The gastronomy of the Canary Islands is all about quality and tradition. Food culture is deeply connected to agricultural production—from exotic fruits and native grape varieties to the richness of local seafood, including the prized bluefin tuna. The agri-food sector of the islands is especially focused on sustainability, supporting small-scale farms and promoting local resources.
What to Eat in the Canary Islands
Local recipes with potatoes and fresh fishTraditional Canarian cuisine is a unique blend of influences, reflecting the many cultures that have shaped these islands. The result is a mix of flavors and contrasts found in classic dishes like tasty “papas arrugadas con mojo picón” (wrinkled potatoes with spicy sauce) or “gofio”, a toasted cereal flour made from corn and wheat, dating back to the earliest inhabitants.
Local vegetables take center stage in dishes like watercress stew, corn on the cob with potatoes and ribs, or stuffed “bubangos”—a unique variety of zucchini. Fresh fish is always featured, especially local species such as the mild-flavored parrotfish and deep-water grouper.
From Show Cooking to Guachinches
The Canary Islands boast some of Spain’s top food and wine festivals. There’s a huge range of restaurants offering local cuisine for curious travelers, but it’s the festivals, food fairs, and events—with farmers, breeders, fishermen, specialist chefs, and even tastings on the beach—that truly showcase the region.
The islands are blessed with abundant natural resources. Local festivals are proof of the area’s top culinary traditions and the emphasis on farm-to-table ingredients. Avocado farming has been well-known in the Canary Islands since the 17th century. And potato cultivation goes back to the 16th century, making it one of the first places in Europe to grow them.
Taking part in these events is a fantastic way to discover the authentic cuisine of the Canary Islands. Alongside tastings and market stalls offering high-quality, sustainably sourced food, many festivals feature live cooking shows with Canarian, Spanish, and even international cuisine. These events celebrate the energy and creativity of the islands’ food scene and offer visitors a window into local history.
One of the highlights is a seasonal tradition in Tenerife that starts in autumn and lasts four months: the “guachinche season” marks the arrival of the new wine. It’s a true food and wine tour held in makeshift restaurants set up in courtyards and garages, where you’ll experience home-style meals and local wines in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Food and Wine Festivals in the Canary Islands
SEPTEMBER
- Feria Insular de la Papa (Island Potato Fair)
Date: 10-11 September
Location: Teror, Gran Canaria https://www.grancanaria.com/turismo/
- Feria del Mango y el Aguacate (Mango and Avocado Fair)
Date: 3 September
Location: Playa de Mogán, Gran Canaria
- GastroCanarias 2022
Date: 27, 28 and 29 September
Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife https://www.webtenerife.com/
OCTOBER
- Las Noches de Jameos
Date: Fridays in October
Location: Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote https://www.turismolanzarote.com
NOVEMBER
- Mes del Vino, La Laguna
Date: November
Location: La Laguna, Tenerife
- Ruta de la Tapa de Setas (Mushroom Tapas Route)
Date: 12 November–12 December
Location: El Rosario, Tenerife
- Festival Gastronómico Especial Degusta.me
Date: 19-20 November
Location: Costa Adeje, Tenerife
- El Festival de las Culturas
Date: 22-28 November
Location: Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura https://visitfuerteventura.es/
- Festival Enogastronómico Sabore a Lanzarote
Date: 24-25 November
Location: Teguise, Lanzarote
DECEMBER
- Worldcanic Lanzarote
Date: 1-3 December
Location: All across Lanzarote
- Feria de la Tapa Herreña Sabores
Date: 14-16 December
Location: Valverde, El Hierro https://elhierro.travel/
(Dates may change at the discretion of organizers)
