Gran Canaria LET’S GET HIGH!: altitude wines and tapas lunch

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Altitude: A Unique Wine and Tapas Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day packed with spectacular views, local flavors, and a taste of the island’s rugged beauty, the Gran Canaria LET’S GET HIGH! tour might be just what you’re looking for. This 7-hour experience promises to take you off the beaten path, exploring the island’s biosphere reserve, its volcanic ravines, and a charming cave restaurant—all while sampling some of the best wines and traditional dishes.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on small-group intimacy—limited to just 8 participants, which tends to mean more personalized attention and a relaxed vibe. Plus, the expert guide makes a difference, sharing insights that bring the landscape and local culture alive. On the flip side, a potential downside for some could be the lack of hotel pickup, so you’ll need to coordinate your own transportation to the start point.

This experience is ideal for travelers who love scenic drives, good wine, and authentic local food. If you’re curious about exploring Gran Canaria’s less touristy spots with a knowledgeable guide, this tour ticks quite a few boxes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience
• Stunning views of volcanic landscapes and the Biosphere Reserve
• Traditional tapas lunch served in a cave restaurant for a memorable foodie experience
• Expert guided wine tour offers insights into local wines at high altitude
• Off-the-beaten-path itinerary visits unique villages and canyons
• Comfortable transport through scenic, volcanic terrain

Discovering Gran Canaria’s Hidden Highs

This tour is a real treat for anyone wanting to see Gran Canaria beyond the usual beaches and resorts. Instead, it leads you into the island’s heart, where the dramatic volcanic landscape shapes both the terrain and the local way of life. From the outset, the tour promises a trip out of mass tourism areas, which is a big plus if you’re craving authentic encounters and quieter spots.

Starting from a choice of four pickup points—Puerto Rico, Arguineguín, Maspalomas, or Mogán—the tour then takes a scenic drive through the Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area declared for its grand landscapes. The journey itself feels like an adventure, winding through steep ravines and cratered terrain, giving you a taste of the island’s volcanic origins.

The Scenic Drive and Photo Stops

One of the highlights is the visit to the Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas, a viewpoint where you can snap some photos of the sprawling landscape below. It’s a quick stop, around 20 minutes, but enough to appreciate the vastness of the volcanic scenery.

The second major stop lasts about 2.33 hours, giving you ample time to soak in views, snap photos, and perhaps chat with your guide about the local history and geology. These stops are well-placed for the perfect photo opportunities and to truly feel immersed in nature.

The Winery Experience at 1,000 Meters

Driving up to a winery perched at 1,000 meters elevation, you’ll get a chance to taste local wines while enjoying the crisp mountain air. The guided tour of the winery enhances the experience, with insights into how the high altitude influences the flavors of the wine. Expect roughly 1.5 hours dedicated to wine tasting, which is enough time to sample a variety and learn about the winemaking process in this unique environment.

Many reviews highlight the guide’s expertise, noting how they shared interesting tidbits about the wines and the local growing conditions. It’s an authentic, educational step that complements the visual beauty of the landscape.

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Exploring the Guayadeque Ravine and Cave Lunch

Next, you’ll visit the Guayadeque Ravine, a spectacular canyon famous for its cave dwellings—homes and restaurants carved directly into the volcanic rock. Here, you’ll stop for around 2 hours to walk, take photos, and sit down for your traditional tapas lunch in a cave restaurant. The food is thoughtfully designed for the tour, showcasing popular dishes from Gran Canaria, served in a setting that feels both historic and cozy.

Many travelers appreciate this part, describing the lunch spot as both authentic and memorable, with some noting the unique cave atmosphere elevates the meal. It’s a great way to connect with local traditions and fuel up before the final scenic views.

Scenic Views and Travel Tips

Finally, a few shorter stops—around 20 minutes each—offer scenic vistas and photo opportunities on the way back. The entire route feels carefully curated to maximize memorable sights without feeling rushed.

Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll need to ensure you’re ready for the initial meeting point. The group size of 8 means you’ll probably enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment, ideal for chatting with the guide and fellow travelers.

Practical Details and What to Pack

This experience is priced at $189 per person, which covers transportation, guided visits, the wine tasting, and the traditional tapas lunch. Considering the personalized touch and the chance to explore lesser-visited parts of the island, many find this to be good value.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the villages and canyons, and don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and camera—the high altitude and exposed landscapes mean sun protection is essential.

Note that smoking is not allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back or mobility issues, or children under 18. The tour runs approximately 7 hours, with specific start times depending on availability.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a mix of breathtaking scenery, local wine, and authentic local flavor, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s perfect for those who want to venture off the usual tourist trail and explore Gran Canaria’s volcanic charm in a relaxed setting.

The focus on small groups and expert guides make it a more intimate way to connect with the landscape and culture. The highlight, without doubt, is the stunning views and the chance to sample local wines at high altitude—something different from typical island tours.

While the lack of hotel pickup might be a minor inconvenience, the overall experience, with its scenic beauty and culture, makes it worthwhile. This trip is particularly well-suited for curious travelers who like a mix of nature, history, and delicious food.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not allowed on this tour, likely due to the nature of the activities and alcohol tasting.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, or vertigo, since it involves walking and some uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and water are recommended to make the most of the day.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You’ll need to coordinate your own transportation to the designated pickup points.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, with specific starting times based on availability.

Is the wine tasting at a specific time?
Yes, the guided wine tasting lasts approximately 1.5 hours, usually scheduled mid-morning or early afternoon depending on the itinerary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your plans shift last minute.

If exploring the highlands, tasting local wines, and discovering hidden villages sounds appealing, this tour promises a memorable slice of Gran Canaria’s landscape and culture. Just go prepared for a day of scenic beauty, authentic food, and high-altitude adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: