Gran Canaria: Sunset & Stargazing Tour: PickUp or Self Drive

Thinking about experiencing Gran Canaria after dark? This Sunset & Stargazing Tour offers an enchanting way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and incredible night skies. Whether you opt for the hotel pick-up or choose to drive yourself, this tour promises a combination of scenic landscapes, a gorgeous sunset, and a celestial show that’s hard to find anywhere else.

What makes this experience stand out? We’re especially drawn to the spectacular sunset views from high-altitude viewpoints and the expert-led stargazing session with powerful telescopes. Plus, the chance to get a professional night-sky photo of yourself adds a memorable touch.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour takes place at around 1800 meters elevation, meaning it can get quite chilly once the sun sets. So, packing warm clothes is a must. This experience suits those who love nature, are curious about the universe, and want a relaxed but awe-inspiring evening—ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking a unique night under the stars.

Key Points

• Unmatched Night Skies: Gran Canaria is renowned for its clear, dark skies—perfect for stargazing.
• Breathtaking Sunset: Enjoy a glass of cava or juice while watching the sun dip above the clouds.
• Scenic Drive: Pass through gorgeous mountain landscapes and charming villages like Arteara and Fataga.
• Expert Guidance: Learn about planets, galaxies, and constellations through powerful telescopes and laser-guided tours.
• Professional Photos: Capture a high-quality image of you under the stars as a keepsake.
• Flexible Options: Choose between being picked up or self-driving, depending on your preference and plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

If you’re considering this tour, it helps to understand what’s involved and what you’ll get out of it. We’ll walk through the entire experience, from the scenic drive to the starry finale.

Starting the Journey: Pick-Up or Self-Drive

Depending on your booking choice, you’ll either be collected from your hotel or a designated spot in the south of Gran Canaria, or you’ll meet the lead vehicle at the designated meeting point. The tour is designed to be relaxed, with the option to drive yourself if you prefer more independence during the trip.

Scenic Drive through Mountain Landscapes

One of the highlights is the drive through the island’s mountain scenery, which we loved for the chance to see a different side of Gran Canaria. Passing through lush palm oases, canyons, and traditional villages like Arteara and Fataga, the drive sets the mood for a magical evening.

Traveling with a guide means you get some interesting tidbits about the local area, which adds context and makes the journey more engaging. The drive usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes between stops.

Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas

Our first real stop was at the Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas, where the views are simply stunning. From here, you can snap some photos of the Grand Canyon of Gran Canaria — a truly dramatic vista. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, breathe in the cool mountain air, and get some initial photos.

The reviews highlight this stop as a favorite, with one traveler mentioning, “The view was breathtaking, and the fact that we could take photos here made it even better.” It’s a quick stop, around 10 minutes, but packed with picture-worthy moments.

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Canarian Village Stop & Snack Break

Next, you’ll head to Bartolomé de Tirajana, where there’s a chance for a quick snack or bathroom break. This adds a bit of everyday life flavor amid the scenic stops. Self-drivers will meet the guide here, making it easy to coordinate.

Sunset Viewpoint: Mirador de la Degollada de la Becerra

The star of the show—literally—is the sunset at Mirador de la Degollada de la Becerra. Perched at about 1550 meters above sea level, it offers an amazing panorama above the clouds. The view includes Pico de las Nieves and Teide in Tenerife—both iconic volcanic peaks.

As the sun dips, you’ll sip on a glass of cava or juice and enjoy the cooling air, which can be surprisingly crisp once the day turns to night. Many reviews remark on how the sunset feels almost surreal, with one noting, “Watching the sunset from above the clouds was spectacular—the kind of moment you won’t forget.”

Deeper into the Mountains: Stargazing at Llanos de la Pez

After sunset, the journey continues deeper into the island’s rugged interior, arriving at Llanos de la Pez, a remote site with minimal light pollution. This is where the real magic begins. The darker the sky, the more stars you’ll see — from planets and star clusters to nebulae.

Here, experienced guides use powerful telescopes to show you fascinating celestial sights. We loved the way they explained the constellations with laser pointers, making it easy to follow their stories. The live deep-sky photography on tablets adds a modern touch, allowing you to see detailed images of objects far away.

A highlight for many is the professional astrophotography session. The guides will take a high-quality photo of you or your group under the night sky, which you get to download afterward. It’s a fun way to keep the memory alive.

Warming Up & Final Thoughts

Since this all happens at a high elevation, warm winter coats are provided, ensuring you stay comfortable despite the cool evening air. The experience lasts roughly 1.5 hours at the stargazing site, with plenty of time to ask questions or simply soak in the incredible sky.

The Overall Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The breathtaking views during sunset and from high-altitude viewpoints are genuinely memorable.
– The expert guidance makes the whole experience accessible and educational.
– The professional astrophotography gives you a great keepsake.
– The scenic drive adds a relaxed, adventure feel to the evening.
– Multiple options for pick-up or self-driving enhance flexibility.

Cons:
– The tour takes place at around 1800 meters, so warm clothing is essential—not ideal if you’re unprepared for cooler temperatures.
– The length of the tour (4-6 hours) might be a bit long for those eager to stay on a tight schedule.
– If you’re not interested in astronomy or scenic views, this might not be your ideal activity.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, night sky enthusiasts, and those wanting a peaceful, awe-inspiring evening. It suits travelers who enjoy relaxed, scenic outings with a touch of education, and it’s especially attractive if you’re keen to witness Gran Canaria’s famous dark skies.

It’s also suitable for people comfortable with a bit of cold and those who appreciate good photography. The tour isn’t specifically family-focused but is fine for older children if they’re interested in stars and outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older kids who can handle the cooler temperatures and longer evening hours, but it’s not specifically designed for very young children.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, a camera, and closed-toe shoes are recommended to stay comfortable and capture the moment. Since it gets chilly, layered clothing is a smart choice.

Can I drive myself?
Yes, the self-drive option allows you to navigate the trip at your own pace, but you’ll need to meet at the designated point and follow the lead vehicle for safety and coordination.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the tour operates year-round, clear skies are best in the dry season. Since the skies are dark and stars are visible on all clear nights, anytime with good weather works well.

How long does the stargazing part last?
The guided stargazing session at Llanos de la Pez lasts around 1.5 hours, giving plenty of time to see stars through telescopes and learn about the cosmos.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, cloudy or rainy evenings may impair the stargazing experience. It’s worth checking the forecast before booking.

Are meals or drinks included?
The tour includes a glass of cava or juice during sunset and some snacks or bathroom stops, but meals are not provided.

How do I get the professional night sky photos?
Your guides will take a high-quality photograph during the stargazing session, which you will be able to download afterward.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an evening that combines scenic vistas, a touch of adventure, and a fascinating look at the universe, this Gran Canaria Sunset & Stargazing Tour hits the spot. The combination of spectacular sunsets, clear dark skies, and professional guidance makes it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate natural beauty and want to see the night sky like never before.

While it’s not perfect for everyone—particularly if you dislike cold or late nights—it’s a well-organized, memorable outing that showcases some of the best aspects of Gran Canaria’s landscape and night sky. Whether you pick the pick-up or self-drive option, you’ll leave with stunning images and stories to tell.

This tour is best suited to those who crave a peaceful, awe-inspiring experience away from the bustling beaches, and who are prepared for a bit of chilly air at high altitude. If that sounds appealing, you’ll find yourself gazing up at some of the clearest skies in the world, feeling grateful for a truly special night on this beautiful island.

You can check availability for your dates here: