Tazacorte Banana Museum - Plaza Museo del Platano

You're probably wondering what a Banana Museum is. I must confess, I was wondering that myself (scratches head in a thoughtful way). Maybe it's all about old bananas past their sell-by date or a display of bananas through the ages or the historical importance of bananas or .. what? It was definitely time to check out the 'Plaza Museo del Platano' in Tazacorte - billed as 'probably the only banana museum in the world.'

The banana museum you will not be surprised to hear is located at what you might legitimately call the banana capital of La Palma. In fact, 85% of the municipality of Tazacorte is agricultural and most of that is given over to the production of bananas. What better place then for a banana museum than Tazacorte!

The museum is located below the main road which runs from the town towards the beach resort of Tazacorte down a narrow and steep road opposite the church. Incidentally, this road also takes you past the Hotel Hacienda de Abajo which is relatively newly refurbished bijou hotel which once was a historic mansion. However, the museum is also an attractive building in its own quiet way and is surrounded by attractive gardens in which to stroll.

Inside is a downstairs reception where the teeny entrance fee is paid in exchange for a free banana each and an edifying stroll around the museum. Upstairs is where the main exhibits are with two rooms of large and attractive information boards – who’d have thought that the banana plant isn't in fact a tree but a herb and that Fyffe were responsible from the outset for the success of the banana industry in La Palma! Interspersed with plenty of facts, figures and photos are banana-related relics such as wooden-handled shears for cutting straw which was used in packing, a 1950 machine which was used for washing the crops, old-fashioned scales and rough wooden supports for the bananas.

 

Lovin' the old Fyffes sign

At one end is a lovely open area which overlooks the banana plantations of Tazacorte and also right down to the sea. A great place to sit and enjoy the complimentary banana.

 

My opinion? (for what it’s worth). Yes, do go. You won’t be blown away by a mass of exhibits but you might well be surprised at the facts and figures. Plus your support is always appreciated for initiatives such as this.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10am till 1pm and from 4pm till 7pm. Saturday and Sunday only for previously booked visits. For more information on Tazacorte, check out our webpage here: http://www.holiday-lapalma.com/abouttazacorte.html