Europe's Highest Vineyard Thrives in Tenerife's Vilaflor

Vilaflor de Chasna in the Canary Islands hides a special secret: Europe's highest vineyard. It grows on ancient lava soil at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,600 meters.

As the highest town in the Canary Islands and one of the highest in Spain, Vilaflor de Chasna has become a top spot for wine tourism. This is thanks to its unique scenery and a winemaking history that goes back hundreds of years.

The town's highlight is the Los Frontones plot, where the grapevines for Europe's highest vineyard thrive on volcanic ground.

The mix of dark soil and a dry climate makes every harvest a real challenge. Because of this, Vilaflor de Chasna is now a well-known name in Canarian winemaking.

Beyond the vineyards, Vilaflor charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, white houses, and interesting history.

A notable landmark is the Casa Inglesa, or English House. This 19th-century building has ties to the British figures Mary Edwards and Thomas Gifford Nash. Today, it serves as a parish office, and its well-preserved architecture reminds us of the historical connection between the Canary Islands and Europe.

This 56 km² town has always relied on traditional crops like potatoes, almonds, and grapes, which are key to its economy.

Winemaking has also helped boost tourism. Vilaflor de Chasna is now a popular nature spot, offering hiking and cultural activities. It's especially beautiful in autumn, when you can see its unique volcanic landscapes.

Visitors are also drawn to its traditional food. The local cuisine features dishes with potatoes, almonds, stews, and goat meat, all perfectly paired with the high-altitude wines that truly capture the island's spirit.

Enjoying these meals with views of Mount Teide, perhaps after a hike or a winery tour, is an ideal experience for anyone looking for an authentic rural escape in Tenerife.

To get there from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or San Cristóbal de La Laguna, take the TF-1 to exit 62, then follow the TF-56 towards Vilaflor. The drive takes just over an hour, passing through varied scenery, and leads to a town perfect for those who want to experience beautiful landscapes, tradition, wine, and culture all in one spot.