One day. Several flavors. That is the magic of this Gran Canaria tour. You’ll go from banana history to Arehucas Rum Distillery tastings, then end in the Agaete Valley with wine and Arabica coffee.

I especially like how the stops connect food to place: banana farming at Rekompensa, rum craftsmanship in Arucas, and a family-run estate where coffee and vines share the same view. I also like that you get structured tastings in multiple categories, not just one alcohol stop and a photo break. One thing to watch: it’s a packed 9 hours with walking, and the tastings can feel tight—especially at the distillery—so pace yourself and don’t plan on lingering everywhere.

Key things to know before you go

• A full-flavor route: bananas, mojos and banana drink, rum tastings, then wine plus premium Arabica coffee.
• Award-winning rum: you’ll taste two Arehucas rums recognized in the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Arucas is your culture reset: about an hour of free time plus a chance to see the Church of San Juan Bautista.
• No lunch included: tastings are included, but you should budget for food on your own.
• You’ll walk: comfortable shoes matter, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or mobility impairments.

A full day of Gran Canaria flavors, from banana stories to Agaete coffee

This is the kind of tour that makes the island feel smaller in a good way. In one day you’ll cross from the south’s start point up toward greener north scenery, and your itinerary keeps a clear theme: how Gran Canaria grows, makes, and celebrates its own products.

At a $105 per person price point, you’re paying for guided access plus tastings at multiple working places. There’s no sit-down meal included, so this is best for people who are happy with small pours and samples across the day instead of one big lunch that anchors everything.

If you want a calm, slow tour with long stops, this won’t match that mood. If you want a practical sampler day—where you leave with new favorite flavors and a better sense of how the island produces them—it’s a strong fit.

Rekompensa Banana World: banana history with mojos, drink, and fresh fruit

Your day starts with Hacienda La ReKompensa (RekCompensa Banana World), which is built around one central idea: bananas are not just a grocery item. They’re tied to farming, trade, and cultural exchange over time.

Here’s what you can expect. You’ll get a guided tour of the farm, then a tasting that’s meant to show banana in several forms. Based on the included products, plan for samples such as:

• mojos made with local ingredients
• a banana drink
• fresh bananas grown on-site

What makes this stop valuable is the mix of story and food. You’ll learn how early cultivation developed into the global fruit people think of today, and you’ll see that the banana isn’t only about sweetness—it shows up in cooking and everyday flavors too.

Practical note: even though it’s a farm, you still need to be ready for walking. Wear shoes that handle uneven ground and sun. Bring water, even if you think you won’t need it. You will.

Arehucas Rum Distillery: a guided process plus two award-winning tastings

After the banana stop, you head to Destilerías Arehucas for a distillery visit and tasting. This is a big part of the tour’s appeal because the distillery experience is guided, not just a quick walk-by.

You’ll learn the rum-making process from ingredient selection through distillation techniques. Then you’ll taste two rum varieties that are recognized as best in their category at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

One caution: this is also where time can feel tight. A recent booking highlighted that the tasting portion can be rushed, with only minutes allotted to drink the samples. That doesn’t mean the tour isn’t enjoyable—it means you should treat the pours like a quick comparison flight. If you want to slow-sip and talk details with the guide, keep expectations flexible.

For value, though, this stop delivers. Two curated tastings plus a real process walkthrough is more than you often get in day tours that only promise a sample.

Arucas: the Pearl of Gran Canaria, plus free time for San Juan Bautista

Arucas is the cultural breath in the day, and it’s not just there for pictures. The town is known for honey rum and the standout neo-Gothic Church of San Juan Bautista. You’ll also get a photo stop and then about an hour of free time to explore.

During that free time, you can do what works for your travel style:

• walk around town at your own pace
• focus on the church area and nearby park
• grab a snack or a drink on your own (since lunch isn’t included on the tour)

This is also a good chance to slow your mind down after two production-focused visits. Distillery and farm tours are hands-on in their own way, but Arucas is where you shift from taste-making to island life—stone, plazas, gardens, and the classic town rhythm.

If you want one simple strategy: go straight to the Church of San Juan Bautista and then wander. You’ll get your main landmark ticked off without feeling like you’re chasing time.

Agaete Valley at Bodega Los Berrazales: wine tour meets Europe’s coffee plantation

Your final major stop is in the Agaete Valley at Bodega Los Berrazales, a family-run estate that blends two worlds: a winery and one of Europe’s few coffee plantations.

You’ll get a guided tour of the winery and the coffee plantation, followed by tastings of:

• award-winning wines
• premium Arabica coffee

The setting matters here. This estate sits with fruit trees and dramatic cliffs, so you’re tasting and looking at the landscape where the product is made. Even if you’re not a coffee obsessive, the idea of Arabica being part of Gran Canaria’s agriculture is a fun angle—something different from the usual sun-and-sea routine.

Potential drawback? Like the rest of the day, it’s still time-bound. You’ll likely get a guided tasting experience rather than a long, leisurely hangout. If you like comparing sips, take notes in your phone as you go. The wines and coffee will start to blur together after the bus ride unless you anchor flavors with a quick label.

Timing, buses, and how to make the 9 hours work for you

This tour is built around movement. It runs about 9 hours, with pickup scheduled roughly 50 to 100 minutes before a start time around 9:30, and you’ll be dropped back at many nearby hotels or meeting points later in the day.

Between stops, you’ll ride by coach for short stretches—think 15-minute drives between some points and longer stretches when moving toward the Agaete Valley.

Why this matters: you’re trading free time for variety. That can be great if you’re visiting for a limited number of days and want a lot of culture and taste in one go. It can feel like too much if you’re sensitive to rushing or motion.

Also, the tour involves walking, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. If you have knees, hips, or back issues, plan for extra strain even if the walking segments don’t sound long on paper.

What you’ll eat and drink (and what’s not included)

This day is mostly built around tasting rather than full meals. Included tastings cover:

• farm products at Rekompensa (mojos, banana drink, fresh banana)
• guided distillery tasting of two rums (18+ only)
• wine tasting and Arabica coffee at Bodega Los Berrazales

Lunch is not included, so you should either:

• budget for a meal on your own during Arucas free time or at the end of the tour, or
• bring along a snack for the gaps (within what the tour and pickup rules allow)

One more practical point: alcohol tastings are for participants over 18. If you’re traveling with teens, you can still enjoy most of the day, but the tasting portions won’t be the same experience.

Price and value: what $105 buys you on this flavor route

At $105 per person for a 9-hour guided day, the value comes from the number of paid “behind-the-scenes” moments packed into one ticket. You’re paying for:

• guided access at Rekompensa
• a guided distillery process at Arehucas plus two award-winning tastings
• guided tour and tasting time at Bodega Los Berrazales
• free time in Arucas to see the Church of San Juan Bautista area

You’re not paying for a full lunch, and you don’t control the pacing of tastings at each site. That’s the trade.

If your ideal day includes multiple guided production stops and you want to taste across categories—banana-based products, rum, wine, and coffee—then the price is fair for what’s included. If you’re someone who hates time pressure, you might end up feeling that the tastings are just a taste of the taste.

Who this tour is best for

This tour is ideal if you:

• like food tours that connect ingredients to culture
• want a strong mix of rum, wine, and coffee with a banana farm opening act
• enjoy guided visits at working farms and distilleries
• are visiting Gran Canaria for a short stay and want an efficient route

It’s less ideal if you:

• need long, unstructured stops
• strongly prefer one main meal and minimal walking
• have mobility limitations that make walking difficult

Should you book the Tastes of Gran Canaria day of flavors?

I’d book this if you’re aiming for a food-and-culture day that feels grounded in how the island produces what you eat and drink. The combination of Rekompensa banana storytelling, Arehucas rum process learning with award-winning tastings, and the Agaete Valley wine-plus-Arabica experience is a well-matched set of stops.

I’d think twice if you know you get annoyed by rushed tastings or tight schedules. The itinerary is structured, and the timing can leave less room to linger—especially at the distillery.

If you do book, come prepared for a full day: comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a flexible attitude about how quickly tastings happen. You’ll get more out of the tour by focusing on comparisons and quick learning moments rather than expecting to slow down at every stop.

FAQ

How long is the Tastes of Gran Canaria tour?

The tour lasts about 9 hours, with start times varying by availability.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a nearby location. You’ll receive the exact pickup time and meeting point after booking.

What tastings are included?

You’ll have tastings at Rekompensa Banana World (mojos, banana drink, and fresh banana), a guided rum tasting of two varieties at Arehucas, and tastings at Bodega Los Berrazales (award-winning wines and premium Arabica coffee).

Do I need to pay extra for lunch?

Lunch is not included, so you’ll need to plan for your own food during the day.

Is there an age limit for alcohol tastings?

Yes. Alcohol tastings are only available for participants over 18 years old.

What languages are the tours offered in?

The live tour guide speaks English and Spanish.

Is there free time in Arucas?

Yes. You’ll have about an hour of free time in Arucas to explore on your own after a photo stop and walk.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and water. The tour involves walking and you’ll be outside for parts of the day.