Secrets of Tenerife: A Local Guide to Flavors and Traditions

We will take you beyond the tourist attractions and show you the true value of each destination’s traditions, culture, and local life.

Do you know Tenerife’s best-kept cultural secret? Its cuisine tells stories as old as its volcanoes.

Festivals that bring the whole community together are as vibrant today as they were centuries ago. We’ll show you how to experience these traditions like a local and discover aspects of this fascinating culture that will win your heart from the very beginning.

Traveling to Tenerife means immersing yourself in living traditions.

Immerse yourself in local life and discover that traditional villages hold secrets no postcard can show. Each village has its own personality and preserves centuries-old traditions that will transport you to the heart of Canarian culture.

This fertile valley boasts privileged views of Mount Teide. Its stately homes and carved wooden balconies tell the story of centuries of colonial splendor. The emblematic Casa de los Balcones exemplifies the architecture that defines this Tenerife gem. In June, experience the unique Corpus Christi floral carpets, where the streets become ephemeral canvases of popular art.

A history of resilience carved in volcanic stone. This ancient commercial port was reborn after being destroyed by the Trevejo volcano in 1706. Its serene squares and colonial layout whisper stories of the past, while the natural pools of El Caletón, shaped by lava, symbolize the force of nature and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.

It is home to the Drago Milenario, a sacred tree over 800 years old and an authentic symbol of Tenerife. The historic center beckons visitors to wander through centuries-old churches, soulful squares, and taverns, where they can enjoy local wines alongside Canarian cheese and mojo picón. It’s a gastronomic experience that connects you directly with the island’s roots.

This small coastal village maintains the leisurely pace of intimate Tenerife. It has traditional houses, simple squares, and an atmosphere where popular festivals and community life set the daily rhythm.

Every corner of these villages contains stories waiting to be discovered.

Tenerife’s creativity is on full display at the famous Fiesta de los Corazones, where enormous structures adorned with flowers and fruits honor San Bartolomé. The traditions of its residents make this village the perfect place to experience the festive spirit of the island.

Its volcanic stone houses and quiet streets offer total immersion in traditional Canarian rural life. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking to connect with the purest essence of the island.

Tenerife’s cuisine holds secrets revealed only to those who seek authentic flavors. Each dish tells a story of volcanoes, the sea, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

The Canarian stew brings whole families together around the table. This comforting dish combines vegetables from the volcanic soil with local meats, creating a harmony that embodies the spirit of the island. Meanwhile, rabbit in salmorejo represents Tenerife’s creativity with its intense sauce that awakens all the senses.

Have you tried freshly made mojo verde? These essential accompaniments—green, red, or picón—can transform any dish into a memorable experience. Gofio, an ancestral food made with toasted grains according to Guanche techniques, remains a staple on every table, bearing witness to the island’s cultural heritage.

The wines of the Icod-Daute-Isora Designation of Origin are another lesser-known treasure. These family-run wineries cultivate unique volcanic soils and produce wines enjoyed in centuries-old taverns alongside authentic Canarian cheese.

The lively celebrations in Tenerife beat with the heart of the island throughout the year.

The Romería de San Roque transforms Garachico into a river of color and music. Decorated carts, traditional costumes, and the fervor of generations past transport us to another era. Corpus Christi in La Orotava turns the streets into ephemeral canvases with floral carpets that blend devotion with ancestral art.

Each town brings its own rhythm to the festive calendar. Local craft workshops preserve techniques of basketry, ceramics, and textiles passed down from generation to generation. Participating in these spaces means more than just learning; it means becoming part of the cultural legacy.

Timples and chácaras resonate in squares and courtyards, serving as the soundtrack of a culture that refuses to be forgotten. Folk music connects the past and the present during each celebration.

What’s extraordinary about these celebrations is the level of participation. The entire community actively participates, turning each festival into a moment of social connection that strengthens the cultural ties defining Tenerife’s identity.

We guarantee unique experiences that will allow you to celebrate like a local.