The Platano fruit, also called Plantains, is a variety of banana. And you can find plenty of them growing on Tenerife.

The Platanos de Canarias were first introduced on the island at the end of the 19th century. Portuguese ships brought the plants over from nearby Cabo Verde where they had been imported from the Far East. Tenerife’s geological conditions and the climate proved to be a good fit, and the plantations were soon thriving.

From Tenerife, the fruit found its way to Europe. It all started with Puerto de la Cruz tourism. The steam ships which brought the German tourists back home also carried tons of bananas. Soon, “Banana cruises”started to London and Liverpool. But the true Golden Banana era began only after WWII, around 1950, and lasted for a quarter of the century.

Here in the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz you can take a nice walk through the plantations, see how they grow and meet some friendly lizards that love bananas. Start at Camino la Costa and take a short walk to Barranco de la Arena or further along the coast to Bollullo Beach.

Bonus fact: Tenerife bananas received the IGP seal of World Uniqueness in 2013. Why? Because they are resistant to banana disease.

Bonus fact 2: there is small Banana Museum in Icod de los Vinos called Casa De Platano

Source: https://www.tenerife-holiday-home-insider.com/tenerife-bananas.html