If you’re looking for a good excuse to eat your way around La Laguna this month, here it is.
The 18th Ruta de la Tapa La Laguna-San Benito Abad is back for the whole of July, with a record 47 bars, cafés and restaurants taking part.
For just €4, you can enjoy a specially created tapa along with a drink, making it one of the best-value food events in Tenerife this summer.
A record number of venues
This year’s route is the biggest yet, with more participating venues than ever before.
From traditional Canarian taverns to modern restaurants and cafés, each venue has created its own tapa especially for the event.
Whether you prefer classic Canarian flavours or something a little more contemporary, there’s plenty to choose from.
It’s also a great excuse to discover places you might normally walk straight past.
More than just the historic centre
Although many of the participating venues are located around La Laguna’s historic centre, the route stretches much further.
You’ll find tapas in popular streets such as Herradores, San Agustín, Obispo Rey Redondo and La Concepción, as well as in areas including Los Majuelos, Padre Anchieta and Punta del Hidalgo.
It’s a good reminder that some of the best places to eat aren’t always in the busiest tourist spots.
Vote for your favourite
The route isn’t just about eating.
Visitors can also vote for their favourite tapa using the La Laguna Zona Comercial app.
As an added bonus, everyone who takes part in the voting will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three €100 vouchers, which can be spent at the restaurants awarded the Gold, Silver or Bronze Tapa.
Not a bad incentive to keep sampling a few more.
A popular summer tradition
Last year’s event saw more than 208,000 tapas and drinks served, and organisers are hoping to beat that figure this summer thanks to the increased number of participating venues.
The Ruta de la Tapa has become one of the highlights of La Laguna’s San Benito festivities, attracting locals and visitors alike who fancy combining good food with a stroll through one of Tenerife’s most beautiful towns.
If you’re planning a visit to La Laguna before the end of July, arriving hungry would probably be a sensible idea.