Tenerife is a tropical island, the largest in the Canary Islands archipelago. Until recently, many tourists considered holidays in the Canaries an unattainable luxury, and most people could not even dream of such a trip. Today Tenerife is a popular resort, ready to reveal its secrets to every guest.
The most precious and memorable gift a tourist can bring back from travelling is memories. They are easy to share with family and friends. But what to get from Tenerife to tell about this beautiful island as vividly as possible? In this article, we provide you with the ideas of traditional and original souvenirs from Tenerife.
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What to buy in Tenerife: the most popular souvenirs
Tenerife is an ideal holiday destination. Mind-blowing mountain and sea landscapes, a majestic volcano, unique architecture, mild warm climate — everything is so harmonious here that you won't want to leave once you come to the island. But any journey ends, and often the question arises: "What gifts to bring from Tenerife to your family and friends?". Here are some excellent options.
1. Aloe vera cosmetics
One of the most revered plants in Tenerife is aloe vera. It has many useful properties: it heals wounds, restores skin tone and has a soothing effect.
Several Canarian companies produce cosmetics based on aloe vera extract, which are sold in pharmacies, branded cosmetics stores and specialised souvenir shops. Tourists often bring it from Tenerife to fight cellulite, dullness of the skin, to prevent varicose veins. We advise you to choose a cream from the Chhabria Canary Islands aloe vera series. It is an excellent product for face and body care.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/aloveraexclusivecanarias
2. Teneriffe Lace
Tenerife is famous for its lacemakers. On public and national holidays, the island's towns host large-scale exhibitions of local crafts, including lacemaking.
It's a great excuse to buy yourself an original piece item, such as a napkin, tablecloth or garment. But if your vacation does not coincide with any festive dates, we advise you to visit the resort town of La Orotava. In its oldest building, now known as the Tourist House, there is a small souvenir shop where such items are sold all year round.
3. Canary balconie
Canary pine is a local pride. It grows on the slopes of the Teide volcano and is also used by locals to make many souvenirs: boxes, plates and wall panels.
But the most popular among tourists are miniature replicas of carved wooden balconies, a typical element of island architecture.
The biggest souvenir shop in Tenerife is in Guia de Isora, in the western part of the island. It is called Alisios Canarios.
4. Souvenirs made of volcanic lava
Tenerife is an island of volcanic origin. Its main pride and most famous attraction is the active volcano Teide. During eruptions, lava is formed and used as a material for various souvenirs. Tourists often bring from Tenerife figurines, boxes, plates, photo frames, candle holders, magnets and women's jewellery.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/kactuscanarias
The original souvenirs
Tenerife is an extraordinary island. Due to its isolation and ideal climatic conditions, it has become a real nature reserve. Here you can find unique plants not found in other parts of the world. In the bowels of the island lie rare minerals. What can you buy in Tenerife as a gift to surprise your family and friends?
5. Houseplants
Lalyflor (Calle Finca La Calderina, 6 38312 La Orotava) and Roots (Camino El Majano, Nº3. La Caridad, 38330 Guamasa - La Laguna Santa Cruz de Tenerife) speciality shops sell island plants and houseplants. There's a vast selection:
- aloe vera (you can buy one already in bloom),
- oleander (not to be confused with laurel),
- all sorts of cacti,
- bananas (you can get crops at home under the right conditions),
- colourful hibiscus,
- dracaena, or dragon tree (long-lived, can live for several hundred years).
There is a "but": never attempt to dig up or uproot any plant yourself. It is illegal and can result in fines.
6. Jewellery with olivine
Tenerife's volcanic rocks are rich in olivine, a semi-precious mineral with a distinctive olive colour. It is believed to bring peace, good luck and protection from the evil eye. Products made of olivine can be purchased in almost all local souvenir shops. Prices are reasonable, but if you want to bring the stone in a gold or silver setting, such jewellery will cost you more.
Photo: https://www.canarylava.com/
7. Pearls
Apart from olivine, Tenerife is famous for pearls. They are not mined here but processed and sold. A chain of shops on the island, the Tenerife Perla Company, processes pearls and makes products from the "tears of angels" (that's how pearls are known to the locals).
8. Cigars
Cigars and rolling tobacco are the best gift for a man who smokes. If you want authentic Canarian cigars, visit the Tabacos Arturo shop in Garachico. In addition to the purchase, everyone here can get a masterclass in cigar rolling from the shop owner.
Gastronomy
What souvenirs for foodies can you bring back from Tenerife? Here are the most popular options:
9. Canarian Mojo Sauce
Mojos Canarios is the perfect accompaniment for most Tenerife dishes. This sauce has two versions: green (mojo verde) and red (mojo rojo). Both are based on olive oil and wine vinegar.
Parsley or cilantro is added to the first sauce, while red pepper adds colour to the second.
They are sold primarily on sets. In addition to the traditional Mojos Canarios, the islanders love carrot and cheese sauce.
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Photo: https://www.mojoayanto.es
10. Orchata
You can buy this milky-white sweet soft drink in supermarket food departments or local bars. It is made from chufa or ground almonds. Orchata is native to Valencia, but it is trendy in Tenerife.
11. Goat cheese
In Tenerife, most dairy products, including local cheeses, are made from goat's milk. You'll find soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses on sale, depending on how long they've been aged (the maximum is about six months). National and public holidays are the best time to sample the products of local cheese factories. The most popular cheese brands in Tenerife are Montesdeoca, Arico and Benijos. They are sold in many local supermarkets and speciality shops.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/queseriaartesanal.montesdeoca
12. Malvasia
Malvasia is a group of grape varieties used to make aromatic wine of the same name. The plant is unique; in Tenerife, it grows at an altitude of more than 1500 m above sea level. The drink from these berries has a bright flavour, a rich bouquet with nutmeg notes and a white or pinkish colour.
13. Honey rum
One of the popular drinks on the island is rum. We advise you to pay attention to Arehucas and Ron Aldea. But the absolute favourite is honey rum (Ron Miel). The factory where the drink is produced is located on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria, but you can also buy honey rum in Tenerife shops without any problems.
14. Liqueurs
The resort town of Icod de los Vinos produces a very unusual drink — Sangre del Drago (Dragon's Blood). The dragon refers to the dracaena tree or the dragon tree. It is the sap of these trees that is included in the product. In addition, several manufacturers produce banana liqueur. It has a pronounced, slightly luscious flavour.
Gifts for children
Tenerife is often named "the island of eternal spring". All year round, the air temperature on the island ranges between +20-30°C. These are ideal conditions for family holidays. But what can you bring your children from Tenerife to surprise and delight them?
15. Fruit
The sunny and warm Tenerife is home to some exotic fruit, and tourists are happy to take them off the island as tasty gifts for their families. They do not choose citrus fruits, figs, avocados or guavas but something entirely original:
- the kiwano melon. It is also called horned melon or African cucumber. Indeed, externally the fruit resembles a melon covered in pokey little spines, but as for the flavour, it is something between a banana and a cucumber;
- nispero, or medlar. The small fruit looks like an apricot, and the consistency of the pulpz is like that of a plum. As for the taste, you can recognise notes of apple, pear, apricot, strawberry and, most importantly, a refreshingly pleasant sourness.
16. Cactus jam
Indulge in the flavors of Tenerife: must-try Cactus Jam! Elevate your travel experience with a taste of Tenerife's unique charm. The handcrafted cactus jam captures the essence of this vibrant island, blending its exotic landscapes into a delectable spread. Made from the succulent prickly pear cactus, this jam offers a delightful fusion of sweetness and tanginess, reflecting Tenerife's diverse character. Whether you spread it on toast or pair it with local cheeses, every bite takes you back to sun-soaked shores and breathtaking vistas. Bring home a jar of Tenerife's essence – a truly authentic and unforgettable souvenir that embodies the heart of your journey. Kids will also like such a souvenir.
17. Honey
The mild climate and the abundance of unique flora are excellent prerequisites for beekeeping. There are many varieties of honey in Tenerife: orange, chestnut, heather, honey from avocado flowers, and liquorice. There are also unique varieties:
- Tajinaste honey. This endemic of the Canaries has another name — Bruise Of Wildpeeta — and is found exclusively on the slopes of the Teide volcano;
- Palm honey. Strictly speaking, it is not a beekeeping product: the sweet nectar is made in factories from the sap of date palms. It has immune-stimulating properties and is considered a good antiseptic. Palm honey is the pride of the neighbouring island of La Gomera, but it is also available in Tenerife.
The best island honey was recognised as the product of the Miel de Tenerife brand.
18. A souvenir from Ale-Hop
If you are in Tenerife, be sure to visit the Ale-Hop shop. There are two shops in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Calle del Castillo, 12 and C. Valencia, 4) and Los Cristianos (Av. Los Playeros, 42). You can buy many unusual and useful things, funny souvenirs for children and unique modern gadgets there.
What is not allowed to bring back from Tenerife
Tenerife is a great place for souvenir shopping. But like any other travel destinations, the island has rules and restrictions governing the export of goods. Here is what you will definitely not be able to bring from Tenerife as a gift:
- Cones, branches and seeds of the canary pine tree. It grows in the Teide National Park and is strictly protected by law. During the excursion around the park, no one follows the tourists, but if the customs officers find prohibited souvenirs in the luggage, there will be no trouble;
- Sand. On some beaches of Tenerife, it is black. That is the result of volcanic activity; when the basalt crumbs formed during the eruption of lava under the influence of the ocean, cold water breaks into tiny grains of sand. It is strictly forbidden to export such sand;
- Plants. We have already mentioned that only purchased plants may be exported, and showing a receipt for such goods is mandatory when going through customs inspection.
Tobacco and alcoholic beverages have their limits. Thus, taking more than 1 kg of tobacco and 200 cigars from the island is forbidden. For alcohol, the norm is 90 litres of wine and 10 litres of spirits. But remember that most countries are allowed to import much less alcohol.
There are many reasons to love the Canary Islands. Souvenirs from Tenerife is one of them. What else attracts tourists to this fantastic island? Read on the pages of Kidpassage.
