Vilaflor wine tasting and Candelaria: private tour with photos

Taste Canarian wines at altitude, then descend to the coast and the island's spiritual heart

A private 6 to 7-hour wine and culture tour of Tenerife starts in Vilaflor, Spain's highest village, where you walk volcanic vineyards and taste local wines with tapas, then moves through the mountain village and its 800-year-old Pino Gordo pine, down to the black sand beach at Playa de El Roque, and finishes at the Basilica of Candelaria on the eastern coast. The guide speaks English, pickup is included, and you receive photos of the day at no extra cost. Lunch at a local restaurant is optional and not included in the tour price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tenerife's wine, nature, and culture

• Walk through Vilaflor vineyards
• Taste local wines and Canarian tapas
• Visit the Pino Gordo pine tree
• Explore historical village of Vilaflor
• Discover Los Roques cave houses and beach
• Optional lunch at local Canarian restaurant
• Visit Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
• Stroll Candelaria's promenade and square

The Experience

The tour opens in Vilaflor at 1,400 meters above sea level, the highest town in the Canary Islands. You walk through high-altitude vineyards where volcanic soil and centuries of tradition shape the local wines, then taste them paired with authentic Canarian tapas at a mountain winery. The air is thin and clear, the views stretch over the Atlantic, and the winery staff keep the pace relaxed—this is not a rushed tasting but a two-hour immersion in how the island's unique terroir works.

From the vineyard you explore Vilaflor itself: the old colonial church, the ancient Canarian houses, and the Pino Gordo, a Canary Island pine with a trunk over 9 meters around and a height of roughly 45 meters, estimated at more than 800 years old. It stands in a peaceful pine forest with a short trail and is a natural landmark the village centers around. The village sits south of Teide National Park and feels removed from the main tourist routes.

The route then descends to Playa de El Roque, a hidden black sand beach framed by rock formations on either side. The beach is a characteristic feature of Tenerife's volcanic origins, and the nearby village has distinctive cave houses built into the rock—traditional dwellings adapted to the landscape. This is where the tour reaches the coast and the Atlantic comes into view after the mountain hours.

The final stop is the Basilica of Candelaria on the eastern coast, dedicated to the Virgen de Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. The central square has iconic Canarian wooden balconies, and the Promenade of the Guanche Kings runs along the waterfront with statues honoring the island's indigenous leaders. The streets are pedestrian-friendly and dotted with shops and local ice cream vendors. Your guide captures photos throughout the day and provides them to you afterward at no extra charge.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your location.
• English-speaking guide for the full 6 to 7 hours.
• wine tasting and Canarian tapas at a mountain winery in Vilaflor.
• access to the vineyards and the Pino Gordo.
• visits to Vilaflor village, Playa de El Roque, and the Basilica of Candelaria.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a complete photo gallery of your tour at no extra charge.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Tenerife Hidden Gems

Is this one for you?Book this if you're hotel-based without a car—we provide pickup and adjust the itinerary to your interests rather than following a fixed group schedule.

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Top questions

What is the Pino Gordo and why is it significant in Vilaflor?

The Pino Gordo is a Canary Island pine tree in Vilaflor with a trunk circumference over 9 meters and a height of approximately 45 meters, estimated to be more than 800 years old. It is the largest and oldest pine in the Canary Islands, surrounded by pine forests and accessible via a short trail. The tree is a symbol of the island's volcanic and natural heritage.

How long do you spend tasting wines and tapas at the winery?

The winery experience lasts about 2 hours, during which you walk through the vineyard, learn about the volcanic soil and local traditions, and taste local Canarian wines paired with authentic tapas in a relaxed atmosphere.

What makes Playa de El Roque different from other beaches on Tenerife?

Playa de El Roque is a black sand beach framed by impressive rock formations on either side, creating a secluded and serene environment. The nearby village has distinctive cave houses built into the rock, reflecting traditional Canarian architecture adapted to the volcanic landscape, and the beach offers a peaceful escape from more crowded tourist areas.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but you have the option to eat at a local Canarian restaurant where many customers are residents, reflecting authentic local cuisine. You can arrange this with your guide.

What does the photo session include?

Your guide captures photos throughout the 6 to 7-hour tour and provides you with a gallery of the images at no extra cost, so you have a record of the day without paying separately for photography.

How does pickup work for this private tour?

Pickup is included in the tour price. Your guide will collect you from your accommodation or a meeting point on Tenerife, and the air-conditioned vehicle is part of the private experience.