Nature’s gift: a guide to aloe vera from the Canary Islands

Canarian aloe vera has thrived for centuries among the islands’ rocky slopes and ravines. Although no one’s quite sure about the precise origins of the plant, aloe vera in the Canary Islands has been around since pre-Hispanic times, when the indigenous Guanche people drew on it for medicine and health. After the Spanish arrived, they also made sure to pass down the knowledge through the generations.

And Columbus is said to have stopped off in the Canaries to gather specimens before embarking on his momentous voyage of discovery in 1492. He too, it seems, was well versed in the many beneficial properties of this wonder plant.

The sticky, gel-like substance inside the plant’s leaves is packed with active compounds. It’s used to soothe sunburn, insect bites and other skin complaints, as well as treat cuts – and it provides deep moisturisation without clogging pores. It’s considered to be antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. When consumed as a juice it can support digestion and gut health, and some people ingest forms of aloe vera gel to control blood sugar and high cholesterol. Scientists today continue to study the versatile succulent for further untapped potential.

Aloe vera has long been a fixture in nature’s medicine cabinet. Delving even further back into history, we know the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks were fans. Nefertiti and Cleopatra were said to include it in their beauty routines, while Hellenic sages thought it could be used to provide relief from the war wounds sustained by Alexander the Great’s armies.

However, only after techniques to extract and naturally stabilise aloe vera gel were developed in the latter part of the 20th century could commercialisation for cosmetics and health products really take off. And the Canaries provide the perfect environment for such business ventures to flourish. So much so that today the archipelago is Europe’s leading aloe vera farming region.

Aloe vera from the Canary Islands is particularly potent. Year-round sunshine, low humidity and that mineral-rich volcanic soil infuse Canarian aloe vera with bumper amounts of active ingredients. It has particularly high levels of acemannan, the source of most of its medicinal properties – much more of it than other varieties. Couple that with the boom in demand for natural wellness and cosmetic products and you have a match made in heaven!

Aloe vera in the Canary Islands is mainly cultivated in the drier, easternmost islands. What’s more, it’s grown organically and goes straight from the field to processing on site, only adding to the quality of Canarian aloe vera. Read on for the low-down on the main aloe vera-producing islands.

Aloe vera cultivation is widespread in Fuerteventura. To discover just how they extract those all-important ingredients, why not visit one of its aloe farms? Framed by that signature stark natural beauty, they grow thousands of plants and offer guided tours of the plantations – and, of course, shops to stock up on your favourite aloe vera-based care products. Finca Canarias has two spots in Fuerteventura. If you’re holidaying with kids, the family-run agrotourism venture Verdeaurora Bio Farm features a tropical garden and rescued donkeys as well as an extensive aloe vera plantation – and it gets glowing reviews for its smoothies!

If you’re looking to really reap the benefits of aloe therapy in Fuerteventura, or just pamper yourself during your Canary Islands stay, the Thalasso Wellness Centre at Barceló Fuerteventura Beach Resort has you covered. The modern facilities and expert staff provide the perfect way to plug into the islands’ magical energy and restorative power.

Lanzarote aloe vera products are not exactly in short supply either. And it’s hardly surprising as an area the size of over 200 football pitches is devoted to aloe cultivation on the island, yielding a yearly harvest of more than 6 million kilos of the therapeutic succulent. Lanzarote is also home to what is said to be Europe’s biggest organic aloe vera farm, with over 250,000 plants. Lanzaloe Park sits at the foot of wild hills in the northern part of Lanzarote, a stone’s throw from the neighbouring smaller island of La Graciosa.

A visit makes for a peaceful few hours away from the bustle of the resorts where you’re free to wander fields of aloe, prickly pears and argan trees or admire the landscaped gardens. You’ll learn insider secrets about how Lanzarote aloe vera products are made, and, naturally, there’s a well-stocked boutique of aloe beauty and wellness gift ideas. Why not combine it with a trip to the nearby Mirador del Río for some stunning views of La Graciosa and beyond? This enchanting spot was the brainchild of the artist César Manrique, one of Lanzarote’s most celebrated sons.

The “plant of immortality” flourishes amid the sunny slopes of Gran Canaria too. The island’s exceptional aloe is harvested for all kinds of personal care products, from moisturising creams, soaps and shampoos to cosmetics. There are several farms to visit if you’re hankering to experience an aloe finca in Gran Canaria and learn how the plant’s natural extracts are obtained and utilised. Of course, you’ll have the chance to bag local beauty and health goodies so you can feel the benefits of aloe vera from the Canary Islands long after you’re home.

It’s no surprise that Gran Canaria aloe vera products are on the treatment menus of many the island’s best spas and wellness centres. State-of-the-art facilities and exclusive surroundings are on hand to help you tune out of the world and re-energise during your island break. Choose from massages, hydrotherapy, facial and body treatments, or countless other luxurious ways to repair body and soul.

Not to be left out, Tenerife provides plenty of opportunities to learn about the wonder succulent. For those who’d love to see a working aloe farm in Tenerife, Finca Canarias, again, runs a couple of plantations. After a tour of the fields, you can get up close to see, taste and feel the silky substance that goes into those sought-after Canary Islands aloe vera products.

In fact, no matter where you holiday in the archipelago there is sure to be a chance to grab some of that magic found in aloe vera from the Canary Islands to take back home with you. Just remember, check the labelling of your chosen aloe health or beauty remedy to make sure you’re getting the real thing – pure, organically farmed Canarian aloe vera.