Exploring Gran Canaria 

Gran Canaria is renowned for its artisanal cheese-making – with many of its queserías (cheese factories) using traditional methods and raw milk. These cheeses, often dubbed "quesos de colores" due to their variety and vibrant hues, range from fresh to cured, and are made from goat, sheep, or cow's milk, or even a blend. What makes them truly special are the natural coatings – oil, gofio, or pimentón (paprika) – that give each cheese its unique character.

Our Journey Begins in the South/Southeast and Center/West

1. Quesería Era del Cardón

Our first stop was Quesería Era del Cardón in Agüimes. Nestled in Lomo de Padilla, this award-winning cheese haven is run by the lovely duo Luis Martel and Lucía Torres. With around 800 majorera goats, their cheeses range from tender to cured. Buddy seemed to enjoy the friendly goats as much as I savored the cheese samples. You can visit them at:

Location: Lomo de Padilla, Agüimes

Contact: (+34) 928 759 191 / 928 172 172

2. Quesos La Gloria

Next, we headed to San Bartolomé de Tirajana to visit Quesos La Gloria. Located in the picturesque Cortijo de La Gloria near San Agustín beach, this quesería has about 2,000 majorera goats. Pepe Ortega and Paqui Pérez offer a variety of cheeses, including a unique blue cheese and lactic cheese. Trust me, it's worth the dusty drive from the hotel parking. Find them at:

Location: La Gloria, San Agustín, San Bartolomé de Tirajana

Contact: (+34) 928 171 074 / 618 936 261

3. Queso Artesanal Las Lajitas

In Artenara, we discovered Queso Artesanal Las Lajitas, owned by Teresa Rivero and Juan Rodríguez. Situated at a curve on the GC-210 road, this little gem offers heavenly semi-cured cheese. They also run a cozy bar-shop where you can sample their cheese and traditional dishes like goat meat in sauce. Catch them at:

Location: Ventanieves, Artenara

Contact: (+34) 928 170 052

4. Queso Artesanal Del Rosario

Our journey then took us to Los Llanos de Agaete, where Macarena Rosario crafts delicious semi-cured and cured cheeses from her prized herd of Friesian cows and majorera goats. The combination of cow's and goat's milk results in exquisite flavors. Visit them at:

Location: Lomo de Valerón, Agaete

Contact: (+34) 928 898 780

5. Quesos La Cueva del Paso

In Aldea Blanca, we met Ramón Ortega and Soraya Ojeda at Quesos La Cueva del Paso. They produce mouthwatering mixed cheeses from their 600 majorera goats and 30 canarian sheep. The added flavors of oil and pimentón make their cheeses stand out. Find them at:

Location: Aldea Blanca, San Bartolomé de Tirajana

Contact: (+34) 928 750 491

Discovering Northern Treasures

6. Queso Cortijo de Pavón

In the lush north, Buddy and I visited Queso Cortijo de Pavón in Santa María de Guía. Known for its transhumance practices, José Mendoza and his family manage a herd of 450 sheep. Their Queso de Guía, a protected designation of origin cheese, is a must-try. Visit their farm shop for sheep butter too! They're at:

Location: Cortijo de Pavón, Santa María de Guía

Contact: (+34) 928 171 188

7. Quesería La Caldera

In Gáldar, we met Tania Rivero and Francisco González at Quesería La Caldera. Their herd of 160 sheep grazes in the beautiful Cortijo de Galeote. They offer guided tours and tastings of their semi-cured, half-flower cheese, butter, and almogrote (a delicious cheese spread). Reach them at:

Location: Camino La Caldera 4, Fagajesto, Gáldar

Contact: (+34) 678 139 996

8. Queso El Cortijo de Caideros

Our last stop was Queso El Cortijo de Caideros, also in Gáldar. Cristóbal Moreno's 360 sheep roam the island seasonally. Their Queso de Flor de Guía, made with thistle flower rennet, is truly exquisite. Sadly, it's in high demand and limited in supply, so grab it if you can! They're at:

Location: Lomo La Mareta 3, Caideros, Gáldar

Contact: (+34) 928 555 289