Lanzarote, a stunning Canary Island known for its otherworldly landscapes and rich culture, offers visitors a treasure trove of unique souvenirs. From volcanic wines to artisanal crafts, the island's distinctive products capture its essence and make for memorable keepsakes. These items not only serve as reminders of your journey but also support local artisans and businesses, allowing you to take a piece of Lanzarote's heart home with you.
Volcanic wine: Lanzarote's unique La Geria vintages
Lanzarote's La Geria wine region is unlike any other in the world. The island's volcanic soil and unique cultivation methods produce wines with a distinct mineral character and complexity. Vines are planted in individual holes dug into the volcanic ash, surrounded by semicircular stone walls that protect them from the harsh winds.
The Malvasía Volcánica grape variety thrives in this environment, yielding crisp white wines with notes of tropical fruit and a subtle smoky undertone. Red wines made from Listán Negro grapes offer a bold, full-bodied experience with hints of red berries and volcanic minerality.
When selecting a bottle to take home, consider these factors:
- Vintage: Older vintages may offer more complexity
- Producer reputation: Look for established wineries like Bodegas El Grifo or Bodegas Rubicón
- Wine style: Choose from dry whites, sweet dessert wines, or robust reds
- Packaging: Some wineries offer special gift boxes or limited edition labels
A bottle of La Geria wine serves as both a delicious memento and a conversation starter, allowing you to share Lanzarote's unique terroir with friends and family back home.
Timple: traditional Canarian musical instrument
The timple, a small five-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele, is an integral part of Canarian folk music. This charming instrument produces a bright, cheerful sound that embodies the spirit of the islands. Purchasing a timple not only provides you with a beautiful decorative piece but also offers the opportunity to learn a new musical skill.
Craftsmanship of José Antonio Lemes
When seeking a high-quality timple, look for instruments crafted by renowned luthier José Antonio Lemes. His timples are known for their superior sound quality and exquisite craftsmanship. Lemes uses local woods like Canary Island pine and barbuzano, ensuring each instrument carries a piece of the island's natural heritage.
Timple's role in folía and isa rhythms
The timple plays a crucial role in traditional Canarian music, particularly in folía and isa rhythms. These lively dance forms are central to island celebrations and festivals. By learning to play the timple, you can recreate the joyous atmosphere of a Lanzarote fiesta in your own home.
Modern timple innovations by benito cabrera
Musician and composer Benito Cabrera has revolutionized the timple's role in contemporary music. His innovative techniques and compositions have expanded the instrument's repertoire beyond traditional folk music. Consider purchasing a CD of Cabrera's music alongside your timple to fully appreciate its versatility.
Aloe vera products from Órzola's plantations
Lanzarote's arid climate and volcanic soil create ideal conditions for growing aloe vera. The plants cultivated in Órzola's plantations are renowned for their high concentration of beneficial compounds. Aloe vera products make excellent souvenirs, offering both practical skincare benefits and a connection to the island's natural resources.
Popular aloe vera products from Lanzarote include:
- Pure aloe vera gel for sunburn relief and moisturizing
- Aloe-infused facial creams and serums
- Soothing after-sun lotions
- Aloe vera juice for internal use
- Aloe-based shampoos and conditioners
When selecting aloe vera products, look for items with a high percentage of pure aloe vera extract. Many local producers offer organic, sustainably harvested aloe vera, ensuring you're getting a high-quality product that supports environmentally friendly practices.
César Manrique-inspired art pieces
César Manrique, Lanzarote's most famous artist and architect, left an indelible mark on the island's aesthetic. His distinctive style, which harmoniously blends art with nature, can be found throughout Lanzarote. Bringing home a Manrique-inspired art piece allows you to incorporate a touch of the island's artistic legacy into your own space.
Wind toys from Fundación César Manrique
The Fundación César Manrique, located in the artist's former home, offers a range of wind toys inspired by Manrique's kinetic sculptures. These playful, wind-driven artworks capture the essence of Lanzarote's breezy climate and Manrique's whimsical approach to art.
Jameos del Agua-Themed ceramics
Ceramics featuring motifs from Jameos del Agua, one of Manrique's most iconic creations, make for stunning decorative pieces. Look for plates, vases, or tiles adorned with the site's distinctive white crabs or the curvilinear forms of its architecture.
Mirador del Rio landscape prints
Art prints depicting the breathtaking views from Mirador del Río, another Manrique masterpiece, allow you to bring Lanzarote's dramatic landscapes into your home. Choose from a variety of styles, from realistic renderings to abstract interpretations inspired by Manrique's vision.
Taro de tahíche architecture miniatures
Miniature replicas of Manrique's Taro de Tahíche home, now the César Manrique Foundation, offer a tangible piece of architectural history. These detailed models showcase the unique integration of living spaces with volcanic bubbles, a hallmark of Manrique's design philosophy.
Artisanal salt from Salinas de Janubio
The Salinas de Janubio, Lanzarote's largest salt flats, produce some of the finest sea salt in the world. This artisanal salt, harvested using traditional methods, carries the unique mineral profile of the Atlantic Ocean and the volcanic terroir of Lanzarote.
When selecting salt from Salinas de Janubio, consider these options:
- Flor de Sal: Delicate, flaky salt crystals perfect for finishing dishes
- Coarse Sea Salt: Ideal for cooking and seasoning
- Flavored Salts: Infused with local herbs or volcanic charcoal
- Salt Gift Sets: Beautifully packaged assortments for salt enthusiasts
The salt from Salinas de Janubio is not only a culinary delight, but also a sustainable product that supports local traditions. Its distinctive packaging often features images of the salt flats, making it an attractive gift or keepsake.
When using this artisanal salt, remember that a little goes a long way. Its intense flavor and mineral content can elevate even the simplest dishes, allowing you to recreate a taste of Lanzarote in your own kitchen.
Each of these unique Lanzarote souvenirs offers more than just a memento; they provide a tangible connection to the island's culture, artistry, and natural beauty. Whether you choose a bottle of volcanic wine, a handcrafted timple, soothing aloe vera products, Manrique-inspired artwork, or artisanal salt, you're taking home a piece of Lanzarote's soul. These items serve as reminders of your journey and allow you to share the island's distinctive character with others, long after your vacation has ended.