A trip to Gran Canaria is not only a feast for the eyes; it is also a feast for the tummy.

Located in the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean between Spain and Africa, the island is a popular tourist destination the whole year round.

Here, you won’t miss the food back home. There are many bars and restaurants serving a wide variety of dishes and meals to suit most people’s taste.

If you want to savour the island’s local cuisine, you have to go inland and away from the hotels and major resort areas. The island is small (only about 50 km across), so it won’t take long for you to get around. Hire a car and discover a quaint fishing village or a quiet part of town.

The food of Gran Canaria is traditionally Spanish, with African and Latin American influences. Fish is abundant (and fresh!) so be sure to enjoy some.
Feast on Sancocho Canario, a savoury salt fish and potato stew served with papas arrugadas. If you want something light, then try the Caldereta de Pescado or fish soup.

Sample Papas Arrugadas or wrinkled potatoes, usually served with spicy Mojo-Sauces. This delectable dish goes well with slices of local goat cheese from Guia. Papas Arrugadas are often served as an accompaniment to other dishes.

Got a big appetite? Then try Ropa Vieja (type of casserole), Carajacas (filleted liver) and the Puchero Canario, a hearty meat stew made from pumpkin, cabbage, sweet potatoes and beef.

Does this make your mouth watering? Indulge yourself. Come to a Gran Canaria holiday now and tickle your taste buds!

GRAN CANARIA AND ITS WINES

One of the unique aspects of the island of Gran Canaria is the diversity of microclimates that are found on the island, which is why grapes of the same variety that are cultivated in a very small geographical area, present such a wide range of oenological characteristics. Another distinctive characteristic of the local wines is the fact that most of the vines were introduced onto the island before the occurrence of the phylloxera plague that devastated Europe's vineyards.

Consequently, it is possible to cultivate the vines without having to resort to grafting, which is why the island’sviticulture enjoys certain unique characteristics.

In the 16th century, the most famous of the wines that were exported from the Canary Islands were known as “malvasia” or simply “vino de Canarias” (wine from the Canaries). At present, a much more extensive range of wines are being produced on the island under the denomination of origin, “Monte Lentiscal”, and the denomination of origin, “Gran Canaria”.

The grape varieties that are most widely cultivated are common black, negramoll, tintilla, black moscatel, malvasia and listan. Both denominations encompass approximately twelve commercial brands that produce young, red and white wines.

These magnificent wines have already conquered the local market and their fame is growing steadily. The best way to get to know the wine culture of Gran Canaria is to visit the island's wine cellars.
Some of these cellars have their own museums and virtually every cellar has tasting facilities, where you can buy the local wines directly. In many cellars, you can also enjoy the local cuisine by prior reservation.

This “rebirth” of viticulture in Gran Canaria has been enriched by the inauguration of the Wine Museum, which is located in a house in the centre of Santa Brígida that is more than two centuries old.