Gastronomic guide of the Canary Islands

Good food is undoubtedly one of life's greatest pleasures. Although the entire Spanish geography is full of delicacies, there is one place that stands out: the Canary Islands. Their varied and fresh ingredients make Canarian cuisine unique in the world.

At Ferryhopper you can book your ferry tickets easily and with no hidden fees. Just think about good food and we'll take care of the rest! Read on to discover:

• Culinary history of the Canary Islands
• Top products of each island
• Typical dishes of the Canary Islands

Tables ready for service in a Canarian restaurant

Culinary history of the Canary Islands

Canarian cuisine is the result of a mixture of European, African and South American cultures, an exquisite cocktail of different dishes that combine in the best possible ways. Traveling in the Canary Islands is like traveling around the world!

The gastronomy of the archipelago is all about using only excellent raw materials, with love as the main ingredient. The best thing about this cuisine is that it never ceases to surprise: there is always a new and different flavor that will captivate you.

Read on to discover the top products of each island and the dishes you have to try on your trip to the Canaries!

The gastronomic map of the Canary Islands

One of the best things about the Canary Archipelago is that no two islands are alike. This is reflected in its cuisine, so succulent that once you try it you won't be able to forget it. Go island-hopping around the archipelago and discover many fascinating products!

Of course, bananas are the top product of the archipelago, and they are produced on most of the islands. Below, you will find some lesser-known but equally tasty Canarian products:

Gastronomic map of the typical products of the Canary Islands

Fuerteventura, the land of cheese

If you are a cheese lover, going to Fuerteventura and trying its traditional cheese is a must. This kind of cheese can only be found here as it is made with local goat's milk.

It is one of the star products of Canarian cuisine and has had a designation of origin since 1996.

Fun fact: in 2012, Majorero cheese was recognized as one of the best goat cheeses in the world.

La Palma, a very salty island

In the south of La Palma, in the salt flats of Fuencaliente, the locals collect the so-called "white gold" of the Atlantic with great care and craftsmanship.

This salt is considered to be Canarian heritage and is exported to kitchens from all over the world. In addition, the place offers unmatched views: a volcanic balcony shaken by the ocean breeze. 

Fun fact: in Roman times, salt had a great value and was often used as payment for soldiers. That’s where the word "salary" comes from!

Salinas de Fuencaliente salt flats on the south of La Palma

La Gomera, honey on flakes

Palm honey is a delicacy reserved for gourmet palates. If cheese is the king of the Canary Islands, honey is undoubtedly the queen.

This exclusive honey from La Gomera stands out for its intense and aromatic flavor. It is ideal for desserts and also to sweeten cocktails, a true Canarian delicacy!

Fun fact: palm honey does not come from bees, but from a native plant. It is true that every day you learn something new!

Gran Canaria, the paradise of rum

You have probably tasted a lot of rums. But nothing like the one produced in Gran Canaria. Get ready and let’s head to the island’s rum sanctuary!

In Arucas, they have been distilling rum for centuries and that's a long time to perfect the technique. This rum is more transparent than usual, but just as delicious.

Fun fact: monks have been distilling rum in Gran Canaria since the 18th century!

Tenerife, the kingdom of potatoes

Tenerife has so many varieties of potatoes that it will be difficult to choose which one to try. But don't worry, they are all pure ambrosia and happiness.

Being a main ingredient in Canarian cuisine, potatoes are used in countless dishes. We suggest you taste them with the spicy sauce known as mojo picón.

Fun fact: the color of the potato is what determines its value. The most expensive of all is usually the black potato.

A basket full of delicious black potatoes from Tenerife

El Hierro, pineapple galore

The Canary Islands are often associated with bananas, but let's not let their fame overshadow the goodness of the pineapple from El Hierro. Juicy, fresh and nutritious, this tropical fruit is only grown on the island.

Its sweet and sour flavor distinguishes it from other pineapple varieties and makes everyone who tastes it fall in love with it.

Fun fact: when the pineapple arrived in Europe in 1493, many considered it a royal fruit because of its crown. It was even used as a decoration for parties!

Lanzarote, the corner of good wine

This list wouldn’t be complete without wine. In the area of La Geria, in the south of Lanzarote, there are large plantations of Malvasia grape, which is what the nectar of the gods is made of.

Its fruity aroma contrasts with its intense almond flavor, creating a symphony of pleasure on your palate.

Fun fact: the vineyards are grown in volcanic soils, resulting in a unique and special flavor. You could say that it is a volcanic wine.

Malvasia vines grow in the volcanic soil of Lanzarote

Typical dishes of the Canarian cuisine

As we have seen, the Canary Islands produce everything from cheese to wine and the juiciest of fruits!

It's time to take all these ingredients to the kitchen and prepare delicious dishes with the unmistakable stamp of this land. Sit at the table and enjoy the menu!

• Gofio escaldado: it is a broth mixed with the mythical cereal called gofio. Smooth to the palate, it is an exclusive rarity of the islands.
• Caldo millo: a classic of Canarian cuisine. There are countless variants, but the original is made with corn and has a very appetizing thick texture.
• Watercress stew: this stew is made with legumes and a type of vegetable called watercress. The rest of the ingredients vary according to the recipe, but the flavor is always amazing!
• Lapas with mojo: tasting this mollusk is like having the ocean on your palate. A delicatessen reserved only for the most demanding diners and seafood lovers.
• Vieja: a very tasty fish, tender and boneless. It is prepared in the oven, with a drizzle of oil, some delicious potatoes and green coriander mojo.
• Ropa vieja: a mouthwatering dish prepared with shredded meat, seasonal vegetables and chickpeas.
• Ribs with maize: a savory and tasty dish made with pork ribs and stewed maize. Once you try it, you won't want to eat anything else!
• Bienmesabe: dense and creamy paste made with almonds. It is usually accompanied with a delicious scoop of ice cream, the cherry on top of a perfect menu!
• Suspiros de Moya: a kind of hard meringue typical from Gran Canaria. Its elaboration is simple and traditional. A temptation that you must try!

Where can I book ferry tickets to the Canary Islands online?

Don't think twice! Now that you know all about the best dishes of the Canary Islands, it's time to book your ferry tickets to the archipelago with Ferryhopper. Check out our Map of ferries to see all available routes!

Tip: download our app app now and get your tickets with no hidden fees.