Experiences

The Canary Islands surprise the palate with the wide variety and quality of their cheeses. The archipelago is the Spanish autonomous community that consumes the most cheese per inhabitant, and one of the regions of Europe with the most artisanal dairies per square metre. The cheese-making tradition is a fundamental part of Canarian culture, with ancient customs, like transhumance. There are three protected designations of origin, although delicious varieties of cheese can be found on all the Islands, with unique textures and nuances, and all the flavour of the archipelago.

Volcanic earth can have numerous benefits for our skin. It contains rocks with excellent properties, such as pumice, basalt or obsidian. In the Canary Islands, these very special materials are used to make different cosmetic products of volcanic origin, such as artisanal soaps, for example. Without a doubt, these articles radiate undeniable beauty based on the natural charm of the Canary Islands.

Throughout history, the Canary Island date palm has been used as a raw material to produce all kinds of everyday objects: from baskets, hats and bags to brooms, lamps and bottle holders. Because the art of basketry has deep roots in the Canary Islands, and has been handed down from generation to generation by their artisans.

One of the archipelago’s most important activities in economic and historical terms owes its prominence to a miniscule animal, the cochineal, which came to the Islands from America and was cultivated on cactus plantations in the 19th century. Cochineals are used to extract carmine, a natural dye that is famous across the globe, used in areas such as cosmetics, food or textiles. A product with Protected Designation of Origin that brings colour to the world from the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands are an authentic jewel of nature. But the real jewels of the archipelago are Canarian earrings. These crescent moon-shaped hoops with delicate filigree are one of the most representative ornamental objects of the Islands. In 2500 BCE, Sumerian women wore these special pieces of jewellery, and their appearance on the Islands goes back to the time of the conquistadors. Although they are usually made of gold or silver, they can also be found in other materials. Whatever their composition, they are a unique piece of jewellery that transmits all the authenticity and beauty of the Islands.

Gofio is a foodstuff which, over history, has become a symbol of Canarian culture. It is a type of flour made from toasted cereals, mainly corn (known as millo on the islands) or wheat. This product is usually found in Canarian kitchens, and every visitor should try it on their trip to this archipelago. Would you like to know more about this superfood?

Throughout history, Canarian folk music has managed to brighten up the hearts of all of the inhabitants of the islands. In fact, its origins go back to the time of the indigenous Canarians, making it a unique hallmark of the islands’ identity. Today this music still livens up fiestas and romerías, or pilgrimages, thanks to unique traditional instruments.

Almonds, cinnamon, cheese, lemons and even sweet potatoes. These are some of the ingredients used to make Canarian confectionary. Recipes with a long history that have managed to conquer palates, generation after generation, and become an emblem of the archipelago. Without question, trying one of these typical desserts is a cultural experience full of Canarian tradition… and plenty of flavour!

The first settlers of the Canary Islands made ceramic pieces using techniques that have been passed down to us through the ages. The most curious feature is that even today, this pottery is made without a wheel, using the same technique as that employed by the indigenous people: urdido, a method consisting of modelling using rolls or “churros”. The pieces, with a multitude of shapes depending on the uses, are made using clay from volcanic soils. Discovering the ceramics, and even taking part in the courses organised by the potters in their workshops, is a wonderful experience for connecting to the essence of the Canary Islands.

Thanks to the bounty of the climate and the volcanic soil, the aloe vera that grows in the Canary Islands has superior qualities to that found in other places. The ancient indigenous people were aware of its healing properties: it relieves pain and heals, is a natural antiseptic and antiallergen… Today it is sold in numerous formats on the islands, and has become a veritable Canarian icon for improving your wellbeing.