Discovering the Secrets of Vilaflor de Chasna: Tenerife’s Hidden Gem
Between endless pine forests and volcanic slopes lies one of Tenerife’s best-kept secrets. In Vilaflor de Chasna, situated over 1,500 metres above sea level, the vine has found an unusual home, transforming the municipality into a prominent agricultural and rural reference on the island. Here, the highest vineyard in Europe—Altos de Trevejos, at approximately 1,300 metres above sea level—thrives, surrounded by a landscape of vines that flourishes in the cool altitude and rich mineral soil. Covering an area of 56.26 km², this southern Tenerife municipality is renowned not only for its wine production but also for its rural identity, whitewashed cottages, and proximity to Teide National Park, making it a unique destination for those seeking authenticity and nature.
A Distinct Character
Vilaflor is bordered by municipalities such as La Orotava, Arona, Adeje, San Miguel, and Granadilla de Abona, forming a natural corridor in the island’s midlands. Its altitude and the purity of its waters have historically favoured crops such as potatoes, vines, and almond trees, which are now experiencing a resurgence, solidifying the importance of the primary sector in the local economy. Strolling through its cobbled streets, amidst white houses and quiet corners, one immerses in a landscape where agricultural tradition coexists with a historical and cultural heritage that still bears unexpected traces.
Canarian Heritage
Among Vilaflor’s heritage treasures stands the Casa Inglesa, a 19th-century property linked to the British Mary Edwards and Reverend Thomas Gifford Nash. Located next to the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, it retains its original architectural style and has now become a parish headquarters. This building has become a symbol of the municipality, a testament to the historical connection between the Canary Islands and European visitors who found a place to live, invest, or leave a cultural mark.
The Vine as an Economic Driver
However, the crop that defines Vilaflor is the vineyard. Its vineyards, situated between 1,100 and 1,600 metres in altitude, are the highest in Europe. The combination of volcanic soils, cool climate, and significant thermal contrasts results in uniquely characterised wines, with intense aromas and a mineral quality. In recent decades, this crop has clearly expanded, becoming one of the economic engines of the southern midlands. The local wineries not only supply the local market but have also made their mark in competitions, solidifying Vilaflor’s reputation in Canarian viticulture.
A Wine with a Landscape
Each glass of Vilaflor wine reflects its surroundings: the freshness of the pine forests, the strength of solidified lava, and the purity of the midlands waters. This uniqueness grants its wines a distinctive personality, recognised by both experts and enthusiasts seeking authentic flavours. Altitude is not merely a detail; it’s the defining factor that renders these vineyards a unique agricultural landscape in Europe, where each harvest presents challenges shaped by the land’s extreme conditions.
Rural Tourism on the Rise
Viticulture has also boosted the municipality’s tourism profile. Today, Vilaflor de Chasna presents itself as a destination that combines wine tourism experiences, hiking through pine forests, and visits to historical sites. Proximity to Teide, along with the opportunity to taste wines from the continent’s highest vineyard, makes it an essential stop for those seeking a different side of Tenerife: one of tradition and rural landscape. The municipality, which relied on agriculture and spring water for centuries, has adapted to modern times without losing its essence. Today, it offers visitors a journey where wine culture, history, and nature intertwine in a narrative that can only be told here.
