Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are two of the destinations most visited by national and international tourists, as they offer a wide variety of places to enjoy: beaches, natural pools, dunes, parks and other tourist attractions. If you want to bring a little of the essence of these regions to a family member or friend, in this article we present some of the best typical Canarian gifts.
5 typical Canarian gifts
The typical Canarian gifts usually purchased by tourists during their visit to the islands are very varied, ranging from decorative objects to sweets and drinks made on the islands.
Among the typical Canarian gifts, the following stand out:
Handicrafts
Among the typical Canarian gifts, you can give handicrafts, which include different types of objects: knives, embroidery garments, reed baskets, decorative stonework and pottery items. Canarian handicrafts combine pre-Hispanic tradition with the techniques brought by the Spanish after the conquest. Within handicrafts, it is also worth highlighting musical instruments, such as the timple. Inspired mainly by the baroque guitar, with 4 or 5 plucked strings, the timple originates from the Canary Islands and occupies an important place in traditional music.
Bienmesabe dessert
Desserts are also among the most common typical Canarian gifts. Bienmesabe dessert is especially eaten during the annual celebration held when the almond trees blossom, although you can find it at any time of the year.
As it is a delicious dessert, you will be giving the pleasure of enjoying a sweet that is usually prepared with exquisite ingredients such as honey and almonds.
Drinks produced on the islands
The Canary Islands are the birthplace of rum in Europe and home to the oldest distillery of this spirit on the continent. Unique liqueurs are produced in the archipelago using this spirit, such as Honey Rum, which, thanks to its sweet flavour, can be served as an aperitif, dessert or in a cocktail.
In addition to this spirit, Canarian wines are another of the souvenirs most purchased by tourists visiting the islands. In the Canary Islands there are more than 80 identified grape varieties, with unique vines in the world that make their wines distinctive and exquisite.
Multi-purpose mugs
Multi-purpose mugs featuring motifs related to the Canary Islands can be one of the best alternatives when it comes to typical Canarian gifts, as they can be found in markets and shops across all the islands. Make sure to wrap them very well so that they arrive home safe and sound.
Keyrings
Keyrings are typical Canarian gifts that allow you to show the people you care about that you have not forgotten them during your trip, expressing through these small details how important they are to you.
With different motifs representing the Canary Islands, these gifts are perfect for your family or friends to carry their keys and even use them as decorative items somewhere in their home or workplace.
T-shirts
By buying a T-shirt with a Canary Islands print, you will have the opportunity to take home a classic gift that will not take up much space in your luggage.
In the shops and other commercial establishments where these characteristic island garments are sold, you can find a wide variety of models in different sizes and colours.
Where can you buy typical Canarian gifts?
In Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, there are a wide variety of shops where you will have the opportunity to buy your typical Canarian gifts. However, if besides buying these gifts and souvenirs you also want to learn more about the representative tourist sites of these islands, we recommend visiting these markets in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura:
1. Vegueta Market
This colonial-style place is located in Plaza del Pilar, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and opens its doors on Sundays, offering visitors a variety of ceramic and pottery handicrafts, costume jewellery accessories and traditional clothing from the islands.
In addition to buying typical Canarian gifts, at this market you will have the opportunity to discover the traditional architecture of the archipelago, thanks to its location so close to the Historic Quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
2. Teror Market
Like the Vegueta Market, this place, with more than 200 years of history and currently home to more than a hundred shops and stalls, also operates only on Sundays.
This market, which is the oldest in all the Canary Islands, is located in the centre of Gran Canaria, right around the Basilica of El Pino. It was declared a commercial area in 1932 and is also considered a Historic and Commercial Heritage Site of the municipality.
There you will find many typical Canarian gifts, among which handicrafts, religious objects related to the basilica and the Virgin of El Pino, and traditional island clothing stand out.
3. La Oliva Traditions Market
This market in Fuerteventura, located in the Casa de los Coroneles, opens on Tuesdays and Fridays and is a place where you can find a wide variety of typical Canarian gifts made from materials such as leather, wood and silver, as well as collage and oil paintings.
If you are looking for decorative handicraft accessories, this is the ideal place that you should not forget to visit.
Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are two of the destinations most visited by tourists, so if you have decided to visit either of these places and still do not have somewhere to stay, at the Lopesan Group we have hotels designed for all tastes.
In the areas of Gran Canaria, we have hotel complexes in San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Meloneras, while in Fuerteventura, you will have the opportunity to stay in Jandía.
Feeling at home is possible in our hotel complexes, which are located very close to the beach and the island’s most outstanding tourist areas. Contact us and we will be delighted to assist you and offer you the best hotel services.
