Discover Gran canaria The Cumbre

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria and want to see beyond the beaches, this full-day island exploration offers a fantastic glimpse into the island’s vibrant villages, breathtaking landscapes, and local flavors. While many travelers stick to relaxing on sun-kissed sands, this tour invites you to wander through charming towns like Telde, Firgas, and Valleseco, and enjoy panoramic views that truly showcase Gran Canaria’s diverse beauty.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the stunning vistas you’ll encounter — especially the views of Roque Nublo and the Fataga Valley — as well as the opportunity to sample locally-produced rum, which is a Canary Islands specialty. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off from the southern tourist zone make it convenient and accessible; however, note that the tour doesn’t include pickup from Las Palmas, which may be a consideration for some travelers.

One thing to keep in mind is that the stops are relatively short — some reviews mention that the visits to certain places feel rushed — so if you’re someone who loves lengthy explorations, this might be a downside. Still, if you’re after a rundown of the island’s highlights in one day, this tour hits the right notes. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural insights, and a bit of local flavor without the hassle of planning multiple small trips.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation with hotel pickup from the south of Gran Canaria.
• Stunning viewpoints of Roque Nublo and Fataga Valley that make for memorable photos.
• Cultural stops including towns like Telde, Firgas, and Arucas for a taste of local life and architecture.
• Rum tasting included at the Arucas distillery, a Canary Islands specialty.
• Shorter stops mean some sites may feel rushed, so manage expectations accordingly.
• Knowledgeable guides who keep the tour engaging and informative.
• Affordable price point for a full-day experience, offering good value considering the included sights and transportation.
• Limited flexibility for those wanting to linger longer at specific locations.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early, with a pickup from your hotel in the southern tourist zone around 9:00 am. From there, we journey northward, crossing the fertile valleys that make Gran Canaria so lush and varied. The drive itself is part of the experience — expect sweeping views as you pass through towns like Telde, the island’s first capital, and Arucas, with its impressive neo-Gothic church.

One of the highlights is the visit to Roque Nublo, the volcanic outcrop that’s become a symbol of Gran Canaria. From Cruz de Tejeda, you’ll get the chance to photograph this iconic natural monument, which dominates the landscape at 1,800 meters above sea level. This spot is a true eye-catcher and a must-see for anyone wanting a great photo and a sense of the island’s volcanic origins.

The tour then takes you through Valleseco, where you’ll stop for lunch — note that it’s not included, so bringing some snacks or a small budget for local food is wise. After that, the focus shifts to scenic viewpoints, including San Bartolomé de Tirajana, offering sweeping views over Santa Lucía, and the Fataga Valley, which is an excellent spot to appreciate Gran Canaria’s diverse terrain at about 450 meters elevation.

Towns and Villages

Expect to visit several small towns that showcase the island’s character. Telde is interesting for its historical significance as the first capital, while Firgas (only on Saturdays) is famous for its charming streets and water features. Arucas is notable for its stunning neo-Gothic church and the most important rum factory in Europe, where rum tasting is included at no extra charge. The reviews highlight that guides often include stories about these locations, making the stops more engaging and informative, which adds real value to the experience.

Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities

The views on this tour are often described as breathtaking; the views of Roque Nublo are especially memorable. Several travelers mentioned how much they appreciated that they had plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. A recurring comment from reviewers like Kerrie_S is that “some stops are very short” — so if you’re a photography buff or love taking your time, be prepared to make the most of each stop quickly.

Rum Tasting and Local Flavors

A highlight for many is the rum tasting at the Arucas distillery, which is included free of charge. This gives you the chance to sample some local spirits and learn about the island’s tradition of rum-making. However, a few reviews mention disappointment because this isn’t a formal part of the tour anymore, so if that’s a key part of your plan, double-check before booking.

Guide and Transportation

The tour is delivered with a professional guide who keeps the commentary lively and informative. According to reviews, guides like Simon and Sebastian go above and beyond to make the experience friendly and engaging. They are praised for their energy, knowledge, and ability to cater to different languages, making the tour accessible to diverse groups.

The coach is described as modern and comfortable, which makes a big difference when you’re spending several hours on the road. The driver’s skill in navigating narrow mountain roads also receives praise, ensuring safety while allowing you to soak in scenic panoramas.

Duration, Price, and Value

This tour lasts roughly 7 to 8 hours, with the majority of the time spent enjoying the landscapes and towns rather than long periods in one place. Costing around $52.28 per person, it feels like a fair deal considering the included transport, guide, and some tastings. Travelers who have gone on similar tours mention that the experience is “great value for money” and an excellent way to see more of the island without the stress of organizing multiple trips.

Some reviews point out that the tour covers a lot of ground but note that the stops are relatively brief, so it’s best suited for those who prefer seeing many sites rather than lingering at each one.

What Could Be Better

While most reviews are positive, some travelers felt that certain stops were too short, and a few were disappointed because the rum distillery visit was no longer part of the tour, despite being highlighted in the description. Plus, it’s worth noting that Las Palmas isn’t included in the pickup area, so if you’re staying there, you’ll need to make your way to a designated meeting point.

Who Is This Tour For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their day exploring Gran Canaria without the hassle of planning. It suits those interested in scenic vistas, charming villages, and local culture, especially if they enjoy a good guide and a comfortable coach ride. It’s not the best choice if you’re seeking longer, more leisurely visits, but it’s perfect for travelers who want a broad overview of the island’s highlights in one go.

It’s also a good fit for groups or couples looking for an engaging, budget-friendly day out that combines sightseeing, cultural insight, and a taste of local flavors in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from the tourist zone in the south of Gran Canaria, making it convenient. However, note that there’s no pickup in Las Palmas, so plan accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, giving you ample time to see multiple sites and enjoy the views, with breaks in between.

Is food included?
No, lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or purchase something during the stop in Valleseco.

Are the stops at the towns long enough?
Most travelers find the stops enjoyable but brief. Some reviews mention that certain sites could benefit from more time, especially if photography or exploring is your thing.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
The main attractions are the scenic vistas, cultural towns, and the rum tasting at Arucas, which is a highlight for many.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, it generally suits most travelers who enjoy light sightseeing and comfortable transportation.

Is the tour multilingual?
Yes, guides often deliver commentary in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and French, ensuring accessibility for diverse groups.

How good is the guide?
Reviews consistently praise guides like Simon and Sebastian for their energy, knowledge, and friendly approach, which adds a lot to the experience.

What if the weather isn’t good?
This tour is weather-dependent — if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Discover Gran Canaria: The Cumbre tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of the island’s natural beauty, small-town charm, and local traditions. It’s a strong choice if you want to see multiple highlights without the hassle of organizing your own day. The price is reasonable, especially given the included transportation and guide, and the views and cultural stops make it a memorable experience.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys scenic drives, photo opportunities, and learning about local culture, this tour will likely meet your expectations. Just remember that some stops are brief, so if you prefer a more in-depth visit to each site, you might want to tailor your plans accordingly. Overall, it’s a practical, enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of Gran Canaria beyond the beaches.

For those seeking a comfortable, informative, and scenic day out with good value, this tour will deliver — especially if you love a bit of local flavor and sweeping vistas.