Live It Up Like a Canary OG! A Guide to Discovering the Canary Islands Like a Local
And its most authentic side awaits you if you’re willing to experience it like the locals do!
For those of us who travel in search of the true essence of a destination through its culture, its people, and its cuisine, the phrase once coined by chef and explorer Anthony Bourdain is practically a golden rule: “Be a traveler, not a tourist.”
And no one knows the place you’re now exploring better than the people who grew up there and live there. We Canarians are no exception in this regard. In addition to our already renowned island hospitality, there’s another trait we share with our visitors: to those who show respect and take care of what’s ours, we open the doors to our most cherished places.
Because there’s no more authentic way to discover the Canary Islands than to put on your cholas and go out to eat where the locals eat, swim where they swim, and go out where they go. Find out in our latest post why, if you want to experience the most authentic side of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, your best allies will be the local recommendations from their best ambassadors: the Canarians!
Ask the locals
“The world isn’t in books or on maps—it’s out there.” If you think of yourself as a modern-day Bilbo Baggins, you’ll find—both at our front desk and beyond our doors—the best ally for your adventure: a town known far and wide for its kindness.
Because if there’s one thing we Canarians love, it’s sharing our culture, our natural beauty, and our cuisine with those who show an interest and are willing to respect them.
In the city, reviews, blogs, or map apps can help you discover the most popular spots. But if you venture into the countryside or the outback, the best guides may be the locals.
If you’re going for a walk or to check out some local spots, or if you want to know how to get there or which route to take so you don’t end up in trouble with your rental car, you’re better off asking the locals than checking Google Maps.
Go ahead and give it a try—be a foodie!
And if you want to see a Canarian’s eyes light up just like the sun does here on the islands, all you have to do is ask them for a place to eat.
In Tenerife and Gran Canaria, that means stepping into the world of guachinches and bochinches. These are traditional eateries and homes where, in the past, surplus wine from the harvest was sold alongside tapas and local dishes.
Today, they remain places where you can enjoy Canarian cuisine in an intimate and authentic setting, especially in various areas of northern Tenerife and the northern and inland regions of Gran Canaria.
And if you end up there thanks to a recommendation from a friend from the Canary Islands, you’re going to enjoy every bite 100%! Nothing makes us islanders happier than recommending our favorite dish and knowing that you loved it.
Back in the city, you’ll find two of the drinks that many of us Canarians start our day with: the Tenerife barraquito and the Gran Canaria zaperoco. Although both originally contained liqueur—which is optional today—they combine ingredients such as coffee, condensed milk or honey, cream or foam, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
A discovery that you’ll undoubtedly end up taking home with you after your vacation.
Have fun with a solid foundation
If, during your stay on the islands, you’re lucky enough to be there during one of their many pilgrimages, you’ll not only enjoy Canarian folklore and traditions, but also the islands’ cuisine in its purest form.
Plus, it’s a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture and become part of it. If you decide to participate, you can even discover traditional Canarian clothing and find everything you need to give your look that island-approved touch.
Of course, always do so with respect and a desire to learn about and enjoy our traditions.
Just respect it, and leave it as it is: it’s really pretty
The same rule applies here as when surfing at a new spot: always respect the locals, their natural environment, and their culture, and you’ll always be welcome.
Enjoying yourself without the distraction of the camera or worrying about adding locations to your Stories will not only give you a more authentic experience, but it will also help protect those little treasures that locals have shared with you and reduce the impact of overcrowding.
Also, whenever possible, use public transportation to avoid congesting the roads and making it difficult for residents to find parking.
And if you head out into nature, always bring a small bag with you to make sure you don’t leave any trash or traces of your visit behind.
Because exploring the Canary Islands like a local also means taking care of them as if they were your own home.
Your island adventure begins at Sholeo
And to experience all of this on your own terms, you need a place to start exploring from.
If you’re all about connecting with others, living life to the fullest, and enjoying yourself freely, our accommodations in Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the perfect starting point from which to set out and explore.
Book your stay and enjoy a unique experience in the Canary Islands with up to 35% off using the code “SUMMER.”