Taste the Canary Islands: Top Cheese-Making Tours and Tastings

A hidden gem of the Canary Islands that food lovers often overlook: the islands' unique cheeses. With a rich tradition of cheese-making, the Canary Islands offer a variety of distinct cheeses that reflect the region's history, geography, and culinary heritage. Whether you're a cheese aficionado or simply looking to taste something new, the Canary Islands are a paradise for cheese lovers. Let's dive into the world of Canary Islands cheese, explore where it's made, and discover the best places to visit to witness cheese-making in action.

The History of Cheese-Making in the Canary Islands

The history of cheese-making in the Canary Islands is deeply intertwined with the region's cultural and agricultural heritage. The origins of cheese production in the Canary Islands can be traced back to the Guanches, the indigenous people who inhabited the islands before the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. These ancient inhabitants were skilled pastoralists and relied heavily on goat farming for sustenance. Goats were well-suited to the islands' rugged landscapes and dry climate, and the Guanches developed techniques for preserving milk by turning it into cheese, ensuring a stable food supply. This tradition of cheese-making has been passed down through generations, adapting over time to include influences from Spanish settlers and other Mediterranean cultures.

In the centuries that followed the Spanish colonization, cheese-making in the Canary Islands continued to evolve. Farmers began to experiment with different types of milk, including cow and sheep, and incorporated new techniques learned from European settlers. The introduction of various spices and herbs, such as paprika and gofio, added unique flavors to the cheeses, resulting in the diverse array of cheese varieties found in the Canary Islands today. The art of cheese-making became a way of life, and small-scale artisanal production flourished, with each island developing its own distinctive cheese style and flavor profile. Today, the Canary Islands are celebrated for their rich cheese-making traditions, with many local cheeses receiving protected designation of origin (PDO) status, a testament to their quality and cultural significance. This historical journey through the islands’ cheese-making heritage not only highlights the ingenuity and resilience of the Canarian people but also showcases the unique flavors that have come to define the Canary Islands as a paradise for cheese lovers worldwide.

Major Cheese Types of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are famous for several unique cheese varieties, each offering a taste that reflects the region’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. Here are the most popular types of cheese you can find across the islands, along with the best places to visit for a taste and tour of each variety:

Majorero Cheese

Produced on the island of Fuerteventura, Majorero cheese is made from the milk of the island's native Majorera goats. This semi-hard cheese is characterized by its creamy texture and nutty flavor. It is often rubbed with paprika or gofio (a type of Canarian flour made from roasted grains) for added flavor and a unique appearance. Majorero cheese has a protected designation of origin (PDO) status, which means it’s recognized for its quality and regional authenticity within the European Union.

Where to Experience Majorero Cheese:

• Quesería Maxorata, located in Antigua, Fuerteventura, is an award-winning cheese factory that uses traditional methods to produce this delightful cheese. Guided tours include insights into the cheese-making process and tastings of various Majorero cheeses. This factory is highly rated for its quality and informative tours. Address: Ctra. Tefía S/N, 35600 Antigua, Las Palmas, Spain. Getting there: By car from Puerto del Rosario, take FV-20 south for approximately 20 minutes. Rating: 4.7/5.
• Finca Pepe in Betancuria offers a more rural and authentic experience where visitors can meet the goats that produce the milk for Majorero cheese. It's a charming, family-run farm that provides a deeper insight into artisanal cheese-making, complete with tastings and pairings with local wines. Address: Calle Virgen de la Peña 8, 35637 Betancuria, Las Palmas, Spain. Getting there: From Antigua, take FV-30 north for 20 minutes. Rating: 4.5/5.

Palmero Cheese

From the island of La Palma comes Palmero cheese, another PDO-certified delight. Made from the milk of local goats, Palmero cheese is often smoked using local pine needles, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. The cheese is semi-soft with a creamy texture and is sometimes made with the addition of raw milk, which enhances its complex flavor profile. It's a must-try for anyone visiting La Palma, offering a taste that perfectly captures the island's lush landscapes and agricultural heritage.

Where to Experience Palmero Cheese:

• Quesería El Topito, situated in Breña Alta, specializes in traditional Palmero cheese. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the smoking process and taste the rich, smoky flavors of the cheese. Address: Calle Topito, 38710 Breña Alta, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Getting there: A 10-minute drive from Santa Cruz de La Palma via LP-3. Rating: 4.6/5.
• Quesería Antonio Pérez offers a comprehensive tour from start to finish, showcasing the cheese-making process of Palmero cheese. Located in the heart of La Palma, this dairy provides an in-depth look at traditional cheese-making methods, complete with tastings. Address: Ctra. Las Nieves, 38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain. Getting there: Accessible by car from Santa Cruz de La Palma, taking LP-20. Rating: 4.5/5.

Flor de Guía Cheese

Flor de Guía is a special cheese produced on Gran Canaria, primarily in the town of Santa María de Guía. This cheese is unique because it's made using a blend of cow, goat, and sheep milk. What makes Flor de Guía truly exceptional is its use of thistle flower rennet, which acts as a natural coagulant, giving the cheese a distinctively creamy and slightly bitter flavor. This semi-soft cheese is often enjoyed fresh and pairs wonderfully with local wines.

Where to Experience Flor de Guía Cheese:

• Quesería Artesanal Cortijo de Caideros in the hills of Gran Canaria focuses on the production of Flor de Guía cheese. Tours offer insights into the use of thistle rennet and the blending of different milks to create this distinctive cheese. Address: Lugar Caideros, 35468 Gáldar, Las Palmas, Spain. Getting there: About 30 minutes by car from Las Palmas via GC-2. Rating: 4.8/5.
• Casa del Queso de Guía, located in Santa María de Guía, is a celebration of the region’s cheese heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits on the history of cheese-making, sample a wide range of local cheeses, and purchase their favorites. Address: Calle Pérez Galdós, 11, 35450 Santa María de Guía, Las Palmas, Spain. Getting there: 40-minute drive from Las Palmas via GC-2. Rating: 4.7/5.

Teno Cheese

Originating from Tenerife, Teno Cheese is another remarkable cheese variety from the Canary Islands. This cheese is typically made from goat’s milk and has a smooth, velvety texture. The cheese is often cured and sometimes smoked, giving it a subtle smoky aroma and a rich, tangy taste. Teno cheese is perfect for those who enjoy a robust flavor and is often used in traditional Canarian dishes.

Where to Experience Teno Cheese:

• Quesería Montesdeoca, located in Adeje, Tenerife, produces a wide range of cheeses, including Teno cheese. This family-run factory offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the production process and sample award-winning cheeses. Address: Camino San Antonio, 54, 38670 Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Getting there: About a 20-minute drive from Playa de las Américas via TF-1. Rating: 4.7/5.
• Quesería Arico in the village of Arico specializes in Tenerife cheese. Guided tours offer an in-depth look at the traditional cheese-making process and include tastings of their diverse cheese offerings. Address: Calle Icod el Alto, 1, 38580 Arico, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Getting there: 40-minute drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife via TF-1. Rating: 4.6/5.

Almogrote

Although not a cheese in the traditional sense, Almogrote is a famous cheese spread from the Canary Islands, particularly La Gomera. Made from cured cheese (usually a hard goat cheese), paprika, olive oil, and garlic, Almogrote is a spicy, savory spread that’s often served with bread or papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes). Its bold, tangy flavor makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Where to Experience Almogrote:

• Quesería Insular de La Gomera is dedicated to preserving traditional cheese-making techniques. Visitors can explore the facility, taste a variety of cheeses, including the famous Almogrote, and learn about the history of cheese-making on the island. Address: Carretera de Los Estancos, 38800 San Sebastián de La Gomera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Getting there: A 10-minute drive from San Sebastián de La Gomera via CV-1. Rating: 4.5/5.

Queso de Cabra de Gran Canaria

Queso de Cabra de Gran Canaria is a traditional goat cheese from Gran Canaria. This cheese can vary from soft to hard, depending on the aging process. The flavor ranges from mild to sharp, and it’s often enjoyed fresh, grilled, or as part of Canarian dishes. This cheese is beloved for its creamy texture and versatility in cooking.

Where to Experience Queso de Cabra de Gran Canaria:

• Quesería Los Corrales in Telde, Gran Canaria, offers visitors an authentic experience of cheese-making. The family-run business uses traditional methods to produce a range of goat cheeses, and visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings. Address: Lugar Los Corrales, 40, 35200 Telde, Las Palmas, Spain. Getting there: 15-minute drive from Las Palmas via GC-1. Rating: 4.6/5.

Queso Herreño

Produced on the island of El Hierro, Queso Herreño is a cheese made from a mixture of goat and cow milk. Known for its mild flavor and smooth texture, this cheese is often consumed fresh. The cheese is sometimes smoked, adding a depth of flavor that enhances its natural creaminess. Queso Herreño is a staple in local cuisine and pairs beautifully with fruits and nuts.

Where to Experience Queso Herreño:

• Cooperativa de Ganaderos de El Hierro is a cooperative focused on the production of traditional El Hierro cheeses. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the cheese-making process, and sample the mild and flavorful cheeses. Address: Calle la Fuente, 2, 38911 Frontera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Getting there: 25-minute drive from Valverde via HI-1. Rating: 4.5/5.

Queso de La Gomera

Queso de La Gomera is a traditional cheese from La Gomera, made primarily from goat’s milk, though sometimes sheep or cow milk is added. This cheese has a unique flavor profile, often described as slightly sweet and tangy. It's typically consumed fresh but can also be found in semi-cured and cured varieties. La Gomera cheese is an essential part of the island’s culinary heritage.

Where to Experience Queso de La Gomera:

• Quesería El Convento, located in San Sebastián, offers visitors a glimpse into traditional cheese-making practices. The cheese shop provides tastings of various La Gomera cheeses, allowing visitors to explore the unique flavors of the island. Address: Calle Real, 2, 38800 San Sebastián de La Gomera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Getting there: Centrally located in San Sebastián de La Gomera. Rating: 4.6/5.

Queso de Tenerife

Queso de Tenerife encompasses a variety of cheeses produced across Tenerife, often using a mix of goat, sheep, and cow milk. The flavors and textures vary widely, from creamy and mild to strong and tangy. These cheeses are often used in traditional dishes and paired with local wines for an authentic Canarian experience.

Where to Experience Queso de Tenerife:

• Quesería Teisol in La Orotava produces a variety of Tenerife cheeses. The cheese factory offers guided tours that take visitors through the cheese-making process and provide tastings of their award-winning cheeses. Address: Camino La Piedad, 3, 38300 La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Getting there: A 30-minute drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife via TF-5. Rating: 4.7/5.

Tips for Enjoying Canary Island Cheeses

• Pair with Local Wines: The Canary Islands produce a variety of wines that pair wonderfully with local cheeses. Try a dry white wine from Lanzarote or a fruity red from Tenerife to complement the flavors of the cheese.
• Explore Local Markets: Visiting local markets is a great way to discover a wide range of Canary Island cheeses. Markets in Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and other towns offer an abundance of cheese varieties and the chance to interact with local producers.
• Try Traditional Dishes: Many local restaurants incorporate Canary Island cheeses into their dishes. Look for specialties like cheese tapas, grilled cheese with mojo sauce, or cheese-stuffed peppers to savor the flavors in a culinary context.

Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or simply curious about the culinary treasures of the Canary Islands, these cheeses promise a delightful journey for your taste buds. Be sure to sample these exceptional cheeses and bring home a taste of the islands that will linger long after your trip.