The Mundo del Plátano banana plantation near the town of Arucas: more than 7,000 banana plants, 25 varieties, dragon trees and a tasting of local jams and an original banana wine with passion fruit.
Hacienda La Rekompensa, also known as Mundo del Plátano, lies in the north of the island near the capital, Las Palmas, and the historic town of Arucas. It is a large farm estate covering 56,500 m², full of greenery and exotic fruit.
It is a working plantation and at the same time the first museum on Gran Canaria devoted to growing bananas. Visitors can see 25 kinds of banana plant and taste local products, including banana wine and jams.
Daily 10:00–17:00
€15 including the tour and tasting
Free, right on the estate
The heart of the estate is a restored traditional Canarian house from 1804. The plantation itself was completely abandoned for about 20 years, and after extensive restoration it is now an example of traditional Canarian farming combined with modern crop care.
The main crop is the traditional Canarian banana (plátano canario), which enjoys an ideal microclimate in the north of the island – compared with South American varieties it is smaller but much sweeter. More than 7,000 banana plants in 25 varieties grow here, including unusual red bananas, as well as over 150 avocado trees and the iconic Canarian dragon trees.
Best by hire car or by taxi from the centre of Arucas. Better to skip the bus – the stop is a long way off and the road leading to it has poor visibility.
The hacienda does not just grow its crops – it also processes them itself. You can taste and buy most of the products on site:
Fresh bananas – straight from the plantation.
Artisan jams – for example banana jam with prickly pear or with aloe vera.
Banana wine – light, and also combined with passion fruit.
Banana liqueur – a traditional Canarian, rum-based liqueur.
Cosmetics – made from local ingredients.
Organised trip – you can also visit the plantation on an optional excursion combined with Las Palmas.
The plantation lies a short distance from Las Palmas – it is ideal to combine it with a visit to the capital, the Poema del Mar aquarium or Las Canteras beach.
You will find more tips for trips with children in the article Gran Canaria with kids.
In the north of Gran Canaria, near Las Palmas and the town of Arucas.
€15 per person, including the tour and tasting.
Daily, Monday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00.
Best by car (parking on the estate is free) or by taxi from Arucas. I do not recommend the bus because the stop is a long way off.
Bananas, jams, banana wine (also with passion fruit) and banana liqueur.
Mundo del Plátano is an ideal stop for anyone who wants to get to know Gran Canaria through its traditional farming and original local flavours.
