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As of: October 2026 (updated regularly)
Gran Canaria has never ceased to surprise me with its ‚guachinchen‘. Unlike in Tenerife, where these rustic wine-growers‘ eateries are deeply rooted, the island has developed its own down-to-earth take on the concept, with a strong influence from Latin American cuisine and the unmistakable ‚bienmesabe‘ to round off the meal. Anyone looking for the 10 best guachinchen in Gran Canaria will find them mainly in the hilly hinterland: in Arucas, Valsequillo, Agüimes and Santa Brígida, where family-run establishments have been serving authentic island cuisine for generations.
Guachinches in Gran Canaria: What you need to know
Plan your visit for the midday hours between 2 pm and 4 pm, when the place is buzzing and the ‚menú del día‘ offers you a three-course meal with a drink for between 10 and 14 euros. In the evenings, it’s quieter and more expensive. Important: most guachinches in the island’s interior prefer cash; card payments aren’t always accepted. Menus are often in Spanish only, but a smattering of the language is usually enough. During the peak seasons around Easter and August, it’s advisable to make a reservation by phone.
Tips for your visit
In the guachinches of northern Gran Canaria, papas arrugadas with mojo are served on wooden tables, often alongside a plate of queso de Flor de Guia from the island’s mountainous interior. There are around 999 restaurants scattered across the island, but the rural wine bars have a character all of their own. Amidst the vines and chestnut trees, the hosts pour the house wine from simple carafes.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 113 bars are crammed into the narrow streets of Vegueta around Santa Ana Cathedral. The island’s 91 cafés fill up in the morning with barraquito and fresh pastries. Those who venture inland will come across small family-run establishments where Canary Islands home-cooked food is prepared over an open flame.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are guachinches in Gran Canaria open?
Guachinches in Gran Canaria usually open in the late afternoon from around 5 pm, and at lunchtime at weekends. There are often no fixed opening hours, as many establishments operate seasonally and depending on the availability of their house wine. A quick phone call beforehand will ensure you know the current opening times.
What’s the best way to get to the guachinches in Gran Canaria?
Most guachinches are situated in the mountainous interior of the island and in the wine-growing regions of the north, which is why a hire car is the most reliable way to get there. From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, country roads lead to the higher-altitude villages, where public transport runs only infrequently. As house wine is served, it is advisable to have a designated driver or take a taxi.
Are there any guachinches in Gran Canaria with outdoor terraces or sea views?
Numerous guachinches in the island’s interior have simple outdoor terraces overlooking vineyards and the surrounding mountain ranges. Genuine sea views are rare, as these traditional establishments are predominantly situated at higher altitudes, far from the coast. Papas arrugadas with mojo and the local Queso de Flor de Guia are typical dishes on offer there.