Gran Canaria: Full-Day Island Sightseeing Coach Tour

Traveling around Gran Canaria in a single day might sound ambitious, but this full-day island sightseeing coach tour promises to give you a vibrant snapshot of the island’s diverse landscapes and charming towns. Offered by LOW COST Tours Gran Canaria, this experience is designed for those who want an overview without the hassle of driving or planning every stop themselves. For a fair price of $49 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours covering most of the island’s highlights.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances stunning scenery with informative guides. You’ll get the chance to see the colorful volcanic landscapes, the famous sea cliffs, and some quaint fishing villages. Plus, the stops are well-paced — not too rushed but not so long that you lose the sense of journey. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that you’ll be on a bus most of the day, which might not suit everyone, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a more leisurely pace.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see a lot in a short time—ideal if your stay is limited or if you’re not up for driving on winding mountain roads. It’s also suited for those who enjoy guided commentary and the chance to hop off and explore a bit on your own at certain stops. If you’re into scenic drives, photography, and learning about local spots, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage: Explore all four coasts of the island, from volcanic landscapes to coastal cliffs.
• Value for money: At $49, it offers a lot of sights with guided commentary—a good deal for a full day.
• Comfortable transport: The fully air-conditioned bus keeps everyone comfortable, even during the warmest parts of the day.
• Well-organized stops: The itinerary balances sightseeing with free time, including pretty villages and beaches.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews emphasize how fluent, friendly, and informative the guides are.
• Limited in-depth exploration: You get a broad overview rather than deep dives into specific spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Gran Canaria Full-Day Tour

Starting the Journey

The tour begins with a pickup at one of 34 different locations around the resort areas—think Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, and others. This broad pick-up list makes it convenient for most travelers, though it’s important to note that Las Palmas or the harbor are not included as pickup points. If your accommodation is in the city, you’ll need to make your way to Parque Tropical or arrange your own transfer.

Once onboard, you’ll notice that the coach is modern and comfortable, as several reviews mention. The air conditioning is a welcome feature, especially if you’re touring in warmer months. The guide and driver work together to ensure a smooth ride, with drivers skillfully navigating narrow mountain roads and hairpin bends.

The First Major Stop: Puerto de Mogán

The tour kicks off with a visit to Puerto de Mogán, often called “Little Venice” for its canals and pretty harbor. Spending about 30 minutes here gives you enough time to stroll the marina, snap photos, or grab a coffee in one of the waterfront cafés. This fishing village’s colorful houses and relaxed vibe make it a standout stop, blending scenic beauty with local charm.

Rainbow Rocks and La ADea de San Nicolás

Next, you’ll drive through a volcanic landscape of many colors—a treat for photography lovers. The stop at Los Azulejos De Veneguera, also known as Rainbow Rocks, offers a quick 10-minute photo op of natural rock formations with vibrant hues. It’s a brief stop but one that leaves a lasting impression.

Following that, you’ll head to La Aldea de San Nicolás, a traditional Canarian town where you’ll have about 20 minutes to stretch your legs and soak in local atmosphere. The reviews highlight that these stops can be quite picturesque, with some travelers noting they’d love more time here.

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Cliffs and Villages on the West and North Coasts

Driving along the coast, you’ll marvel at the cliffs of Puerto de las Nieves in Agaete, famous for their dramatic seaside views. This is where you get to witness the “Finger of God”, a striking natural rock formation. The tour emphasizes the stunning sea cliffs, often cited as a highlight in reviews.

You’ll pass through several villages, including Gáldar and Guía, and see banana plantations in the Arucas area. These are scenic glimpses into local life and agriculture on the island.

Las Palmas and Canteras Beach

The final major stop is Las Canteras Beach in the capital, Las Palmas. Here, you’ll have about 30 minutes to stroll along the beach, take photos of the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, and enjoy a taste of city life. Many reviewers appreciate this balance—it’s a relaxing way to wind down after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Returning Along the East Coast

After a full day of exploring, the return journey takes you south along the east coast, passing more villages and coastal views. The entire trip wraps up with a drop-off at your original pick-up point.

What Travelers Are Saying

The feedback from previous passengers is largely positive, with many praising the guides for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness. One reviewer mentioned, “The bus driver and guide were extremely professional. The guide was very knowledgeable and fluent in three languages,” which speaks to the quality of the experience.

Others appreciated the comfortable coach and the well-planned stops. One note from a reviewer: “The balance of time on the bus and stops was just right,” suggesting the itinerary is thoughtfully designed.

A few reviewers did mention that the trip involves a lot of driving, especially on winding mountain roads, which might not suit everyone. Several commented that the driving can be “aggressive” at times, so if you are sensitive to that or prone to motion sickness, it’s something to consider.

Plus, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food during stops. Some mention that the options at stops are limited or that the timing restricts how much you can explore.

Analyzing the Value

At $49, this tour offers considerable value—you get a full day of sightseeing, guided commentary in multiple languages, comfortable transport, and a variety of scenic stops. Compared to planning your own day trip, this package simplifies logistics, letting you relax and enjoy the views.

While you won’t have unlimited time at each stop, the carefully curated itinerary ensures you see the most distinctive parts of the island without feeling rushed. For travelers with limited time or those who prefer guided tours, this offers a convenient way to tick off many highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who want a broad overview of Gran Canaria’s geography and culture in one day. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided commentary and structured sightseeing, especially if you’re not keen on navigating winding roads or planning your own route.

If you like stunning vistas, colorful villages, and coastal scenery, you’ll find plenty to love. However, keep in mind that the long bus rides and limited time at each stop might not appeal if you prefer to explore in depth or have a more leisurely pace.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Gran Canaria Full-Day Island Sightseeing Coach Tour offers a solid way to experience the island’s diversity without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings. The combination of scenic landscapes, charming villages, and city views makes for a well-rounded day. The guides receive praise for their knowledge and professionalism, adding value to an already good experience.

While it’s not perfect — with some long periods on the bus and limited exploration time — it’s a worthwhile option for travelers wanting a rundown at a reasonable price. If you’re after a structured, scenic, and informative tour that covers most of what makes Gran Canaria special, this could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but because of the long bus ride and some mountain roads, it might be less ideal for very young children or those sensitive to motion sickness.

Do I need to bring lunch?
Lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or a small meal is a good idea, especially since stops are brief and timing is tight.

Are there pickup points in Las Palmas?
No, the tour does not include pickup or drop-off in Las Palmas. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Parque Tropical for pickup.

How long do we spend at each stop?
Stops vary from about 10 to 30 minutes, enough for quick explorations and photos but not for in-depth sightseeing. The tour balances time on the bus with short visits.

Is the tour multilingual?
Yes, the guides speak German, English, and Spanish, providing commentary in all three languages.

What is the price?
The cost is $49 per person, which is quite reasonable for an 8-hour guided tour covering most of the island’s highlights.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is there a restroom break during the tour?
While not explicitly mentioned, the stops at villages and beaches typically include opportunities for restroom breaks.

How scenic are the views?
Expect plenty of scenic photos of volcanic landscapes, sea cliffs, colorful villages, and beaches—many reviewers find the vistas worth the journey.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, which adds flexibility to your planning.

This tour is a reliable, straightforward way to get a taste of Gran Canaria’s varied landscapes and local culture in one day. It’s well-suited for travelers who prefer a guided experience and want to maximize sightseeing without the stress of self-driving or extensive planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: