Ecotourism in Tenerife: green attractions and sustainable travel

June 11, 2025

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers much more than sunny beaches and tourist resorts. It's a paradise for ecotourism enthusiasts who want to explore the island's natural beauty in a sustainable and responsible way. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the green corners of Tenerife, where tradition meets ecology and tourists can experience authentic island life while respecting the local environment and culture. From organic farms to majestic national parks, Tenerife has much to offer for those who want to combine relaxation with care for the planet. Get ready to discover places that will not only amaze you with their beauty, but also inspire you to travel more consciously.

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Ecological farms - the green heart of Tenerife

One of the best ways to experience ecotourism in Tenerife is to visit organic farms that combine traditional agriculture with modern sustainable practices. One such place is Finca El Quinto, located in the picturesque Los Realejos Valley. This 150-year-old farm offers not only accommodation in cozy cottages, but also the opportunity to participate in farm life. Guests can pick fresh fruits and vegetables, feed the animals or participate in organic farming workshops. Finca El Quinto is an ideal place for families with children who want to learn about sustainable living in practice. With guest ratings of 4.8, this place is highly regarded for its approach to ecotourism and hospitality.

Another fascinating place is the Finca Las Margaritas Banana Experience, which offers a unique banana-growing experience. Here you can learn all about the organic production of this fruit, so characteristic of the Canary Islands. Visitors have the opportunity to walk among the banana trees, learn about the cultivation process and taste the different varieties of bananas and the products made from them. This is an excellent educational adventure for the whole family to understand the importance of sustainable agriculture for the local economy and ecosystem.

For those interested in natural cosmetics and healthy living, Finca Canarias Aloe Vera Güimar is a must-stop. This place specializes in the organic cultivation of aloe vera and the production of aloe vera-based cosmetics. Visitors can tour the plantation, learn about the medicinal properties of aloe vera and see how natural cosmetics are made. It's a great opportunity to learn about a local, sustainable approach to care and health.

Comparing the three farms, each offers a unique ecotourism experience. Finca El Quinto stands out for its comprehensive approach to agritourism, offering accommodations and a wide range of activities. Finca Las Margaritas focuses on one aspect - banana cultivation - making it ideal for those interested in that particular subject. Finca Canarias Aloe Vera Güimar, on the other hand, specializes in aloe vera and cosmetics, which may be of particular interest to those looking for natural care products. All of these places have in common a high guest rating (from 4.6 to 4.8) and a commitment to environmental education and sustainability.

Parque Rural de Anaga - a A treasure of biodiversity

The heart of ecotourism in Tenerife is undoubtedly the Parque Rural de Anaga, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that impresses with its incredible biodiversity and landscape. Located in the northeastern part of the island, this park is a true paradise for nature lovers and active recreation. Anaga offers countless hiking trails that take you through the prehistoric laurel forest, steep cliffs and picturesque villages, giving you the opportunity to interact with the island's unique flora and fauna.

Parque Rural de Anaga, with a 4.8 rating from visitors, is appreciated for its breathtaking views, well-marked trails and the opportunity to see endemic plant and animal species. It's an ideal place for families who want to show their children the beauty of unspoiled nature. It is worth remembering that some of the trails can be challenging, so it is recommended to adjust the route to suit the abilities of all family members.

The park also offers an educational visitor center where you can learn more about the Anaga ecosystem and the principles of responsible tourism. This is a great starting point for exploring the park and understanding its importance to Tenerife's biodiversity.

In contrast, it's worth mentioning Finca Ecológica La Calabacera, which, while not a national park, offers a different kind of ecotourism experience. It's a 150-acre organic farm that combines elements of traditional agriculture with modern sustainable practices. With a rating of 4.7, Finca La Calabacera is highly regarded for its educational farm tours, where guests can learn about local crops such as bananas, mangoes and avocados, as well as learn about organic farming techniques.

Comparing Parque Rural de Anaga with Finca Ecológica La Calabacera reveals two different but equally valuable approaches to ecotourism. Anaga offers a wilder, more untouched nature and is ideal for trekkers and nature watchers. La Calabacera, on the other hand, provides a more organized and educational experience, focusing on sustainable agriculture and food production. Both locations have high ratings (4.8 and 4.7), a testament to their popularity among travelers looking for an authentic, eco-friendly experience.

When choosing between the two destinations, it's worth considering your family's preferences and physical capabilities. Parque Rural de Anaga will be a better choice for active families who enjoy hiking and exploring wildlife. Finca Ecológica La Calabacera may be more suitable for families with younger children or those interested in sustainable agriculture and local food production.

Regardless of your choice, both Parque Rural de Anaga and Finca Ecológica La Calabacera offer unforgettable ecotourism experiences that allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Tenerife's natural riches and understand the importance of environmental protection for the future of the island.

Practical tips for ecotourists in Tenerife

To fully enjoy ecotourism in Tenerife while minimizing your impact on the environment, it's worth keeping in mind a few practical tips. First, when choosing accommodations, consider eco-friendly farms such as the previously mentioned Finca El Quinto. These places not only offer an authentic experience of island life, but also often employ sustainable practices such as solar energy and water recycling.

When planning a visit, try to use public transportation or rent bicycles. Tenerife has a well-developed bus network to reach most tourist attractions. However, if you decide to rent a car, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle, which is an increasingly popular option on the island.

When exploring places like Parque Rural de Anaga, remember the rule 'leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories'. Always take all trash with you and try not to disturb the natural environment. It's also worth investing in reusable water bottles and shopping bags to minimize the production of plastic waste.

When going on tours such as Finca Las Margaritas Banana Experience or Finca Canarias Aloe Vera Güimar, try to support the local communities by buying local products and souvenirs. This not only helps the local economy, but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods.

When it comes to food, try local, seasonal products. Many organic farms, like Finca Ecológica La Calabacera, offer fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the garden. This is not only tastier, but also a greener option than imported produce.

When comparing different ecotourism options in Tenerife, it's worth noting the certifications and sustainability practices used by each destination. For example, Finca El Quinto (rating 4.8) is renowned for its comprehensive approach to ecology, offering not only accommodations but also environmental education. In contrast, the Finca Las Margaritas Banana Experience (rating of 4.8) focuses on one aspect - sustainable banana production, which may be of particular interest to those interested in this topic.

Finca Canarias Aloe Vera Güimar (rating 4.6) offers a unique experience of natural cosmetics production, which may appeal to those looking for organic skin care products. Parque Rural de Anaga (rating 4.8) stands out as an ideal destination for wildlife and trekking enthusiasts, offering unforgettable views and the opportunity to interact with unique flora and fauna.

When choosing between these destinations, consider your own interests and preferences. For families with children, Finca El Quinto may be the best choice due to the variety of activities offered. On the other hand, for those interested in a particular aspect of sustainable agriculture, Finca Las Margaritas or Finca Canarias Aloe Vera Güimar may be more suitable.

Regardless of the attractions you choose, remember that ecotourism in Tenerife is not only a way to spend your vacation, but also an opportunity to learn about sustainability and our impact on the environment. By taking a responsible approach to travel, we can enjoy the beauty of the island while helping to protect it for future generations.

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