Edible chestnuts in Tenerife

Autumn in Tenerife smells like chestnuts! Check out where and when to try roasted chestnuts in the north of the island – from La Orotava to Icod de los Vinos. Learn about the traditions, varieties and unique atmosphere of Canarian autumn.

Chestnuts – the autumn symbol of northern Tenerife

Did you know that there are chestnuts in Tenerife? What’s more, roasting them in the streets is one of the many Canarian traditions. Although many people associate the roasting of chestnuts with the fiesta of San Andrés (November 29), in fact the aroma of roasted chestnuts is in the air throughout autumn – from late October through December.

It is the northern part of Tenerife – the area around La Orotava, Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Victoria de Acentejo, La Laguna or Icod de los Vinos – that then turns into a fragrant paradise for chestnut lovers. Street stands appear along the roads, in plazas and in small towns, and locals eagerly reach for the warm, sweet chestnuts served in paper bags.

Why is the north of Tenerife famous for its chestnuts?

Tenerife, despite its hot climate, has ideal conditions for growing chestnut trees in the northern regions of the island – at altitudes of 400 to 1,000 meters above sea level. It is there, in the Acentejo region, that dense chestnut forests grow, which for centuries have been an important source of food for local farmers.

Today, chestnuts have not only culinary value, but also cultural value – they are part of the identity of the people of the north. In La Victoria de Acentejo or La Orotava, events are held every year to promote this tradition and remind people of its importance to the local community.

You’ll visit northern Tenerife, including the city of La Laguna, on our roundtrip tour with a Polish guide 👉 check it out here.

20 varieties of chestnuts in Tenerife

There are about 20 varieties of chestnuts in Tenerife, each with a slightly different taste, size and texture.
Among the most popular are:

• Araferas – large, juicy chestnuts from mountainous areas,
• Polegre – tender, sweet, easy to peel,
• Verdionas – with a slightly nutty aftertaste, excellent for baking.

This diversity means that the taste of chestnuts can vary depending on where you taste them – even within a single municipality!

Traditional chestnut roasting – the taste and smell of autumn

In the north of Tenerife, chestnuts are roasted in metal cauldrons or drums over glowing charcoal. The process requires experience and patience, which is why many families have continued it for generations.

In the evenings, the streets of La Orotava or Icod de los Vinos are filled with smoke and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. It’s a simple but unique ritual that creates a unique autumn atmosphere on the island – even when the temperature still reaches 20°C.

Not only chestnuts – what else is served in autumn

Roasting chestnuts is part of a larger autumn ritual of flavors. In northern Tenerife, they are often served with:

• young wine (“vino nuevo”) from local vineyards,
• salty fish,
• papas arrugadas – potatoes cooked in sea salt,
• And, of course, with mojo sauce, which adds a distinct flavor to the whole.

It’s the perfect combination of sweetness, salt and the smoky scent of an autumn campfire.

Where to try chestnuts in Tenerife in autumn

If you’re visiting the island from October to December, be sure to stay in the northern part – that’s where the chestnut season lasts the longest.
Here are some places where you’ll find the best roasted chestnut stands:

• La Orotava – charming streets and markets with local products,
• La Laguna – UNESCO World Heritage town that you will see during our tour
• La Victoria de Acentejo – famous for its chestnut festivals and traditional stoves,
• Tacoronte and El Sauzal – smaller towns where chestnuts are sold by the vineyards,
• Icod de los Vinos – the perfect place to combine chestnut tasting with a glass of wine.

Chestnuts – a true taste of autumn in Tenerife

In the north of Tenerife, autumn has the smell of smoke, wine and freshly roasted chestnuts. It’s a time when locals and tourists stop to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You’ll find the most street chestnut stands in November, especially before the San Andres holiday – roasted chestnuts are on almost every corner. It’s a small but unforgettable taste of the island, showing that Tenerife has not only sun and beaches, but also the soul of autumn.

If you are planning a vacation in Tenerife, we highly recommend you try roasted chestnuts!