This is the kind of Tenerife evening that mixes dinner with a full-on tournament show. At Castillo San Miguel in the south, the setting is made from local canto stone and you’re welcomed by the Count and Countess before heading into the Sala de los Torneos for fights, games, and spectacle.

What I really like is the show’s energy and production: there are tournament-style bouts, crowd participation, and acrobatic performances on Arabian and Spanish horses. I also like that dinner is built into the pacing, so you’re eating while the action keeps moving instead of sitting through a long, boring pause.

One thing to consider: the meal is included and enjoyable, but it’s not a gourmet, slow-dining experience. You should go expecting a served dinner that’s practical for the show schedule.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Horse acrobatics on Arabian and Spanish horses that help make the show feel athletic, not just theatrical
• Tournament-style action in the Sala de los Torneos, with fair-fight energy and medieval games
• Dinner served during the show, with wine and soft drinks included (and a vegetarian option reported by guests)
• Family-friendly fun that also works for adults who want something different from beach dinner routines
• VIP option for preferred seating and a cava glass, best if you want the front-row view

Castillo San Miguel: a medieval arena in Tenerife’s south

If you’re looking for a Tenerife evening that feels like you left the tourist strip for a couple hours, Castillo San Miguel is exactly that. The venue is a 6,000 square meter construction made with canto stone, a local look that makes the whole place feel sturdier and more “real” than a set built for one night.

The experience starts with a bit of storytelling. You’re greeted by Count Don Rodrigo and his daughter, the young Countess, and the entrance area is decorated with period-style details like armor, swords, chests, and writings of the time. It’s not just wallpaper. It gives you something to look at while everyone settles in.

Here’s the practical upside: because it’s designed like an actual castle world, you don’t feel rushed just to get seated. You’re guided into the next stage at a natural pace. And once you get to the tournament hall, the action is staged so you can follow what’s going on even if you’re not familiar with medieval “jousting” traditions.

Your evening timeline: doors open, tournament starts, and dinner hits at the right moment

The schedule is pretty straightforward, which I appreciate. The door opening time is 18:30, and the show starts at 19:30. It runs until 21:30, so you’re planning a night that’s about as long as a standard dinner out plus the show.

Even before the first scene, the event is timed so you have enough minutes to get inside, find your area, and get comfortable. If you add transport, your pickup window is typically between 16:45 and 17:25 (depending on where you’re staying). This matters because you don’t want to arrive stressed. When the pickup is smooth, the rest of the night feels smoother too.

Dinner is served during the tournament. That’s a key detail: you’re not waiting until the end of the performance to eat, and you’re not eating in total silence either. You’ll get your meal as the show moves through its acts.

If you’re the type who hates eating in the middle of chaos, you’ll still be fine. The serving happens during set pieces, and the venue keeps things organized. But do expect that the show will take priority over lingering over your plate.

The tournament show: knights, fair fights, and horse acrobatics

The core of the night is the tournament-style performance in the Sala de los Torneos. You’re watching fair-fight action, competitions, and medieval games with the Counts present. Think of it as structured entertainment with clear phases, not just random performers running around.

Then there’s the part that many people remember first: the horse segment. The show includes acrobatics on both Arabian and Spanish horses, and that athletic mix of rider control, timing, and precision is where the production quality really shows. It’s also the easiest moment to understand, even for kids who aren’t following every plot point.

Another strong point is the cast energy. Guests often highlight outstanding actors and the feeling that the audience is part of what’s happening. If you’ve ever wondered what medieval pageantry feels like when it’s designed for real reaction, this is the format.

One more small detail that helps the tone: the event is guided and hosted in English. The host or greeter is English-speaking, and a couple of specific guides have been praised for keeping the mood fun and the drinks moving. For example, Simone is noted for chatting and keeping wine flowing during one performance.

Dinner during the jousting: what you actually eat and drink

Dinner is included with your ticket, and the menu is clearly defined. Here’s what’s on it:

• Seasonal vegetable cream with cheese cubes
• Baked Chicken Garrote in its juice with baked potatoes and seasoned tomato
• Ice cream cake with chocolate syrup

Drinks included with dinner are red and white wine, mineral water, and orange juice. The wine inclusion is one reason this works well as an adult-friendly evening, not only a kid event.

Portion expectations: plan for a served meal that’s meant to keep the show going. Many guests describe it as tasty and well cooked, but also point out it’s not massive or restaurant-sized. One person specifically noted it looked fairly straightforward on the plate, but cooked incredibly well.

There’s also a reported vegetarian option. A guest mentioned a vegetarian menu that included vegetarian lasagna, and they said it was excellent. If you need it, make sure you select the vegetarian option during booking when it’s offered.

If you’re picky about meal timing, here’s the reality check: you don’t get a full “dinner first, show second” rhythm. The cast and serving staff share space with the show flow, so you’re eating while performances continue around you.

VIP seating and the cava glass: is it worth paying more

The VIP option is built for people who want a better view and a small extra perk. With VIP, you get:

• Preferred seating
• A glass of cava (not just included wine; it’s specifically called out for VIP)

In theory, VIP is best if you know you want front-row angles for the horse and tournament moments. In practice, you should know this: at least one guest felt VIP didn’t dramatically change the experience compared with non-VIP, saying the view was good even without it and that the main difference wasn’t huge.

So how do you decide? If you’re traveling with a group that really cares about sightlines, or you want the most comfortable, front-row-style view for the big horse scenes, VIP makes sense. If you’re happy as long as you can clearly watch the action, the standard ticket often seems to deliver plenty.

Either way, focus on the show itself. Even the non-VIP experience is designed to keep you close enough to follow what’s happening.

Getting there and back from Tenerife south: parking, pickup windows, and Saturday-only north routes

Location-wise, this is placed in the south of Tenerife, which is great if you’re already staying in areas like the south coast. Your options are:

• Use your own transportation and drive in
• Add pickup and drop-off (optional)

If you drive, there’s free private parking for clients during the show. That’s a big value point if you hate relying on taxis for a set-time evening.

If you choose pickup, it’s generally efficient and timed. Pickup can be between 16:45 and 17:25, depending on where you’re picked up. The pickup might not be exactly at your hotel, and you’ll be given the exact pickup point after booking. Also, you’ll want to provide the correct phone number with the prefix so they can coordinate if needed.

One specific rule matters: pickup from the north is only offered on Saturdays. If you’re in the north and your dates aren’t Saturday, you’ll likely need a different plan.

Finally, remember the event is scheduled with door opening at 18:30. So even if you select transport, getting on time makes the whole evening smoother.

Who this show fits best (families, history fans, and date-night adults)

This is one of those experiences where the marketing says family, but the execution works for adults too. I like it for two reasons that show up again and again in how people describe the night: the acting and the physical spectacle.

For families: the horse acrobatics, the rhythm of the tournament segments, and the crowd involvement make it easy for kids to stay interested without feeling like they’re forced to sit through something boring. One parent noted their toddler loved it and was excited from the moment they entered.

For adults: you still get a story framework, and you get entertainment that’s not just a staged dinner recital. Guests who went as couples also highlight the humor and the theatrics, including how it feels fun even if you’re not traveling with kids.

If you’re a history fan: it’s not a museum lecture. It’s medieval-themed entertainment with the feel of being inside a castle environment, including the Count and Countess greeting you and the tournament hall presentation.

If you’re sensitive to busy meal timing: this is worth flagging. One guest said the show takes priority over fully enjoying the meal, and that people serving food can block views as they move down the aisles.

Is it worth 56 dollars: value check for Tenerife dinner-show fans

At about $56 per person, you’re paying for more than a ticket. You’re paying for a set-time evening that bundles the castle setting, a show that includes horses and tournament-style action, and a served meal with drinks.

The value logic is simple:

• You’re not just buying seats; you’re buying an event schedule that runs roughly 2.5 to 3 hours
• Dinner is included during the show, which usually means less planning and fewer added costs
• Wine and soft drinks are part of dinner, and VIP adds a cava glass and preferred seating

Where it can feel less than “big dinner out” value is the meal itself. One review specifically called out that the food looks basic and that it’s a thigh-and-drumstick style portion with potatoes and tomato slices. It’s also described as cooked well, but it’s not a huge restaurant feast. Another point: a guest noted you do not really get time to slow down and enjoy eating because the serving staff moves and the show energy stays high.

Also note the photo moment. There’s a photo taken at the start, and there’s a souvenir shop selling items like shirts, tiaras, and fans. One guest found the photographer visit a bit unnecessary during the dinner phase, though it didn’t ruin the night for them.

So, should you buy? If you want an action-focused Tenerife evening, this is strong value. If you’re mainly hunting for a sit-down meal, you might find the “show first” rhythm less aligned with your expectations.

Should You Book This Medieval Dinner Show in Tenerife?

Book it if you want a family-friendly medieval dinner show with high-energy tournament-style action, horse acrobatics on Arabian and Spanish horses, and a proper served meal with drinks. The timing is clear, the setting is built to feel like a castle world, and the overall reputation is extremely positive, with many people calling it a must-do for an evening out on the island.

Skip it if your top priority is a calm, full-service dinner where you can savor every course without interruption. This is a show that happens around the meal, not a restaurant evening with a few performances between bites.

If you’re debating VIP: consider it if front-row sightlines matter to you and you like the idea of a cava glass. If not, you can likely be happy with standard seating since many people report great views without paying extra.

FAQ

How long is the Castillo San Miguel medieval show with dinner?

The experience lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. The schedule includes door opening at 18:30, the show starting at 19:30, and ending at 21:30.

Where does the show take place?

It takes place at Castillo San Miguel de Tenerife, in the south of Tenerife, in the tournament hall area of the castle.

Is dinner included?

Yes. Dinner is served during the show, with a set menu that includes seasonal vegetable cream, baked chicken with baked potatoes and seasoned tomato, and ice cream cake with chocolate syrup.

What drinks are included with dinner?

Dinner includes red and white wine, mineral water, and orange juice.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

A vegetarian option is reported, including vegetarian lasagna.

What is included with the VIP option?

VIP includes preferred seating and a glass of cava.

Do I need a car to go there?

You can use your own transportation. There is free private parking for clients during the show. Pickup and drop-off are optional if you choose that add-on.

Is pickup available from the north of Tenerife?

Pickup from the north is only offered on Saturdays. Pickup from the south is offered on other days when the add-on is selected.

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