Gran Canaria for Foodies

18 November 2024

Just a four-hour flight from the UK and blessed with year-round sunshine, the third-largest of the ever-popular Canary Islands lures with its golden-sand beaches, dramatic mountain landscapes, and atmospheric cities, towns and villages including the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It’s also a fabulous destination for foodies, with wonderful cuisine, wine and rum to sample.

Family-run fincas in Gran Canaria grow everything from tomatoes and potatoes to bananas and coffee. The cheese is great too, and Canarian honey (an ingredient in the famous rum) can be tasted at the farms themselves.

Sustainability is key to the island’s success, and in August there’s even the Km.0 Festival celebrating and promoting hyper-local ingredients from around 160 island producers making everything from Canarian bread to chorizo.

The Gran Canaria Wine Route

The only certified Spanish wine route outside mainland Spain, La Ruta del Vino de Gran Canaria is a stunning journey through the landscapes and ways of life of inland Gran Canaria, with just over 50 wineries, restaurants, wine cellars and estates, cheese factories and traditional family-run bochinches welcoming visitors with open arms. See as few or as many as you like by hiring a car and enjoying the freedom to discover them at whim.

Gran Canaria’s red and white wines are nuanced, with notes of wood and volcanic giving them a unique character. Gran Canaria is home to nearly 40 grape varieties, and some of the estates on the island hold more than eight types of grapes. These include centuries-old varieties that disappeared from mainland European soil after the phylloxera outbreak and adapted to the island territory, resulting in unique vines.

Food Highlights of Gran Canaria

The north is a prime spot for sampling authentic local cuisine and drink, including the island’s signature honey rum at the Arehuas rum factory – the oldest rum distillery in Europe. Coffee, banana and other tropical fruit plantations dot this gorgeous landscape, and there are lot of places to stop off for wine tastings or to see award-winning local cheese makers in action.

But food discoveries abound all over the island. Sample local tapas in Las Palmas’ Puerto Market for the ultimate authentic experience, and enjoy an almost bewildering choice of restaurants and bars with open-air terraces all around the city, including those lining gorgeous 4km Las Canteras Beach (named one of Spain’s Top 10 Beaches by TripAdvisor) and those of Vegueta (which has its own tapas route every Thursday).

Dotted all over Gran Canaria, unpretentious local tavernas are great places to sample homemade dishes based on seasonal local ingredients, many with garden terraces and some located in family farmhouses. On the coast, seafood is naturally prevalent, while inland the onus is on meat, including rabbit and goat. Don’t miss local recipes including papas arrugadas (wrinkled Canarian potatoes) with mojo sauce, gofio escaldado (a fine gofio-flour purée served with toppings and chopped onions) and potaje (chickpea) stew.

Catch by local fishermen includes sardines (sardinas), mackerel (caballa), whitebait (longorones) and horse mackerel (chicharros), which appear regularly on menu boards of the island’s many fish restaurants. These little fish in turn attract tuna: look for signs for fresh bonito or atun. Something else to keep an eye out for is pescado de barquillo, small fish such as striped or pink bream, combers, parrot fish and red mullet tossed in flour and grilled or deep-fried, often priced by weight. Squid and octopus are also sometimes caught locally.

To book your foodie break in Gran Canaria, get in touch today. You’ll benefit from full financial protection and a 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.

How to experience Bangkok your way

03 July 2026

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Ancient temples stand alongside glittering skyscrapers, peaceful rivers weave through bustling neighbourhoods, and hidden street food stalls sit just moments from rooftop bars with panoramic skyline views. The beauty of Bangkok is that there isn't just one way to experience it. Whether you're drawn to contemporary design, riverside relaxation, or timeless luxury, the city can be shaped around the type of holiday you're looking for. Read on to discover Bangkok your way.

Why Aruba is one of the Caribbean's best beach destinations for families

03 July 2026

When you're planning a family beach holiday, it's often the little things that matter most. Calm water where younger children can paddle safely, beaches with plenty of space to play, and a destination that's easy to explore without spending hours in the car. That's exactly what makes Aruba such a fantastic choice. While the island is known for its picture-perfect white sand and turquoise sea, it's also one of the Caribbean's most family-friendly destinations. Its compact size, year-round sunshine, and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to balance beach days with adventures, creating a holiday that everyone can enjoy.

Why Mare Ayia Napa Is a dream for food lovers

02 July 2026

For many travellers, great food is what turns a good holiday into a memorable one, and Mare Ayia Napa has made dining one of the standout parts of the experience. Set on Cyprus' south-east coast, just minutes from Cape Greco National Forest Park and the lively centre of Ayia Napa, this beachfront resort pairs relaxed Mediterranean living with an impressive variety of places to eat and drink. With eight restaurants, five bars, international branded beverages, and an all-inclusive package that goes well beyond the expected, there's always something different to look forward to. Even your arrival feels considered, thanks to a stocked mini fridge waiting in your room.