TACORONTE

Tacoronte, wine, guachinches and the rural essence of the north of Tenerife

Tacoronte is a municipality in the north of Tenerife that has earned a reputation for two things: its wine (it is the heart of the Designation of Origin Tacoronte-Acentejo) and its guachinches, those places where producers serve home cooking with their own wine. It is a perfect destination for anyone wanting to get to know the most authentic side of Tenerife, away from the tourist areas of the south.

Its coastline also has a special spot: Mesa del Mar, with natural pools and a peaceful atmosphere. The CanariasLife webcam shows this area live, so you can check conditions and the atmosphere before heading down.

Wine and guachinches: the identity of Tacoronte

Tacoronte gives its name to the Designation of Origin Tacoronte-Acentejo, the most well-known of Tenerife. The Listán Negro vineyards cover the municipality's slopes and produce reds with volcanic character that have earned recognition across Spain.

However, the most authentic way to try these wines is at a guachinche. These are seasonal venues where winegrowers sell their own harvest alongside home cooking: rabbit in salmorejo, festival meat, wrinkled potatoes with mojo and gofio. In fact, Tacoronte and its surroundings have the highest concentration of guachinches in Tenerife. It is a dining experience found nowhere else.

Several wineries in the municipality organise visits, tastings and tours explaining how the volcanic soil and northern climate shape the wine's flavour.

Mesa del Mar and the coast

Mesa del Mar is the municipality's coastal hub: a quiet residential neighbourhood with natural pools sheltered from the surf, and views of the Atlantic. It is a good spot for a swim without the crowds.

Tacoronte's coastline also has other spots such as El Pris, a small fishing village with fresh fish restaurants by the sea. It is one of those places only locals know about and that is worth discovering.

Historic District

Tacoronte is one of the oldest municipalities in TenerifeThe Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Catalina (known as that of the Cristo de los Dolores) is the most important religious building and a place of great devotion on the island. Also notable is the Ermita de San Lázaro and several restored colonial houses in the centre.

The village has a peaceful, rural atmosphere. Every 21 September the festivities in honour of the patron saint are held, with parades, traditional music and popular food.

Hiking and nature

The surroundings of Tacoronte combine banana plantations, vineyards and woodland. The rural paths between crops offer easy walks with views of the sea and the TeideFrom the municipality you can reach trails that connect with the La Esperanza and the laurisilva forest near Anaga Rural Park.

In addition, Valle Guerra, on the eastern side of the municipality, is a farming area with a green, peaceful landscape, ideal for cycling and walks.

Gastronomy in Tacoronte

Beyond the guachinches, the municipality has its own culinary tradition. The rabbit in salmorejo is the star dish. The migas canarias, the wrinkled potatoes with mojo and the rosquillas de vino (a traditional sweet made with local recipes) round out the offering.

In El Pris, the restaurants by the sea serve fresh fish of the day. It is the best combination: Tacoronte wine with fish from the north coast.

How to get to Tacoronte

Since the Tenerife North Airport it is about 20 minutes via the TF-5 motorway. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, about 15 minutes. There are TITSA buses connecting Tacoronte with the capital and with other municipalities in the north such as La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz.