour, making it perfect for a quick activity during your Tenerife trip. The small group size (max 8 people) ensures you get personalized attention and can ask plenty of questions. Your guide, Pascal, speaks both English and French, which helps in making the experience accessible to a diverse audience.

The visit is relatively informal—no strenuous walking or climbing—just a leisurely stroll through the farm. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection as you’ll be outdoors. Since pets, baby strollers, and wheelchairs are not allowed, this activity is best suited for travelers with a certain level of mobility.

Supporting a Good Cause

What makes this tour even more appealing is that it supports a non-profit association dedicated to sustainability and environmental education. Your visit directly contributes to these efforts, giving your trip a bit more purpose.

Practical Details and Value

At a modest cost, the tour offers a rich educational experience that combines botanical curiosity with a story of sustainability. It’s a short activity, but one packed with meaningful insights—ideal if you’re seeking a break from typical sightseeing with an emphasis on local culture and ecology.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This visit is perfect for eco-conscious travelers, plant lovers, and anyone curious about how sustainable farming techniques can transform landscapes. It’s especially suited for adults or older children (over 12) due to the outdoor nature and limited accessibility. If you’re looking for a unique, educational, and supporting-good-cause activity during your Tenerife stay, this is a charming option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 12, as the activity involves outdoor walking and may not be engaging for very young kids.

Can I see vanilla being pollinated or harvested during the tour?
Yes, during the blooming season (April to July), you might witness the pollination process, harvesting, or pod preparation, depending on the timing.

Is the tour conducted outdoors?
Yes, the entire experience takes place outside in a farm environment, so dress comfortably and bring sun protection.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are offered in English and French, with guides able to communicate clearly in both languages.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour and includes a walk through the farm and explanation of various plants.

Are pets or strollers allowed?
No, pets and baby strollers are not permitted, mainly due to outdoor terrain and farm safety considerations.

Do I need to pay now or can I reserve and pay later?
You can reserve now and pay later, allowing flexibility in your travel planning.

Final thoughts

This tour at Finca La Canopea offers a genuine, hands-on look at sustainable farming, vanilla cultivation, and subtropical ecosystems. It’s an authentic experience that combines education with environmental support, making it a meaningful addition to any Tenerife itinerary.

Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone interested in supporting local initiatives, this activity provides a peaceful, insightful break from more hectic sightseeing. It’s simple, sincere, and designed to leave you with a better understanding of how nature and human effort can work together to create something truly special in the Canary Islands.

In short, this experience is best suited for those wanting a quiet, educational encounter in nature that also supports a good cause. It’s a rare opportunity to see vanilla grown outside its usual tropical zones, and to understand how permaculture principles are applied in a challenging environment. Highly recommended for travelers who value authenticity, sustainability, and local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: