Cultural Exchange
Sustainable farming
• Quesería Montesdeoca – Goat Cheese Farm
Founded in 1984, Quesería Montesdeoca is a sustainable family-run farm and cheese factory in Adeje, Tenerife.
In 2017, its work gained international recognition when it received the Super Gold Award at the World Cheese Awards. Today, Montesdeoca is one of Tenerife’s most awarded cheesemakers, with more than 126 prizes in international, national, and regional competitions.
Through guided farm visits, students can discover traditional goat cheese production, learn about sustainable farming, and experience an authentic part of Tenerife’s rural and gastronomic culture.
• Banana Cultivation in Tenerife
Banana cultivation is one of the most representative agricultural activities in Tenerife and an essential part of the island’s identity. Thanks to its mild subtropical climate, volcanic soil and long farming tradition, Tenerife offers ideal conditions for growing the famous Plátano de Canarias, a banana known for its sweet flavour, creamy texture and distinctive appearance.
Banana plantations are deeply connected to the island’s rural landscape and economy. For generations, this crop has shaped local farming communities, traditional irrigation systems and the way agricultural land is used across the island. The Plátano de Canarias is also protected at European level as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which highlights its origin, quality and strong link to the Canary Islands.
A visit to a banana plantation allows participants to discover the full production process, from planting and irrigation to plant care, harvesting, packaging and distribution. It also offers an insight into how local farmers adapt their work to Tenerife’s climate, volcanic terrain and water resources.
For Erasmus participants, this experience is a practical and engaging way to explore Tenerife beyond the usual tourist routes. It combines agriculture, sustainability, local heritage, rural tourism and gastronomy, while showing how one local product can represent so much of the island’s culture and economy.
