Gran Canaria: Island Highlights Tour with Optional Lunch

Discover the Hidden Corners of Gran Canaria with the Island Highlights Tour

If you’re considering exploring Gran Canaria beyond the typical tourist spots, this Island Highlights Tour offers a wonderful way to see some of the island’s secret treasures. It’s a full-day adventure that takes you into areas normal buses can’t reach, with stunning vistas, cultural insights, and the chance to snap memorable photos along the way. Whether you’re into natural beauty, local traditions, or just want a well-organized overview of the island, this tour provides a balanced mix of everything.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the expert guidance and the breathtaking viewpoints. The guides seem genuinely knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts that enrich the scenery. Plus, the stops at places like Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo let you soak in panoramic views that are hard to beat. On the flip side, the tour’s duration—about 6.5 hours—means it’s fairly packed, so if you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced day, this might feel a bit brisk. Still, it’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Gran Canaria’s highlights in a single day.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, local culture, and photo opportunities but aren’t necessarily looking for a slow, leisurely experience. It’s also a good fit if you’re short on time but want a good overview, or if you’d like to see more off-the-beaten-path areas that larger buses can’t access. Keep in mind, the tour isn’t optimized for mobility-impaired travelers, so it’s better suited for those who can handle a few brief walks and steps.

Key Points

• Focused on lesser-known spots that big tour buses can’t reach, providing a more authentic experience.
• Includes panoramic viewpoints like Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo, perfect for photos and taking in the scenery.
• Guided by local experts who share interesting insights into the island’s history, culture, and landscape.
• Flexible options such as an optional traditional lunch in a local village.
• Family-friendly for travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, but not suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day hassle-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

The experience kicks off with a hotel pickup from Maspalomas, a popular tourist hub in the south of the island. From there, the journey begins, and the van takes you through some of Gran Canaria’s most captivating spots. The first stop at the Aloe Vera Finca Canarias is not just picturesque but offers a chance to learn about one of the island’s famous plants. The guided tour here lasts about 35 minutes and is perfect for snapping photos and understanding aloe’s significance locally.

Next, the tour takes you to the Caldera de Bandama, a volcanic crater that’s both dramatic and historically interesting. With about 15 minutes for photos and a quick guided visit, you’ll get a taste of the island’s volcanic roots. Then, the highlight for many—Pico de las Nieves—where you get around 15 minutes of free time to soak in the sweeping views from one of the highest points on the island. The scenery here often leaves visitors speechless, and it’s a great spot for a quick photo or just to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

The church stop is more than just a break; it’s an opportunity to experience local architecture and ambiance. Here, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours, enough to explore, take in the atmosphere, and perhaps enjoy a snack. Many reviewers appreciate this part, noting that guides often share fascinating stories about the area’s history and traditions.

From there, the tour makes a few more stops, including Cruz de San Antonio and Presa del Mulato—both offering photo opportunities and insights into local life. The Presa del Mulato is particularly noted for its peaceful, scenic setting, which makes it worth the brief stop.

After a full day of exploring, you’ll be transported back to Maspalomas, with plenty of memories and photos in hand. The entire experience, at around 6.5 hours, balances sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each location without feeling overly rushed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour is quite straightforward and offers good value, especially considering the hotel pickup and drop-off are included, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport. A professional local guide enhances the experience with informative commentary, making the sights more meaningful. The tour also offers live guides in Dutch, English, French, and German, catering to a diverse group.

However, lunch isn’t included, so you might want to budget for a meal if you’re hungry after the stops or want to try some local dishes. An optional traditional lunch can be added, which many find delicious and a perfect complement to the sightseeing. Also, note that baby seats aren’t provided, so traveling with very young children might require some extra planning.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Based on reviews, the guides are often praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling ability. One reviewer called the guide “very knowledgeable,” and another mentioned how the expert driver made the winding mountain roads more comfortable and safe. The stops at Mogan valley and Roque Nublo seem to be favorites for their stunning views and photo ops—these moments often stand out in travelers’ memories.

Many reviewers appreciated the well-organized nature of the tour. One said, “Very well organized, very knowledgeable guide, Marine, enough pictures time, a lot of interesting facts around Gran Canaria.” Others highlighted how the breathtaking scenery and the chance to learn about local traditions** made the day special.

On the downside, some found the day a bit packed, especially if they wanted more time at each stop. If you prefer a slower pace or want to explore one spot in-depth, this might feel hurried. But for most, the balance strikes just right between sightseeing and travel time.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Bring your passport or ID, especially if you plan to visit certain sites.
• Wear comfortable shoes—many stops involve walking or brief explorations.
• Be prepared for variable weather—layers are always wise since the elevation and coastal climates differ.
• If you have dietary requirements, inform your guide on the day—lunch options are available, but not included in the base price.
• The tour runs approximately 6.5 hours; check your starting time to plan your day accordingly.
• Expect some winding mountain roads, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring appropriate remedies.
• The additional €10 supplement for pickups in the north of the island is worth considering if you’re staying outside the southern area.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a broad slice of Gran Canaria without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s perfect if you’re interested in photography, local culture, and scenic overlooks—the stops are thoughtfully chosen for their views and cultural interest. The guided format ensures you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic past, traditions, and architecture, making it educational as well as visual.

While it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, it’s a good choice for active travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. If you’re traveling with people who love discovering hidden spots and panoramic views, this tour is likely to delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Maspalomas, making the day convenient without needing to navigate public transport.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 6.5 hours, including all stops, sightseeing, and some free time at key viewpoints.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are available in Dutch, English, French, and German, ensuring a comfortable experience for a diverse group.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and layers for variable weather. If you have dietary needs, inform your guide on the day.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included in the base price, but an optional traditional meal can be added. You should budget for a meal or snacks separately.

Can children participate?
While suitable for most travelers, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or very young children unable to handle a full day of sightseeing.

What about photo opportunities?
There are plenty—places like Pico de las Nieves, Roque Nublo, and the Aloe Vera Finca are perfect for memorable photos.

Are there any additional costs?
Apart from the optional lunch and the €10 supplement for north island pickups, most costs are included. Remember to factor in personal expenses if you wish to buy souvenirs or extra snacks.

All in all, this Gran Canaria Island Highlights Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that balances natural beauty, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure. It’s particularly recommended for those wanting an efficient, guided overview of the island’s most iconic and hidden spots—ideal for first-timers and photography lovers alike. Just keep in mind that it’s a fairly full day, so pace yourself and enjoy the views!

You can check availability for your dates here: