The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, known for year-round mild weather, volcanic landscapes, and beaches across islands including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Mojo Canario (jarred sauce)
The definitive Canarian souvenir — mojo rojo (red pepper, paprika) and mojo verde (coriander or parsley). Available at every supermarket, market, and artisan food shop. Look for artisan versions without preservatives at Mercado de Vegueta (Las Palmas) or Teror Sunday market.
Where: Mercado de Vegueta, Las Palmas, Teror Sunday Market, Gran Canaria, Mercado del Agricultor de Teguise, Lanzarote
Ron Miel (Canarian Honey Rum)
Honey rum unique to the Canary Islands, only legally produced here. Sweet, amber, and typically served as a digestif. Arehucas (Gran Canaria) and Aldea are the top brands. Available duty-free at airports and in supermarkets throughout the islands.
Where: Airport duty-free shops, El Corte Inglés Las Palmas, Supermercados HiperDino
Lanzarote Malvasía Wine
Volcanic wine grown in the lunar-landscape La Geria region of Lanzarote. Unique white Malvasía grape wines with a crisp, mineral character from the volcanic ash. El Grifo (est. 1775, Spain's oldest winery) and Bodega La Geria are top producers.
Where: Bodega El Grifo, Lanzarote (visitor centre), Bodega La Geria, Lanzarote, Airport duty-free
Majorero Cheese (Queso Majorero)
PDO-certified goat's cheese from Fuerteventura — Spain's most decorated cheese. Comes fresh (tierno), semi-cured, or fully cured; also available rubbed with paprika, oil, or gofio. Vacuum-packed for travel.
Where: Mercado Municipal de Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Airport shops in Fuerteventura, El Corte Inglés food halls
Gofio (Canarian Toasted Flour)
The ancient Guanche staple — toasted grain flour used in porridge, bread, smoothies, and as a thickener. Unique to the Canary Islands. Comes in wheat (trigo), maize (millo), and mixed varieties. Very light to carry.
Where: Any supermarket across all islands, Mercado de Vegueta, Las Palmas
Almogrote (La Gomera Cheese Paste)
A pungent, deeply savoury spread from La Gomera made from aged goat's cheese, paprika, garlic, and olive oil. Exceptional with crusty bread. Sold in small jars at La Gomera markets and artisan shops.
Where: Mercado Municipal de San Sebastián de La Gomera, Artisan shops in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera
Timple (Canarian Instrument)
The iconic 5-string Canarian instrument, similar to a ukulele. A unique and meaningful souvenir for music lovers. Handmade artisan timples by master craftsmen are available in Las Palmas and Tenerife specialist shops.
Where: Casa de la Música, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Artisan shops in La Orotava, Tenerife
Palm Honey (Miel de Palma)
A dark, treacly syrup made from the sap of Canarian palm trees — unique to La Gomera and only produced there. Rich and earthy, excellent drizzled over local cheese or desserts. Often paired with almogrote.
Where: La Gomera markets, Specialty food shops in Las Palmas
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado de Vegueta
A traditional covered market in the Vegueta historic district selling fresh produce, local cheeses, mojo sauces, gofio, tropical fruits, and artisan food products.
Hours: 08:00–14:00 Monday–Saturday
Sunday Market, Teror
Gran Canaria's most famous Sunday market in the beautiful historic village of Teror. Sells local food products, crafts, cheese, sausages, honey, and Canarian products. Very popular with locals and tourists.
Hours: 09:00–14:00 Sundays only
Mercado del Agricultor de Teguise
Lanzarote's largest and most famous market held every Sunday in the historic town of Teguise. Over 200 stalls selling crafts, leather goods, souvenirs, local food, and jewellery.
Hours: 09:00–14:00 Sundays only
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Santa Cruz's main covered market (Mercado Africano) selling fresh fish, produce, spices, and local Canarian products. A colourful, authentic market popular with locals.
Hours: 06:00–14:00 Monday–Saturday