Gran Canaria

Things to do in Gran Canaria

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Nat Geo Day Tour: Gran Canaria's Southern Charms, a Photography Tour
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Gran Canaria's Southern Charms, a Photography Tour

Uncover the most photogenic corners of southern Gran Canaria on this National Geographic Day Tour. Your adventure begins in the village of Temisas, famed for its olive oil. Wander the narrow lanes lined with white houses with Arabic tiles, then discover the town square and capture traditional architecture. Next up is the hilltop village and authentic Canarian town of Tunte. Explore the charming streets, from the old washing places to the 19th-century fountain of El Rosal. Observe the details of a tile oven, original cobblestone paths, traditional houses, and the Casa Canaria de Tunte – a tribute to the ancient Canaries. As you will soon discover, Canarian villages are characterized by white-washed houses which can be dazzling in the bright sunshine. The photographer will give you valuable tips for making the most of the abundant light for great photos even in these conditions. Explore the villages at your own pace, taking snaps of the unique corners that appeal to you. There's plenty of potential subjects in these photogenic and typical Canarian villages. Climb to El Polvo viewpoint with its striking rock formation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the village and capture versatile images that tell its captivating story. The final stop is the sleepy hamlet of Fataga. Traverse the winding streets before gazing upon the striking stone massifs that flank the village. Finally, enjoy a spectacular drive down the mountain looking out to Meloneras and Maspalomas. View the imposing humpbacked sand dunes in the distance as you make your way to a local restaurant. Here, you'll review the photos and recap the experience over a well-earned lunch, after which the winning photograph will be revealed.

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Full-day Gran Canaria tour with Teror, Tejeda and typical lunch
Attractions & guided tours

Full-day Gran Canaria tour with Teror, Tejeda and typical lunch

Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping along the way to visit gems such as Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It was in 1481, amid the Castilian conquest of Gran Canaria, and it helped change the island's destiny.'And Teror is where your adventure begins. Strolling past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences. A scenic mountain drive away is Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker itself – red-roofed, whitewashed houses sprinkled on the slope of a valley. David adds, ‘Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top. Its setting is unbeatable.' There's also a pit stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, as we make our way to Fataga to eat. A lunch made from locally sourced ingredients will be served in a family-owned restaurant. After a little amble through the town, we'll visit a nearby aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties. Generations of islanders have used extracts from the plant for skin burns.

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Northern Gran Canaria tour with botanical garden visit
Excursions & day trips

Northern Gran Canaria tour with botanical garden visit

Northern Gran Canaria is all non-stop natural beauty. This tour delves into this often-overlooked part of the island's treasure chest. You'll visit Spain's largest botanic garden, and a banana plantation. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘Bananas are our national fruit – they're a symbol of the Canaries. Explorers sailing to the Americas would take green ones that ripened en route. And we exported so many to Britain that Canary Wharf in London got its name from us.'First up is a deep dive into this island's continent-like biodiversity. Planted on a hillside, Jardin Canario is the largest botanical park in Spain. It boasts more than 2,000 species of plants, 500 of which are endemic to the island. Tour the tree-lined grounds and learn all about the initiative's conservation efforts and environmental education programme. Next up is a banana plantation, where you'll discover 13 varieties of plantain from all over the world.The final stop will include a guided tour of charming Firgas village, a cluster of narrow streets lined with traditional Canarian houses. Explore the photogenic streets with your guide, who will explain the presence of so many fountains in this little town. Afterwards, you'll have free time to discover more of the delights of Firgas at your own pace, perhaps stop for a leisurely coffee or look for souvenirs.

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Full-day tour of Gran Canaria’s mountains and salt flats
Activities

Full-day tour of Gran Canaria’s mountains and salt flats

Discover Gran Canaria's best-kept secrets on this full day tour. Starting on the sun-kissed side of the island in Mogán, this adventure is all about uncovering hidden spots, landscapes, and culture. Luca, one of our expert, local guides, says, ‘Gran Canaria's landscapes are so diverse, it's like visiting different countries in one trip – deserts, mountains, and lush valleys all in one place. With some of the most scenic routes on the cards, this tour is pure road trip goals.'You'll kickstart with serious wow-factor views cruising through Barranco de Los Azulejos – also known as Rainbow Valley. These multi-coloured mountains are totally one-of-a-kind and guaranteed to blow your mind. Then, you'll dive deeper into the heart of the island, and arrive at La Aldea. Local guide Sam spills the beans, ‘this area is known as the island's pantry because it's bursting with goodies – from mangos and veggies to those famous La Aldea tomatoes. And don't miss the avocados – they're the creamiest you'll ever taste.' Get your camera ready for some Insta-gold pics and soak up the chill village charm.Next, you'll drive to Agaete where the zig-zag cliffs of Dragon's Tail and Faneque cliff are perfect backdrops for your camera roll – you might even spot Mount Teide on a clear day. In Agaete you'll have free time to check out the local scene and grab a bite to eat. Then, we'll hit the showstopper Balcón viewpoint – you'll feel on top of the world – before wrapping things up at Salinas de Tenefé. Be wowed by the pink salt flats on a guided tour of the site, followed by a unique tasting experience.

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Market day in Puerto de Mogán
Excursions & day trips

Market day in Puerto de Mogán

Canary Island beauty meets Mediterranean vibes in Puerto de Mogán. We're talking pretty plazas and whitewashed houses, where baskets of pink bougainvillaeas really make the place pop. And guess what? Our Friday trips land you right in the heart of Mercadillo, the liveliest market day in town. Our local expert guide, Phillipe, says “you can't come to the Canary Islands without spending some time at a market like the one you'll visit on this tour. Local food, traditional souvenirs, and occasionally live music are all in one place ready for you to get stuck in to.” You'll be picked up at your hotel and driven to Puerto de Mogán, giving you the chance to snap some Insta-worthy shots along the way. Once you arrive, you'll have plenty of free time to dive into the market. From fresh produce and local crafts to trendy fashion finds, it's souvenir heaven. Plus, you'll love the backdrop of palm trees and volcanic cliffs – it's like a postcard. The locals here are super friendly, and their market stalls are packed with unique finds and tasty treats. After wandering around the market at your own pace, grab those perfect send-home snaps, chill with a ‘cortado' – espresso mixed with warm milk – at a cute café, or stroll along the marina. You'll see exactly why Puerto de Mogan is dubbed ‘Little Venice' with its bridges and canals. Take it all in before heading back to your hotel.

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Island tour of Gran Canaria including typical lunch
Excursions & day trips

Island tour of Gran Canaria including typical lunch

This grand tour of Gran Canaria takes in the best of the island's highlands in just one day. You'll tick off the villages of Tejeda and Teror and enjoy a typical Canarian lunch. There'll be plenty of photo stops along the way, too. Pepe, one of our local guides, says, 'Teror is one of my favourite spots on the island, with history seeping from the walls in the old quarter. The buildings are so charming and in the main square, you'll get to see the typical Canarian balconies the town is famous for.'It's a blockbuster from the go. Our first stop is at the Degollada de la Yegua viewpoint, which by day boasts views of a Wild West-like canyon and by night of the stars. Then it's on to Tunte, where you might decide to visit the Casa Los Yánez Ethnographic Museum, though it is not open every day. Next, you'll head to Tejeda, considered one of Spain's prettiest villages. All pretty whitewashed houses and palm trees nestled in the shadow of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, it's Insta-perfect.We'll then head to Valleseco for a three-course lunch in a family-owned restaurant. Savour traditional Canarian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, washed down with local wine, while admiring the views of a gorge below. With a full belly, the afternoon is dedicated to the picture-postcard town of Teror. It's famed for its pastel-coloured colonial homes with carved overhanging balconies.

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Gran Canaria food tour with distillery visit and local lunch
Excursions & day trips

Gran Canaria food tour with distillery visit and local lunch

If the Canaries were a meal, Gran Canaria would be the main course – and the dessert. This exclusive tour will give you a flavour of the island and its cuisine while taking in its natural beauty. A rum factory tour, salt flats, a visit to Arucas town and a typical Canarian farm are all on the menu. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This is my favourite tour – the driving is well spaced out and each stop is a looker. Plus, you get to sample some typical Canarian specialities in a fabulous setting.'First up is Salinas de Tenefé, where the salt flats are an important natural and cultural enclave where sea salt is produced as is has been for centuries. Next up is Arucas. Its colourful homes and flower-filled parks are overshadowed by the volcano-framed Church of St John the Baptist. You'll drop into the town's historic Arehucas distillery to sample some of its famed oak barrel-aged rum. Afterwards, we'll visit a family-owned restaurant for a traditional Canarian lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.But the best is yet to come. The highlight of the day is the award-winning Finca La Laja – a typical Canarian farm – located in a deep, vegetation-filled gorge near Agaete. In this wild and rugged setting, you'll get to taste local wines, cheese, Teror chorizo, Canarian ‘wrinkly' potatoes, cake and the farm's trademark coffee, which is grown here. You'll also learn how to prepare spicy ‘mojo' sauces.

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de, en, fr, nl 

Gran Canaria summit sunset tour
Excursions & day trips

Gran Canaria summit sunset tour

As the sun tucks away behind the horizon, you'll toast to Gran Canaria's spectacular landscape on this exclusive sunset excursion. You'll travel inland through rustic villages and up its highest peak to see in the sunset with bubbly.

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Personalised Private Tour of Gran Canaria in Minivan
Excursions & day trips

Personalised Private Tour of Gran Canaria in Minivan

With the flexibility to go wherever you want, this personalised tour of Gran Canaria lets you explore as you wish. During this eight-hour experience, your driver-guide will take you wherever you want on the island – the route and stops are all your own choice. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘You pick where you want to go, but I always recommend there's one must-visit on the island – Tejeda. It's an impossibly picturesque village in the shadow of the iconic Roque Nublo and near the pine forests of Tamadaba Nature Reserve.'After pick-up at your hotel, you can explore natural attractions. Top picks such as the peaks at Pico de las Nieves, the desert-like dunes of Maspalomas, the volcanic Bandama crater or the Wild West-like canyon of Degollada de las Yeguas. Or you can discover sleepy highland towns such as Teror and Tejeda or the rum-making town of Arucas. Then there's the capital, Las Palmas, an easy-going city that blends a beach vibe with cultural attractions, such as the palatial home of Christopher Columbus.The tour will be in a private minivan, which can seat up to eight passengers, so you'll be able to strike out with friends or family. What's more, your driver doubles up as a guide, so you'll get all the history and anecdotes of the places you visit. You could also schedule in some beach stops, shopping time and a lunch stop. Your guide will be more than recommend the best places to savour traditional Canarian cuisine.

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Gran Canaria Private Tour with Lunch in Remote Hamlet
Excursions & day trips

Gran Canaria Private Tour with Lunch in Remote Hamlet

Gran Canaria is known as a miniature continent. And as soon as you travel inland on this private tour, you'll discover just why. Journey through mountainous landscapes and savour a local lunch in Bascamao. There are also stops in Artenara and a wine cellar. Esteban, one of our local guides, says, ‘It's high after high on this tour, starting with lunch at a cave restaurant with views and then going to the island's highest village. At over 1,200m above sea level, Artenara finds itself nestled on a ridge surrounded by jagged peaks.'Heading north via the Mogan Valley, snake your way through gorges and gaps towards the very centre of the island. The views along the way are camera-grabbingly good, so there'll be an occasional pit stop to take some pics. Lunch in a family-owned ‘cave restaurant' in the remote hamlet of Bascamao is next. Savour dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, with a side of views over the surrounding countryside and the ocean. What's more, with this visit, you contribute to the local community and economy.Afterwards, head to the highest town on the island, Artenara. Explore on foot this tiny village clustered around a whitewashed church or stick your head into the famed cave dwellings museum. Next, you'll head to the Presas viewpoint, among others, for views of alpine landscapes and the northern coastline. Round off the day with a Bandama crater photo stop, stopping en route by a family-run wine cellar to sample its volcanic earth wines.

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Exclusive off-road adventure around Gran Canaria’s mountain villages
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Exclusive off-road adventure around Gran Canaria’s mountain villages

This off-road adventure showcases Gran Canaria's natural beauty. You'll kick things off in Meloneras before rumbling along the El Juncal Trail in a 4x4. There are a few scenic stops at viewpoints like Cortadores along the way, each packed with photo ops to help you get that perfect Insta post – expect sweeping mountain views and pine forests that really show off the island's wild side. Next, you'll swing by the villages of Tunte and Fataga for a glimpse of local life. And, to wrap things up, there's a visit to an aloe vera farm, where you'll learn all about the plant's natural benefits.

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Gran Canaria Spirit of the Sea dolphin-watching cruise
Excursions & day trips

Gran Canaria Spirit of the Sea dolphin-watching cruise

The thrill of watching dolphins in their natural environment is one of the great experiences Gran Canaria has to offer. Onboard Spirit of the Sea – World Cetacean Alliance certified for responsible whale and dolphin watching – you'll get to see these friendly and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.There are six types of dolphin to spot, including bottlenose and common. And fin – the second-largest mammal – and pilot whales also make regular appearances. In fact, one-third of all species of cetaceans, which include whales and porpoises, can be found in these waters.You'll be able to keep a look-out for other creatures – turtles, flying fish and brightly coloured parrot fish – thanks to the Spirit of the Sea's viewing area. Plus, there's a swim stop included, for when you want to cool off in the water.

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Where to go

Spain

Things to do in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria boasts a backdrop of beautiful beaches, volcanic valleys and sleepy colonial villages. What with its tasty cuisine and crowd-pleasing line-up of attractions and activities, it’s fair to say that there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Gran Canaria. From water sports and hiking trails to the history-steeped capital, Las Palmas, you’ll find something for adventurers, nature lovers and families alike. Top six things to do in Gran Canaria 1. Explore the Maspalomas Dunes The vast sand dunes of Maspalomas are a must-see in Gran Canaria. Because they’ve got a very fragile ecosystem, the dunes are a protected nature reserve and need to be explored with care. Join a guided sunrise or sunset tour of the Maspalomas Dunes for an extra-special experience. 2. Get involved with some watersports Gran Canaria’s mild climate makes it the perfect place for water sports. You can pick between sailing, windsurfing, body-boarding, surfing and scuba diving – so you’ll be spoiled for choice. And if you’d rather skip the adrenaline rush, there are lots of laid-back nautical activities to choose from, such as glass-bottom boat trips and sunset cruises. 3. Go wild whale and dolphin watching Book a wild whale and dolphin-watching cruise in Gran Canaria for your chance to see an array of marine life. The island’s waters are home to whale species that are there all year round, and those that pass by as they migrate, so you’re almost guaranteed sightings no matter what time of year you visit. You’re in with the chance of seeing dolphins play, jump and splash around your boat. Several boat tours depart daily from Puerto Rico. 4. Get to know the capital, Las Palmas The island’s capital is a great place to base yourself, or visit on a daytrip, thanks to its buzzing restaurant and nightlife scene, great beaches and history-steeped centre. Visit the colourful old town, Vegueta, and discover cobblestone alleys, monuments and palaces. If you visit Las Palmas in February, be prepared to see carnival celebrations tohat rival those in Rio and New Orleans. 5. Take in the views from Roque Nublo If you’re looking for a prime hiking spot, look no further than Nublo Rural Park. Here, you’ll find Roque Nublo – an ancient volcanic rock – which is one of the largest crags in the world. The 360-degree views from the top will have you reaching for your camera. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Roque Nublo via a walking trail starting at La Goleta car park. 6. Taste traditional food and drink Delve into Gran Canaria’s culinary scene and taste your way through the island’s most popular dishes with a food tour. Try local delicacies like papas arrugadas con mojo – these so-called ‘wrinkled’ potatoes are cooked in extra-salty water and smothered with a spicy sauce. You can also tuck in to Flor de Guía cheese – thistle flowers give it its unique flavour – and freshly caught fish. Wine-lovers can head to the local vineyards and bodegas in the northeast to learn about the winemakers’ age-old processes and taste some of their wines.
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Gran Canaria