Canary Islands
- Caryn English
- Jun 8
- 10 min read
Volcanic wines, surprise bolognese, and paragliding panic
👉👀👯♀️ Check out our post on instagram @twintolerant for more photos of our trip!
We’ll admit it—the Canary Islands weren’t even on our radar. Honestly? We couldn’t have pointed them out on a map. But when we spotted the destination on a hotel package list, we thought, why not? We were no strangers to spontaneous vacations — cue the island-hopping adventure mode.
We bounced between Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife—each with its own flavor, vibe, and surprise hits for gluten- and lactose-free foodies. Spoiler alert: the Italian restaurants came through hard for our heartbroken, pasta-deprived souls.
But what truly blew us away? The hotels. These weren’t just places to crash—they were full-on experiences. Think rooftop pools, allergy-aware kitchens, ocean views, and spa vibes that made it really hard to leave. Each island gave us something different—but these hotels? They gave us comfort, care, and the kind of stress-free travel we dream about.
💡 Travel Day Tip: Airport days (especially in Amsterdam + island hops) = food desert. PACK. SNACKS.
🌋 LANZAROTE: known for its otherworldly volcanic landscape, stunning beaches, and eco-conscious art and architecture.
Stay: Hotel Fariones Modern luxe meets old-school charm. Steps from the beach, oceanfront breakfast views, and a staff that didn’t flinch at “gluten-free.” Bonus: infinity pool dreams.
Activity Highlights:
With its otherworldly volcanic terrain, we knew that a wine tour in Lanzarote was a non-negotiable—because let’s be real, we weren’t just there for the sun and sand. We wanted to taste the island. (Major bonus: our hotel just happened to be one of the exclusive partners of a local winery, so the stars were clearly aligning.)
As we drove inland toward the vineyard, it quickly became obvious this wasn’t going to be your average wine country stroll. Forget rolling green hills and Pinterest-perfect trellises—Lanzarote serves up something far more dramatic. The ground was covered in jet-black volcanic ash, and instead of traditional rows of vines, the fields were dotted with half-moon stone pits—each one carefully cradling a single vine. These rock formations aren’t just for show—they’re designed to shield the vines from harsh winds and trap what little moisture the island gets. Farming here isn’t easy. It’s art. It’s survival. It’s science.
The tour itself was a fascinating deep dive into how this harsh, Martian-like environment creates wines with bold, mineral-forward profiles you literally can’t replicate anywhere else. One of the coolest moments? Walking into their cooling cellar and realizing the arched ceiling was made entirely of lava stone—natural insulation courtesy of Mother Nature. Functional and fabulous.
Then came the tasting—and honestly, this is where Lanzarote went from cool to legendary in our book. Because instead of the standard lactose-laced cheese board and cured meats, we were greeted with beautifully arranged fruit, gluten-free crackers, and snacks we could actually eat without fear. It was the kind of thoughtful detail that takes a tour from fun to unforgettable.
We sipped dry whites and volcanic reds under the sun, surrounded by a landscape that felt like a fever dream—lava fields in one direction, blue sky in the other, and a tasting table that didn’t leave our guts guessing.
Verdict: Lanzarote wine? Complex. Bold. Wildly underrated. Just like the island itself.
Food Highlights:
✍️ GUT - TRUST SCORE (*see Gut-Trust Criteria)
📖 Menu Clarity 5 - Full allergen key + dedicated GF/DF sections.
👩🍳 Staff Knowledge & Attitude 5 - Confident, informed, and warm. Allergy angels.
🔄 Substitution Flexibility 5 - Full customization + th next restaurant bar, Playoughtful alternatives.
❌ Cross-Contamination Awareness 5 - Serious protocols, separate prep areas, GF fryer, etc.
😋 Taste & Presentation 5 - Delicious. Would eat again. Allergy who?
✨ Vibe & Inclusivity 5 - You're seen, accommodated, and celebrated.
🍽️ OVERALL Gut Goals 🙌 30 - Allergy-safe, delicious, and welcoming — where you're not just accommodated, you're celebrated!
Just a two-minute walk from our hotel, we stumbled upon La Casa del Parmigiano—a spot that proudly advertises “Food for Celiacs” with a focus on fresh ingredients and staying true to the roots of traditional Italian cuisine. Naturally, we were intrigued.
This place nailed the vibe— rustic Italian charm with a salty island breeze. It struck that perfect balance between true trattoria and coastal daydream. Think: Tuscan villa meets beachy bliss. Pure magic.
TLDR: We went twice in three days. No regrets.
As you have heard already, we’re always chasing the perfect bolognese, and baby—we found it. This meal? Straight-up iconic: pillowy gluten-free focaccia, twirl-worthy spaghetti bolognese, and a bottle of bubbly Lambrusco that whispered “you deserve this.”
Chef’s kiss. Passport stamp. Life made. This restaurant alone is reason enough to book a return flight to Lanzarote. Forget souvenirs—we came for the bolognese and stayed for the full-blown Italian love affair.
✍️ GUT - TRUST SCORE (*see Gut-Trust Criteria)
📖 Menu Clarity 1 - Zero labels, chaos reigns.
👩🍳 Staff Knowledge & Attitude 3 - Tries their best, but not totally confident.
🔄 Substitution Flexibility 3 - Some flexibility but limited options.
❌ Cross-Contamination Awareness 3 - Some procedures but not consistent.
😋 Taste & Presentation 5 - Delicious. Would eat again. Allergy who?
✨ Vibe & Inclusivity 5 - You're seen, accommodated, and celebrated.
🍽️ OVERALL Chronically Cautious 🤔 20 - Some awareness, shaky execution — food allergies get a half-hearted seat at the table so ASK YOUR QUESTIONS.
Just a short, sun-soaked stroll from our hotel, we followed the sound of splashing and laughter—and suddenly, there they were: locals launching themselves off the platform into the ocean like it was a neighborhood pool (beware of the lava-rock cliffs below). The energy? Absolutely contagious. So contagious, in fact, that we looked at each other, shrugged, and full-on YOLO’ed ourselves into the Atlantic. No regrets—just adrenaline, saltwater, and a ridiculous amount of serotonin.
Even better? That whole impromptu cliff-diving moment was just the opening act. Because at the end of that sun-bleached catwalk sat Restaurante Bar Playa (Puerto del Carmen)—an effortlessly cool, no-frills beach bar that might’ve just stolen our hearts. The vibe? Pure laid-back coastal heaven.
Think: breezy terrace seating shaded just enough to enjoy the ocean breeze, cold drinks sweating in your hand, and a front-row seat to the unofficial jumping championships of the Canary Islands. Casual chaos meets coastal perfection.
Now let’s talk food. This is the very spot where our melon con jamón obsession was born—and trust us, it was love at first bite. Sweet, salty, juicy, and criminally simple. We proceeded to order it almost daily for the rest of our trip.
Then came the grilled sardines—crispy skin, flaky meat, kissed by the sea and the grill. Followed by a Euro-style tuna salad that deserves a slow clap: fresh greens, plain tuna, olive oil, vinegar. No mayo. No frills. No notes. Just clean, honest, delicious food.
And just when we thought we’d peaked? Enter Tinto de Verano, aka “red wine of summer.”
Think of it as sangria’s effortlessly cool cousin—less sugar, more refreshment. Red wine + citrus soda over ice. Simple. Iconic. Life-changing. We’ve officially added it to our “must-make” list for every summer gathering back home.
Restaurante Bar Playa wasn’t just a lunch stop. It was a full experience—equal parts beachy chaos, culinary delight, and unexpected magic. Come for the splash zone, stay for the sardines, and leave with a sunburn, a buzz, and a new favorite drink.
🏖️ GRAN CANARIA - known as the "mini continent" of the Canary Islands—because in just one island, you get desert dunes, pine forests, beach resorts, charming mountain villages, and cosmopolitan city life. It’s diverse, dramatic, and made for both adventurers and beach loungers.
Stay: Hotel Faro by Lopesan Chic, coastal, and designed with grown-ups in mind. Plus, the hotel handed us a customized food intolerance card to show at restaurants. (We still carry it!)
Activity Highlights:
The Maspalomas Dunes were like stepping onto another planet—seriously surreal. Just a short walk from Playa del Inglés (aka “The English Beach”—which, basically felt like a personal invitation), this natural wonder immediately made the top of our must-see list. And it did not disappoint.
These dunes aren’t just beachy sand piles—they’re part of a protected nature reserve that stretches all the way to the sea, resembling the Sahara more than anything we expected to find in Spain. We’re talking massive, golden, wind-sculpted waves of sand that feel like they go on forever. And yes, you can do camel rides through the dunes if you want to lean into full desert fantasy mode.
What made the moment even more cinematic? The Calima—a dusty, sun-hazed atmosphere caused by fine sand blown in from the Sahara Desert. It gave everything a golden, almost mystical glow and served as a not-so-subtle reminder that we were just 60 miles off the coast of Africa. Between the otherworldly landscape and the warm breeze off the Atlantic, it was hard to tell where we were—and we kind of loved that.
We wandered through the shifting sands until our legs gave out, snapped enough photos to crash our camera roll, and found ourselves awe-struck by how wild and untouched it all felt. It was peaceful, disorienting, humbling—and a total departure from your typical “beach day.”
In addition to our daily strolls along the sun-soaked shoreline, we decided to fully lean into the whole treat-yourself vacation mindset with the “Spa Experience” circuit at Om Spa, located inside the Lopesan Costa Meloneras resort. And when they say “experience,” they mean it.
This wasn’t your basic facial and massage combo. We’re talking twelve full stations of bliss—each designed to shock, soothe, and spiritually realign you. From Himalayan salt caves and eucalyptus steam rooms to dry saunas, sensation showers, cold plunges, hydrotherapy pools, and even a floatation bath—it was basically a luxury obstacle course for your nervous system.
Imagine the Stations of the Cross, but instead of confession and incense, you get aromatherapy, waterfalls, and a glow-up. (Catholics, you get it.)
We walked in with travel stress and tired feet. We walked out borderline reborn, wrapped in robes, sipping detox tea, and plotting how to install a cold plunge in our garage. 10/10 would spa again.
Food Highlights:
✍️ GUT - TRUST SCORE (*see Gut-Trust Criteria)
📖 Menu Clarity 3 - Some labels, but vague or inconsistent.
👩🍳 Staff Knowledge & Attitude 5 - Confident, informed, and warm. Allergy angels.
🔄 Substitution Flexibility 3 - Some flexibility but limited options.
❌ Cross-Contamination Awareness 5 - Serious protocols, separate prep areas, GF fryer, etc.
😋 Taste & Presentation 5 - Delicious. Would eat again. Allergy who?
✨ Vibe & Inclusivity 5 - You're seen, accommodated, and celebrated.
🍽️ OVERALL Gut Goals 🙌 26 - Allergy-safe, delicious, and welcoming — where you're not just accommodated, you're celebrated!
Nestled right on the promenade of Playa del Inglés—was an unexpected win Sure, it’s known for pizza and pasta (which normally sets off our gluten alarm bells), but don’t let that scare you off.
Their menu? Crystal clear and picture-perfect, with allergens labeled like a dream. Even better, the staff spoke flawless English and confidently walked us through safe options and easy modifications like pros.
Naturally, we ordered our island staples—melon con jamón, tuna salad, and Tinto de Verano (because, tradition). But the real twist? We were also able to indulge in some fried seafood—yep, actual crispy, golden bites we didn’t have to fear. Safe. Satisfying. Unexpectedly fabulous.
Honestly? It was one of those lean back, clink glasses, stare at each other kind of moments—the ones where you take a slow sip and whisper, “We’re really doing this.”
In true European style, we had nowhere to be and all the time to savor it. We lingered. We laughed. We ate like no one was watching.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get better? The waiter brought over a shot of honey rum for all of us to cheers to—local to the island, sweet, smooth, and just bold enough to say: vacation mode fully activated.
🌅 TENERIFE - The largest and most popular Canary Island, Tenerife is all about contrast—volcanic craters, golden beaches, lush forests, and Spain’s highest peak. Perfect for thrill-seekers and sun-chasers alike.
This was the crown jewel. A suite with a view, private balcony, and one of the most accommodating hotel breakfasts we’ve ever had—DF/GF pancakes, waffles, and attentive five-star finesse.Yes, we teared up.
Activity Highlights:
During our stay in Tenerife, we couldn’t help but notice the human birds floating down to the beach every day—aka, the steady stream of people paragliding right onto our hotel’s black sand shore. At first, we watched from the safety of our loungers, drinks in hand, whispering things like, “Looks fun… for other people.” But by day three, curiosity and FOMO got the best of us. After all, what’s a vacation without checking something off the adventure bucket list, stepping way outside your comfort zone, and doing something that low-key terrifies you?
So we signed up. No turning back.
The nerves kicked in the second we were picked up in an unmarked van (classic) and began climbing a steep mountain in near-total silence, save for our nervous laughter. The winding drive ended at what looked suspiciously like a scene from Jurassic Park—a remote, gated area at the edge of a cliff. The mood? Tense, with a side of “What have we done?”
Our pre-flight instructions were delivered by a very tan man in broken English: “Walk. Run. Listen to me.” That was it. No safety video, no dramatic prep talk—just vibes and a harness.
And then, we were off. No time to panic. One awkward run forward and suddenly we were airborne—floating 30 minutes above the island, soaring over cliffs, banana plantations, and sparkling coastline. It was equal parts thrilling and terrifying as we clung to the ropes like they were car holy-shit handles.
As we began our gentle descent toward the beach, adrenaline was replaced with awe. We landed in the black sand, our feet kissing the ground like it was sacred. Never had gravity felt so comforting.
Still buzzing, we bee-lined to the beach bar, downloaded the GoPro footage, and spent the next hour cry-laughing through every awkward face and silent mid-air scream caught on camera.
Would we do it again? Maybe.Are we glad we did it? Absolutely.
Did it cure our fear of heights? TBD. But it definitely cured our fear of saying “yes” to something wild.
Food Highlights:
✍️ GUT - TRUST SCORE (*see Gut-Trust Criteria)
📖 Menu Clarity 3 - Some labels, but vague or inconsistent.
👩🍳 Staff Knowledge & Attitude 5 - Confident, informed, and warm. Allergy angels.
🔄 Substitution Flexibility 5 - Full customization + th next restaurant bar, Playoughtful alternatives.
❌ Cross-Contamination Awareness 5 - Serious protocols, separate prep areas, GF fryer, etc.
😋 Taste & Presentation 5 - Delicious. Would eat again. Allergy who?
✨ Vibe & Inclusivity 5 - You're seen, accommodated, and celebrated.
🍽️ OVERALL Gut Goals 🙌 28 - Allergy-safe, delicious, and welcoming — where you're not just accommodated, you're celebrated!
A short walk down to the water from our hotel, we stumbled upon La Vieja - located on the La Caleta de Adeje (“The Little Cove of Adeje") with breathtaking sunsets and unforgettable flavors, the restaurant and the cove are now officially among our new favorite spots
We’d already been spoiled with incredible seafood on this trip, so the bar was set high. But La Vieja didn’t just meet expectations—it raised the stakes. True to its reputation, it served up the best seafood in Costa Adeje: flaky bacalao (hello, Lisbon flashbacks), fresh crab, and crusty gluten-free bread. Pure heaven on every plate.
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