Coffee & Wine: North Route of Gran Canaria Tour

Exploring the Coffee & Wine: North Route of Gran Canaria Tour

If you’re looking for a way to get a taste of Gran Canaria’s diverse flavors and scenic spots without the hassle of planning every detail, this guided tour might be just what you need. It promises a full day of exploration, from charming villages to coffee plantations, all wrapped up with a bit of wine tasting and local culture.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the ease of logistics—the hotel pickup and drop-off mean you can relax from the moment you step out of bed. Plus, the focus on local produce and authentic experiences makes it a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience the north of the island beyond the usual tourist spots.

Of course, no tour is perfect, and one thing to keep in mind here is that the coffee tasting isn’t extensive—only one location is highlighted for that. Also, the wine aspect isn’t the main feature, despite what the name suggests. But if you’re curious about local agriculture, culture, and flavors, this tour is a great way to spend a day.

This experience is especially suited for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or travelers eager to learn about local produce. If you prefer a more relaxed, educational journey with scenic stops and tastings, you’ll likely enjoy this tour.

Key Points

Convenient all-day experience with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Focus on local produce: coffee, wine, cheese, and fresh fruit.
Varied stops including villages, plantations, and scenic spots.
Knowledgeable guides who share insights into the island’s agriculture.
Tastings included at select locations, especially coffee at La Laja estate.
Good for those seeking culture without strenuous activities.

A Closer Look at the North Route of Gran Canaria

This tour is designed to introduce you to some of the most picturesque and culturally rich parts of the northern side of Gran Canaria. It balances sightseeing with tasting some of the island’s best local products, all while keeping the day manageable at around 7 hours. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect from each stop.

Starting Point: Arucas

Your day kicks off in Arucas, a small town famous for its banana plantations and sugar cane history. If you’re interested in agriculture, this is a highlight—seeing vast fields of bananas and sugar cane gives you a real sense of local livelihood. The visit includes a walk through the old town, leading you to the neo-Gothic church of San Juan Bautista—a striking building that’s a favorite photo spot.

Many reviews mention how this stop gives a glimpse into the island’s past and present. Daniela_N calls it “A day of wonders,” appreciating the blend of nature, flowers, wine, cheese, coffee, ocean, and guidance. The relaxed vibe here helps set the tone for the day.

Firgas: The Water Village

Next, you’ll visit Firgas, a tiny town with a big claim to fame—its famous 30-meter waterfall fountain. It’s such a charming spot, perfect for some photos and soaking in the local atmosphere. The town is often called the “municipality of water,” and many find the scenery both peaceful and photogenic.

Expect about an hour here, and if you’re into pretty streets and local villages, you’ll find Firgas delightful. It’s a reminder of how important water has been to the island’s development, and it’s a pretty spot to stretch your legs.

Santa Maria de Guia de Gran Canaria

The tour then heads to Guía, a village known for its top-quality cheeses. This stop is more about the culinary side of things—if you’re a cheese lover, there’s an optional tasting costing around €3. Many find it worthwhile, especially since the cheeses are award-winning.

Tara_C mentions that their guide Francisco was “fantastic,” making this part of the trip engaging and informative. It’s a light stop, about 40 minutes, but well worth it if you’re interested in local food.

Agaete and the Coffee Plantations

One of the tour’s highlights is Agaete, an area celebrated for its agricultural richness—bananas, potatoes, tropical fruits, and most notably, coffee. Here, you’ll visit La Laja estate and its Bodega Los Berrazales, the only coffee producers on the island.

The visit includes an environment full of aromas and flavors that speak to the island’s agricultural diversity. It’s a highlight for many—expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a coffee tasting included. Reviewers like Daniela_N appreciated this part, calling it “a wonderful environment” full of local produce and scenic beauty.

Puerto de las Nieves: The Coastal Finish

The last stop is Puerto de las Nieves, a classic fishing village with a laid-back vibe. You’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes here for lunch (not included in the tour price) or simply wandering around. It’s an ideal place to relax before heading back, with picturesque views and a real sense of local life.

Many guests mention how this last leg of the trip offers a calm, scenic ending to a busy day, perfect for some photos or a quiet stroll. It’s a gentle way to conclude your exploration.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s inclusions are quite straightforward: professional guides (available in Spanish or English), hotel pickup from Las Palmas, and an entrance plus coffee tasting at La Laja estate. This covers the core experience and ensures you don’t need to worry about transportation or the logistics of visiting these sites.

Lunch, however, is not included. You’ll have the chance to pick from various local restaurants and pay on the spot, which means you can choose something that suits your taste and budget. This flexibility is nice but does mean you should budget extra for your meal.

The tour price is around $61.72, which seems reasonable considering the number of stops, tastings, and the guided experience. When you factor in the convenience and the access to sites you might not otherwise visit independently, it offers good value.

What the Reviews Say

Feedback from past travelers paints a mostly positive picture. Daniela_N calls it “a day of wonders,” highlighting nature, flowers, past, wine, cheese, coffee, ocean, and guidance. That’s a well-rounded way to describe it.

Tara_C praises the guide Francisco, calling him “fantastic” and appreciating the local food and culture experiences, especially the seafood. It seems that the guide’s knowledge and friendliness really enhance the experience.

Brad_R points out that the coffee tasting was limited to one location and that the wine wasn’t a focus—which is true given the tour’s name. He notes that clearer communication about what’s included could boost the experience for future travelers. Nonetheless, most reviews agree that the overall experience is worthwhile.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water—the sun can be strong, especially during outdoor walks.
• Wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking and exploring.
• Since the tour starts at 9:30 am, it’s best to arrive prepared and ready for a full day.
• Remember that lunch is at your expense, so plan accordingly.
• The group size is limited to 30 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly atmosphere.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re interested in local agriculture, authentic food, and scenic villages. It offers a relaxed pace, making it suitable for curious travelers who enjoy learning and tasting. It’s not a heavily activity-based tour, so if you’re after adventure or fast-paced sightseeing, it might not be the best fit.

It’s especially good for food and wine lovers wanting a taste of local flavors with beautiful scenery as a backdrop. The guided aspect means you’ll get insights into the island’s agricultural practices and history, which adds a layer of understanding to your visit.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 6 years old, so families with young children can join. Keep in mind that the tour involves walking and outdoor stops, so plan accordingly.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from Las Palmas City is included, making it easy to start the day without having to arrange your own transport.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, roughly from 9:30 am to late afternoon, giving you a full but manageable day.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, water, and your camera. Since some stops involve outdoor walking, dress for the weather.

Are the tastings included?
Yes, the coffee tasting at La Laja estate is included, but other tastings like cheese are optional and paid separately.

Can I buy souvenirs or local products?
While the tour highlights local produce, it doesn’t specify if shopping opportunities are part of the stops. You might find some local products at the estate or villages.

What’s the quality of the guide?
Multiple reviews mention knowledgeable, friendly guides—particularly praising Francisco, which suggests a positive guiding experience.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering the multiple stops, tastings, and transportation logistics covered, most travelers find this experience offers good value for the price.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a taste of Gran Canaria’s authentic flavors and beautiful scenery, this Coffee & Wine: North Route tour offers a thoughtful, relaxed way to explore. The mix of villages, plantations, and scenic spots, paired with local tastings, makes it a well-rounded day for curious travelers.

While it’s not a deep dive into wine or coffee—more like a guided introduction—you’ll leave with a better appreciation for the island’s agricultural heritage and a few tasty souvenirs. The experienced guides and carefully curated stops create a comfortable, informative environment, which many reviews highlight as a standout feature.

This tour is a solid pick for those who enjoy learning about local culture through food and scenic exploration. If you’re looking for a relaxed, flavorful day with some beautiful views, it’s likely to meet your expectations.

Enjoy your trip to Gran Canaria, and if you decide to go, I hope this helps you make the most of your experience. Cheers to good food, new sights, and lovely memories!