Canary Islands
Tenerife — The Versatile★★★
Tenerife is the largest and most visited Canary Island (2,034 km², 930,000 inhabitants) — and the most versatile. At its center towers the Teide (3,715 m), Spain's highest mountain and the third-highest island volcano in the world. The north is green, cloud-covered, and authentic, the south dry, sunny, and tourist-developed.
Tenerife is the island of contrasts: Hike in the laurel forest of the Anaga Mountains in the morning, sunbathe on the black volcanic beach of Playa Jardín at noon, stand in the moon landscape of the Teide National Park in the afternoon, and sit in one of the countless restaurants in Los Cristianos in the evening. All in one day, all within an hour's drive.
Plan at least 7–10 days for Tenerife — the island is too large and diverse for a short trip.
Teide National Park★★★
★★★ Parque Nacional del Teide
The most visited national park in Spain (4 million visitors/year) and UNESCO World Heritage. The caldera (17 km in diameter) is a surreal lunar landscape of solidified lava, pumice fields, and bizarre rock formations — the Roques de García are the postcard motif par excellence.
The Teide summit (3,715 m) is only accessible with a permit (free, but book weeks in advance via reservasparquesnacionales.es!). The cable car (Teleférico) takes you to 3,555 m — from there, a 40-minute climb to the summit. Without a permit, only up to the cable car station.
Cable car: 39 € round trip (adults), 13.50 € (children 3–13). Daily 9–17. Closed in wind (approx. 30 days/year). Book early — tickets often sell out days in advance.
Night sky: The Teide National Park is an official Starlight Reserve — one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Guided night tours with telescopes from 25 €.
Tipp
The summit permit is often booked months in advance. Alternative: Book a night at the Refugio de Altavista (3,260 m, from 25 €/night, dormitory only) — guests are allowed to reach the summit before 9 a.m. without a permit and experience the sunrise. An unforgettable experience!
Cities & Beaches
★★ Puerto de la Cruz
The oldest tourist town in the Canaries — British winter guests came here as early as the 19th century. Today, a charming, slightly faded seaside resort in the green north with the famous Lago Martiánez (seawater swimming pool complex by César Manrique, 6 €) and the Jardín Botánico (over 3,000 tropical plants, 3 €). The old town has pretty colonial houses, good fish restaurants, and an authentic vibe.
★ Los Cristianos & Playa de las Américas
The tourist south: hotel complexes, all-inclusive hotels, British pubs, and water parks. Sounds terrible? For some, just right — cheap package deals (1 week AI from 600 €/person), guaranteed sun (300+ sunny days), good infrastructure. The Siam Park (water park, 40 €/day) is regularly voted the best in the world.
★★ La Laguna
The UNESCO World Heritage City in the northeast — Tenerife's old capital (1496–1723) with a perfectly preserved colonial old town. Colorfully painted houses, two cathedrals, the university (1701), and a lively tapas scene. Less touristy than the south, but authentic and culturally rich.
★★ Anaga Mountains
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the northeast: ancient laurel forest (Laurisilva), cloud forests, steep ravines, and isolated mountain villages. The hike from Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo (4 hrs, moderate) is one of the most beautiful in the Canaries. Free maps and information at the visitor center in Cruz del Carmen.
Beaches
Playa de las Teresitas (near Santa Cruz) — Golden Sahara sand (imported in 1973!), sheltered bay, turquoise water. Tenerife's most beautiful beach, free and with parking.
Playa Jardín (Puerto de la Cruz) — Black volcanic sand, designed by César Manrique, with subtropical gardens. Dramatically beautiful.
Playa de Benijo (Anaga) — Wild black beach with rock towers in the water. Swim only in calm seas! The sunset here is magical.
Gran Canaria — The Miniature Continent★★★
Gran Canaria is called the "Miniature Continent" — and rightly so. On just 1,560 km², there are 14 different microclimates: Sahara dunes in the south, subtropical valleys in the north, pine forests in the center, and barren volcanic landscape in the west. The island has 236 km of coastline, 60 beaches, and with Las Palmas (380,000 inhabitants) the largest city in the Canaries.
The south around Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés is the tourist hub with endless sandy beaches, the center a hiking paradise with deep ravines (Barrancos), and the capital Las Palmas a cosmopolitan city with one of the best city beaches in the world.
Plan for 5–7 days on Gran Canaria — divided between the south (beach), center (hiking), and Las Palmas (culture).
Maspalomas & the South★★★
★★★ Dunes of Maspalomas
A 404-hectare dune landscape right by the sea — Sahara feeling on European soil. The dunes (up to 10 m high) are made of coral sand and shell limestone, behind them an oasis with palm trees and a saltwater lagoon (La Charca) with migratory birds. Nature reserve since 1994.
The dunes separate Playa del Inglés (6 km, touristy) from Playa de Maspalomas (2.7 km, nudist section). The walk through the dunes to the lighthouse Faro de Maspalomas (1890) takes about 45 minutes and is especially magical at sunset.
Free access. Do not stray from marked paths (nature conservation!). Bring water — there is no shade in the dunes. Camel rides through the dunes: €12 (20 min.).
★★ Playa de Amadores
Artificially created but beautiful beach west of Puerto Rico — light sand, calm turquoise water (protected bay), ideal for families. Sunbed + umbrella from €6/day.
★ Palmitos Park
Tropical zoo and botanical garden with 1,500 exotic birds, dolphin show, butterfly garden, and aquarium. Great for families.
€34 (adults), €24 (children 4–11). Daily 10 am–6 pm.
Las Palmas & Vegueta
★★★ Vegueta (Old Town)
The historic heart of the city, founded in 1478 — UNESCO candidate. Cobblestone streets, colonial houses with carved balconies, the Cathedral of Santa Ana (15th–19th century, mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassic styles, tower with panoramic view €3), and the Casa de Colón (Columbus Museum in the governor's palace where Columbus stayed during his voyages — €4).
On Thursdays and Sundays, the Vegueta district hosts a market — fruits, cheese, handicrafts. In the market hall Mercado de Vegueta there is fresh fish, tropical fruits, and the best coffee in town.
★★★ Playa de las Canteras
One of the best city beaches in Europe: 3 km of golden sand, protected by a natural reef (La Barra), forming a huge natural lagoon — perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Behind it, the promenade with cafés, restaurants, and the colorful surf district La Cicer at the southern end.
Free access. Surf course from €35 (2 hrs) at the surf schools at La Cicer. Sunbed + umbrella €8/day.
★★ Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
Interactive science museum in the harbor — excellent for families. Planetarium, flight simulator, walk-in exhibits.
€6 (adults), under 8 free. Tue–Sun 10 am–8 pm.
★ Triana (Shopping District)
The elegant shopping street Calle Mayor de Triana — Art Nouveau facades, independent boutiques, bookstores, and street cafés. At the end stands the Teatro Pérez Galdós (opera house, Art Nouveau, tours €3).
Mountain World in the Center
★★★ Roque Nublo
Gran Canaria's landmark — an 80 m high basalt rock at an altitude of 1,813 m, reaching up like a finger to the sky. The hike from the La Goleta parking lot takes 30 minutes (easy) and offers on clear days a view of Teide on Tenerife. Spectacular at sunset.
Free access. Parking at GC-600. Good shoes needed, last 100 m over rocks.
★★ Tejeda & Caldera de Tejeda
The most beautiful mountain village of Gran Canaria — white houses cling to a steep slope above the vast caldera. The village has been awarded as "one of the most beautiful villages in Spain." Here, try the famous Bienmesabe (almond cream, from €4) and marzipan pastries.
★★ Barranco de Guayadeque
A dramatic gorge with cave houses, cave restaurants, and cave churches — some still inhabited today! At Restaurante Tagoror (in a cave, Menú del día €12) you can enjoy Canarian cuisine in a natural grotto. Surreal and unique.
★ Pico de las Nieves
The highest point of Gran Canaria (1,949 m). Military base, so not accessible all the way to the top, but the viewpoints below offer a 360° panorama over the entire island.
Fuerteventura — Beaches & Surfing★★
Fuerteventura is the beach island of the Canaries — over 150 km of coastline, half of which are the finest sandy beaches. The island is flat (highest point only 807 m), desert-like, wind-swept, and sparsely populated (120,000 inhabitants on 1,660 km²). What sounds like desolation is actually breathtakingly beautiful: endless dune landscapes, turquoise lagoons, African-looking villages, and an emptiness that invites meditation.
Fuerteventura is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (the entire island!) and the surfing mecca of Europe: The northwest coast has world-class waves (up to 4 m), the southeast coast calm waters for learning. Plus kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving, and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.
Plan for 5–7 days — the beaches alone require several days.
The Best Beaches
★★★ Parque Natural de Corralejo
An 11 km stretch of dunes and beach in the northeast — one of Europe's most spectacular beaches. Fine white sand (actually crushed shells and corals), turquoise water, view of the island of Lobos. Several sections: the main beach (Banderas) is family-friendly, further south it becomes more secluded (nudist areas).
Free access. Parking at FV-1 (free). Bring wind protection — the trade wind almost always blows here. Water temperature 18–23°C depending on the season.
★★★ Playa de Cofete
The wildest beach in the Canary Islands: 12 km of untouched sand on the west coast of the Jandía Peninsula, accessible only via a hair-raising gravel road (12 km from Morro Jable, 30–40 min.). No infrastructure, no showers, no mobile reception. Instead, absolute solitude, dramatic mountain backdrop, and the spirit of adventure.
Warning: Strong currents — only experienced swimmers should enter the water! All-wheel drive vehicle recommended, standard rental cars at your own risk (check insurance!).
★★ Playa de Sotavento
The kitesurfing beach par excellence: 9 km long, at low tide a huge lagoon with knee-deep water forms — perfect for learning. Annual kitesurfing world championship. Kitesurfing courses from €80 (3 hrs), equipment from €60/day.
★ Isla de Lobos
Uninhabited island 2 km north of Corralejo — nature reserve with crystal-clear water, snorkeling paradise, and a short hike to the volcanic cone La Caldera (127 m, 30 min.). Ferry from Corralejo: €15 round trip, 15 min. ride. Access limited to 200 people/day — prior permit via lobospass.com.
Tipp
Fuerteventura is the windiest of the Canary Islands — the trade winds blow 300 days a year. For a beach holiday without wind: The east coast (Costa Calma, Jandía) is more sheltered. For surfers and kitesurfers, the wind is naturally a blessing.
Surfing & Water Sports
Surf Spots
Fuerteventura is Europe's answer to Hawaii — consistent Atlantic swells, warm water (18–23°C), and spots for every level:
- Beginners: Playa de la Pared (gentle waves, sandy bottom), Corralejo (Flag Beach, surf schools), Rocky Point near El Cotillo
- Intermediate: El Cotillo — The Bubble (fast right over reef, only at high tide), Playa del Hierro (powerful beach breaks)
- Experts: Lobos Derecha (right wave over volcanic reef, accessible only by boat), La Izquierda de la Pared (heavy left with big swell)
Surf Schools: Corralejo has over 20 surf schools. Beginner course (2 hrs): €35–45. Weekly course (5 × 2 hrs): €150–200. Surf camp (1 week incl. accommodation): €350–500.
Best Surf Time: October to March (bigger waves, less wind). In summer, smaller swell but ideal for beginners.
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Fuerteventura is also one of the top 5 destinations worldwide for kitesurfing. The constant trade winds (15–30 knots) and shallow lagoons make it ideal. Hotspot: Sotavento (southeast). Beginner courses from €80 (3 hrs), equipment rental from €60/day.
Lanzarote — Art & Volcanoes★★★
Lanzarote is the most unusual of the Canary Islands — a moon landscape of lava, shaped by devastating volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, and artistically refined by the genius of one man: César Manrique (1919–1992). The artist, architect, and environmentalist shaped the island like no other person has shaped a landscape: He prevented high-rise buildings, banned neon signs, and created artworks that blend architecture and nature.
The result is an island of surreal beauty: black lava fields, white houses, green vineyards in volcanic craters, and Manrique's brilliant installations in lava caves and volcanic craters. The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Plan for 4–6 days on Lanzarote — besides the Manrique sites and Timanfaya, you need time for the unique wine region La Geria and the hidden beaches.
Timanfaya & Volcanic Landscape★★★
★★★ Parque Nacional de Timanfaya (Montañas del Fuego)
The Fire Mountains — one of the youngest volcanic landscapes on Earth. Between 1730 and 1736, over 100 volcanoes erupted here, burying a quarter of the island under lava. The landscape looks like Mars: red-brown craters, black lava flows, not a single blade of grass. At a depth of 10 m, there are still 600°C — the rangers demonstrate this impressively: straw ignites in ground holes, water shoots into the air as a geyser.
The national park can only be explored by park bus (Ruta de los Volcanes, 30 min.) — this increases protection but can be frustrating if you want to take photos. At Islote de Hilario, the rangers demonstrate the geothermal heat, and the restaurant El Diablo grills meat over volcanic geothermal heat.
Entry: 12 € (adults), 6 € (children 7–12). Daily 9–17 (last entry 15:45). Come before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. — at midday, queues can last up to 1 hour.
★★ Wine Region La Geria
The most unusual vineyards in the world: Each vine grows individually in a hand-dug pit (Hoyo) of volcanic ash, protected by semicircular lava stone walls (Zocos). 10,000 of these pits stretch across the black lava landscape — an extraordinary sight. The Malvasía wine (sweet to dry) is excellent.
Wine tasting: Bodega La Geria (oldest bodega, from 7 €, 3 wines), Bodega El Grifo (museum + tasting from 10 €), Bodega Rubicón (from 8 €).
Tipp
Outside the national park, you can hike through the volcanic landscape: The Ruta del Litoral (coastal path from El Golfo to Playa de la Madera, 8 km, 2.5 hrs) leads through solidified lava flows right by the sea — dramatic and deserted.
César Manrique — Art & Architecture
★★★ Jameos del Agua
Manrique's masterpiece: A lava cave transformed into a total work of art. An underground lake with a colony of blind albino crabs (Munidopsis polymorpha, found only here), a tropical garden in a collapsed lava tunnel, a concert hall in a cave (600 seats, acoustics like in the Philharmonic), and a turquoise pool, though swimming is prohibited.
10 € (adults), 5 € (children). Daily 10–18. Evening concerts in the cave (special experience, from 15 €).
★★★ Fundación César Manrique
Manrique's former residence in Tahíche — built on and in a lava flow, with five living bubbles in natural lava bubbles. A white, modernist building merges with the black lava. Inside: Manrique's own art plus works by Picasso, Miró, Tàpies, and Chillida.
10 € (adults), 5 € (reduced). Mon–Sat 10–18, Sun 10–15.
★★ Mirador del Río
Viewpoint at 475 m height on the northern tip of Lanzarote with a spectacular view of the island La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago. Built into a cliff, almost invisible from the outside — typical Manrique. Inside, an elegant bar with panoramic windows.
5 € (adults). Daily 10–17:45.
★★ Cueva de los Verdes
A 6 km long lava cave (one of the longest in the world), with 1 km accessible as a guided tour. Dramatic lighting, bizarre formations, and at the end a surprise we won't reveal here — it's one of the best "wow moments" of the Canaries.
10 € (adults), 5 € (children). Tours every 30 min. Daily 10–17.
Manrique Combo Ticket
For 3 of the 4 CACT centers (Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río, Jardín de Cactus): 24 € instead of 30 € single entry. For all 4: 30 € instead of 35 €. Buy at the first center.
La Palma — Hiking & Starry Skies★★★
La Palma is the greenest and steepest Canary Island — the "Isla Bonita" (beautiful island) receives more rainfall than its neighbors and is covered with lush laurel forests, pine forests, and banana plantations. At its center yawns the Caldera de Taburiente — a 9 km wide, 1,500 m deep erosion crater, one of the largest in the world.
La Palma is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Spain's first Starlight Reserve — the law prohibits light pollution, and on the Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m) stand some of the most powerful telescopes in the world. The night sky here is so clear that you can see the Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye.
In September 2021, the volcano Cumbre Vieja erupted and destroyed over 1,600 buildings. The affected areas in the west are slowly recovering; the rest of the island remains untouched and welcomes visitors.
Plan for 5–7 days — La Palma is the ultimate hiking island of the Canaries.
Hiking & Nature
★★★ Caldera de Taburiente
The national park around the gigantic erosion crater is La Palma's crown jewel. The standard hike leads from Mirador de los Brecitos down into the caldera and through the Barranco de las Angustias gorge — 16 km, 6–7 hours, 1,000 meters downhill. Along the way: waterfalls (Cascada de los Colores with its rust-colored rocks), Canary pines, rock needles, and absolute wilderness.
Taxi to the starting point Los Brecitos: 18 € from Los Llanos. Good hiking boots and 2 liters of water are mandatory. Register in advance via the national park website (free).
★★★ Roque de los Muchachos
The highest point of La Palma (2,426 m) and location of the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos — one of the most important observatories in the Northern Hemisphere. On clear days, you can see all the western Canary Islands at once. The sea of clouds (mar de nubes) below the summit is breathtaking.
Observatory tours: June–November, approx. 16 €, book in advance via iac.es. The road to the summit is passable year-round (except in snow/ice). Dress warmly — even in summer, it can be 5°C cold at the top.
★★ Bosque de los Tilos
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a piece of primeval forest in the middle of the Canaries. Laurel trees (Laurisilva), giant ferns, and moss in a mystical cloud forest that has survived since the Tertiary period. The circular hike through the Cubo de la Galga (2.5 hrs, easy) is the most accessible route.
★ Ruta de los Volcanes
The volcano route (17 km, 6–7 hrs, demanding) runs along the volcanic ridge of the Cumbre Vieja, past dozens of craters, with views of both coasts at once. One of the most spectacular hiking trails in Europe.
Tipp
La Palma has over 1,000 km of marked hiking trails (GR long-distance trails and PR circular routes). The free app "Senderos de La Palma" has all routes with GPS, elevation profiles, and descriptions. Hiking poles are worth their weight in gold on the steep descents.
Starry Skies & Astro Tourism
★★★ Stargazing on La Palma
La Palma has one of the clearest night skies in the world — thanks to the Ley del Cielo (Sky Law of 1988), which regulates light pollution, flight routes, and industrial emissions. The result: On 200+ nights per year, perfect viewing conditions, Bortle scale 1–2 (the best there is).
What you see: Milky Way in full splendor (like a luminous band), Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye, endless shooting stars, and under good conditions the zodiacal light (light pyramid on the horizon).
Guided Tours: Several providers offer night tours with professional telescopes (see Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, nebulae!). From 40 €/person (2–3 hours), including hot drink and blanket. The best: Astrotour La Palma and Cielos La Palma.
Best Time: New moon nights from May to October. The Perseids (mid-August) are a natural spectacle on La Palma — up to 100 shooting stars per hour.
Astronomical Viewpoints
La Palma has 16 official astro-viewpoints (Miradores Astronómicos) with information boards and optimal alignment. The best:
- Llano del Jable (1,200 m) — Easily accessible, clear horizon to the south, parking
- Mirador del Molino (Barlovento) — Northern tip, little light pollution
- Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m) — Above the clouds, but cold and windy
La Gomera — Garajonay & Silence★★
La Gomera is the second smallest of the main islands (370 km², 22,000 inhabitants) — and the most original. No airport runway (only ferry or propeller plane from Tenerife), no mass tourism, no hotel complexes. Instead: A UNESCO World Heritage cloud forest, deep ravines (Barrancos), terraced fields, and a whistling language (Silbo Gomero) still used by locals today.
The Garajonay National Park covers a third of the island — a relic from the Tertiary period when all of southern Europe looked like this. Moss-covered laurel trees, giant ferns, mystical fog, absolute silence. Hiking here is not a pastime but a way of life.
La Gomera is perfect for 3–4 days as a complement to Tenerife (ferry from Los Cristianos: 50 min., from 35 € round trip).
Garajonay & Highlights
★★★ Garajonay National Park
An 11 million-year-old cloud forest — UNESCO World Heritage since 1986. Here grow laurel species that became extinct in the rest of Europe during the Ice Ages: stink laurel, Canarian holly, tree heath. The forest looks like something out of a Tolkien novel: moss-covered tree trunks, hanging lichens, mystical fog drifting through the canopies.
Best Hikes:
- El Cedro — Hermigua (circular route, 3 hrs, moderate) — Through the densest laurel forest to the El Cedro stream and one of the few inns in the forest (Bar La Vista, stew from 8 €).
- Contadero — Alto de Garajonay (summit hike, 1.5 hrs, easy) — To the highest point of the island (1,487 m), panoramic view of all western islands.
- Raso de la Bruma (fog path, 2 hrs, easy) — Through the most atmospheric part of the forest, perfect for photos.
Visitor Center Juego de Bolas (near Agulo): free maps, exhibition on flora/fauna, garden with endemic plants. Mon–Sun 9:30–16:30.
★★ Valle Gran Rey
The hippie valley of La Gomera: In the 1970s, the first dropouts came, and the atmosphere has remained. Terraced palm valleys, black beaches, cheap guesthouses (from 35 €/night), vegetarian restaurants, and a relaxed community of long-term vacationers and digital nomads.
★★ Silbo Gomero — The Whistling Language
A UNESCO World Heritage Language: The Gomeros communicate across ravines using a sophisticated whistling language that translates Spanish vowels and consonants into whistle tones. Range up to 3 km! Compulsory subject in Gomera's schools since 1999. At Restaurant Las Rosas (near Agulo), there are daily demonstrations with lunch (18 €).
★ San Sebastián de la Gomera
The island capital (9,000 inhabitants) — here Columbus made his last stop on his voyages to the New World. The Iglesia de la Asunción (15th century) and the Casa de la Aguada (where Columbus fetched water) are reminders. The harbor area is nice for a coffee.
Island Comparison & Decision Guide
Each Canary Island has its own character — the wrong choice can ruin the vacation, the right one can make it unforgettable. Here's the honest overview:
For Beach Holidays & Sun
Fuerteventura (the best beaches), Gran Canaria South (infrastructure + beach) or Tenerife South (package + water parks). Lanzarote has fewer large beaches but wilder ones.
For Hikers
La Palma (the ultimate), La Gomera (cloud forest), Tenerife North (Anaga + Teide) or Gran Canaria Center (ravines). Fuerteventura is too flat for hiking.
For Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
Fuerteventura (surfing mecca), Lanzarote (strong waves, reef breaks) or Gran Canaria (El Confital for bodyboarding).
For Culture & Architecture
Lanzarote (César Manrique), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas/Vegueta) or Tenerife (La Laguna UNESCO).
For Peace & Seclusion
La Gomera (no flights, no mass tourism), El Hierro (the smallest main island, 11,000 inhabitants, diving + volcanoes), La Palma (deserted off the hiking trails).
For Families
Gran Canaria South (infrastructure, water park Aqualand), Tenerife South (Siam Park, Loro Parque), Fuerteventura (shallow beaches, calm water east coast).
Climate Comparison (Average Temperatures)
| Month | Tenerife South | Gran Canaria | Fuerteventura | Lanzarote | La Palma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 20°C | 20°C | 19°C | 18°C |
| April | 23°C | 22°C | 22°C | 21°C | 20°C |
| July | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 24°C |
| October | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C |
Rule of thumb: The eastern islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura) are drier and windier. The western ones (La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro) are greener and wetter. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have both — north wet, south dry.
Tipp
Island hopping is easy and affordable: Inter-island flights with Binter Canarias from 35 € (30–50 min.), ferries with Fred Olsen or Naviera Armas from 25 € (Tenerife–La Gomera 50 min., Fuerteventura–Lanzarote 25 min.). Ideal for 2 weeks: 1 week Tenerife or Gran Canaria + 3–4 days La Palma or La Gomera.
Eating in the Canaries€
The Canarian cuisine is simple, honest, and distinctive — neither typically Spanish nor African, but a unique tradition with pre-Spanish influences from the Guanches (indigenous people). Basic ingredients: potatoes, corn (Gofio), goat cheese, fish, bananas, and Mojo sauces. No frills, just flavor.
The prices are significantly cheaper than on the Spanish mainland: The Canaries have reduced VAT (IGIC instead of IVA, only 7% instead of 21% on the mainland). A Menú del día costs 8–12 €, a Ración of fish 10–15 €, a Café solo 1.20 €, a beer 1.50–2 €.
Typical Dishes & Specialties
The Classics
- Papas arrugadas con Mojo — THE Canarian national dish: Small potatoes, cooked in very salty water (until the skin becomes "wrinkled"), served with two sauces: Mojo rojo (red, mildly spicy, with paprika and chili) and Mojo verde (green, with coriander or parsley). As a starter from 4 €.
- Gofio — Roasted cornmeal, the staple food of the Guanches. Stirred into soups (Gofio escaldado), served as a side dish to stews, or as a dessert with honey and almonds (Mousse de Gofio). Unassuming but surprisingly tasty.
- Ropa Vieja — "Old Clothes" — a stew of chickpeas, potatoes, beef, and vegetables. Filling and affordable (from 8 €).
- Queso asado con Mojo — Grilled goat cheese with Mojo sauce and palm syrup. Perfect appetizer, from 6 €.
Fish & Seafood
- Vieja (parrotfish) — The Canarian favorite fish, grilled or fried, with Papas arrugadas. From 12 €.
- Sancocho canario — Salted fish (Sama or Cherne) with potatoes, sweet potatoes, and Gofio. The festive dish, from 10 €.
- Caldo de pescado — Simple but delicious fish soup with potatoes and saffron. From 6 €.
- Pulpo a la plancha — Grilled octopus with olive oil and paprika. From 12 €.
Cheese
The Canaries are a goat cheese paradise. The Queso Majorero (Fuerteventura) was the first Canarian cheese to receive a designation of origin (D.O.) — smoked, semi-mature, or mature, always intense. The Queso de Flor de Guía (Gran Canaria) is made with artichoke thistle flowers instead of rennet — creamy and unique (from 18 €/kg). On La Palma, the Queso Palmero (smoked, strong).
Sweet Treats
- Bienmesabe (Gran Canaria) — Almond cream with honey, lemon, and cinnamon. "Tastes good to me" is the name, and it keeps its promise. From 4 € as a dessert.
- Frangollo — Corn pudding with raisins, almonds, and cinnamon. Rustic dessert, from 3.50 €.
- Plátano canario — The Canarian banana is smaller, sweeter, and more aromatic than those from overseas. At roadside stands from 1 €/kg.
Beverages
Wine: The Canaries have 10 D.O. wine regions. Highlights: Malvasía from Lanzarote (sweet, fruity), Listán Negro from Tenerife (light red wine), Listán Blanco from La Palma (mineral). A glass from 2 €, bottle from 8 € in restaurants.
Ron Miel: Canarian honey rum — sweet, sticky, dangerously delicious. As a digestif or on ice. From 6 € a bottle in supermarkets.
Barraquito: The Canarian coffee masterpiece — layered milk coffee with Licor 43, condensed milk, frothed milk, cinnamon, and lemon peel. Looks like a cocktail, tastes heavenly. From 3 € in any café.
Tipp
The best Guachinches on Tenerife: Small, seasonal backyard restaurants where winemakers serve their own wine and simple food — often in garages or courtyards, without signs. Menu (soup + meat + wine) from 8–10 €. Ask locals for the next open Guachinche or search in the app "Buen Provecho Guachinches".
War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
