When you think of Tenerife, you might picture beaches, volcanoes, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. But on the island’s lush northern coast, in La Orotava, there’s a unique place that offers a very different kind of beauty: the Banana ECO Plantation.
Yesterday, our Canary Green team took a trip there and we left with a much deeper appreciation for how bananas are grown the sustainable way. We learned so many new and interesting information we did not know.
We walked through the plantation with our guide, who told us about the history of banana farming in Tenerife and how bananas are grown here. We could see the plants up close, walk between them, and enjoy the view of the green leaves all around us.
It’s Not a Tree, it’s a Herb!
One of the first fascinating facts we learned was that the banana plant isn’t actually a tree at all, it’s a giant herb. Each plant grows around 36 large leaves and the growth cycle from planting to harvesting bananas is surprisingly quick.
However, speed comes with a cost: banana plants need a lot of water and about half of that water is often lost before it even reaches the plant due to distribution challenges. Managing this is one of the biggest hurdles for farmers, especially when trying to keep things eco-friendly.
The plantation doesn’t just grow bananas. We discovered that they also have beehives on-site. The bees help with pollination and overall plant health, which means fewer chemicals are needed.
There are also patches of oats, grown not for human consumption but as a natural fertilizer. The oats grow, reach maturity, and then are left to naturally decompose, enriching the soil and reducing the need for artificial inputs. This clever combination of plants, pollinators, and natural cycles is a big part of how they keep their eco-certification though it’s certainly not the easiest path.
The Banana Tasting
The highlight of our visit was the banana tasting. We started with the blue bananas, which had a smooth, creamy texture and a light vanilla flavor. Next came the red bananas, slightly denser and sweeter, with a gentle hint of raspberry. Finally, we tried the classic yellow bananas grown right there on the plantation, incredibly fresh, and much sweeter than anything from a supermarket. Even though the unusual varieties were fun to try, most of us agreed that the local yellow bananas were still the most delicious.
Just when we thought the tasting was over, our guide poured us small glasses of homemade banana liqueur. At 30% alcohol, it was surprisingly strong, yet sweet and smooth — the perfect end to a tropical tasting experience.
Why This Visit Stands Out
What made this experience so special wasn’t just the bananas, but it was the people. Everyone we met was warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They answered every question, showed us around with pride, and made us feel at home.
If you’re heading to the north of Tenerife, we highly recommend stopping by Banana ECO Plantation. You’ll leave with a new respect for sustainable farming, a few fun banana facts, and maybe even a bottle of that unforgettable liqueur.
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Canary Islands
Visiting Canary Islands on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Take advantage of local knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture through campaigns such as #Ilovecanarias and #meatfreemondaycanarias.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today!
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit:
- Photographers & Videomakers:
Karolína Lišková, Barbora Kučerová, Nataliia Tataurova, Luca Buiatti
- Environmental chemist & Sustainable Tourism Consultant: Luca Buiatti
- Social Media Coordinator: Nataliia Tataurova
- Account Manager: Barbora Kučerová
- Project Manager: Karolína Lišková
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