Canary Islands

The Canary Islands feel geographically and architecturally distinct from mainland Spain. Volcanic mountains, black-lava fields, pine forests, desert-like plains and Atlantic beaches create radically different landscapes across the archipelago, from lush La Palma to the almost lunar terrain of Lanzarote. Traditional whitewashed houses and colonial architecture coexist with some remarkable Modernist experiments, but no figure shaped the islands’ design identity more profoundly than César Manrique. On Lanzarote, his extraordinary fusion of architecture, art and volcanic landscape demonstrated how development could respond to nature rather than overwhelm it—a philosophy that still influences the islands’ most thoughtful contemporary projects.

Food and drink are equally shaped by isolation and volcanic geography. Papas arrugadas with mojo, grilled fish, goat’s cheese and gofio belong to a culinary tradition built around relatively simple local ingredients, while each island has its own specialties. Volcanic soils produce some fascinating wines, particularly on Lanzarote, where vines grow in individual hollows carved into black ash, but Tenerife, Gran Canaria and the smaller islands have equally interesting indigenous grape varieties and a new generation of ambitious producers. Traditional guachinches, seafood restaurants and simple local kitchens now coexist with increasingly sophisticated destination dining.

The Canary Islands’ most interesting hotels offer an alternative to the enormous resort developments that transformed parts of the coast. Historic houses, César Manrique-inspired retreats, converted rural estates and contemporary hideaways use volcanic stone, gardens, courtyards and dramatic landscapes to create something far more connected to the islands themselves. At DNA Hotels, we curate the places where architecture, food, art and Atlantic nature come together—hotels that reveal an archipelago far beyond winter sun and package holidays, where volcanoes and ocean have created one of Europe’s most distinctive design landscapes.