Things to do in Gran Canaria

Nat Geo Day Tour: Gran Canaria's Southern Charms, a Photography Tour

Uncover the most photogenic corners of southern Gran Canaria on this National Geographic Day Tour. Your adventure begins in the village of Temisas, famed for its olive oil. Wander the narrow lanes lined with white houses with Arabic tiles, then discover the town square and capture traditional architecture. Next up is the hilltop village and authentic Canarian town of Tunte. Explore the charming streets, from the old washing places to the 19th-century fountain of El Rosal. Observe the details of a tile oven, original cobblestone paths, traditional houses, and the Casa Canaria de Tunte – a tribute to the ancient Canaries. As you will soon discover, Canarian villages are characterized by white-washed houses which can be dazzling in the bright sunshine. The photographer will give you valuable tips for making the most of the abundant light for great photos even in these conditions. Explore the villages at your own pace, taking snaps of the unique corners that appeal to you. There's plenty of potential subjects in these photogenic and typical Canarian villages. Climb to El Polvo viewpoint with its striking rock formation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the village and capture versatile images that tell its captivating story. The final stop is the sleepy hamlet of Fataga. Traverse the winding streets before gazing upon the striking stone massifs that flank the village. Finally, enjoy a spectacular drive down the mountain looking out to Meloneras and Maspalomas. View the imposing humpbacked sand dunes in the distance as you make your way to a local restaurant. Here, you'll review the photos and recap the experience over a well-earned lunch, after which the winning photograph will be revealed.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist

Unveil the secrets of the Guanches, Gran Canaria's extinct aboriginal population, with an archaeologist on this National Geographic Day Tour. Begin your tour at La Fortaleza Museum, where you can learn about ancestral diets, uncovering the nourishment that fuelled generations past. You will also have access to the archive room, exclusive to National Geographic travellers. Inside, a pair of rare mummies will reveal stories about the lives and deaths of the island's original inhabitants. After, you'll enjoy some local delicacies such as olive oil, bread, Tenefé salt, and pastries made with gofio flour, almonds or figs. Next, explore La Fortaleza archeological site, the most complete in all Gran Canaria. Protected by law, it is important both in terms of its historical significance and location. See habitation caves adorned with paintings, granaries, stone houses, funerary monuments, engravings, and the island's oldest sanctuary. Learn why the Guanches' referred to it as the ‘Axis of the World', the place where heaven and earth converged. Witness the ancient way of life in La Fortaleza as you discover the tunnel that traverses the rock, offering panoramas of La Fortaleza de Abajo. This sprawling settlement of excavated houses is just a stone's throw away. Round off this experience with a scenic drive along winding roads to the foot of the caldera. You'll head to Mirador Santa Lucia, where you'll indulge in a typical Canarian lunch of regional cuisine with a side order of impressive views. As you relish the rich flavors, soak up the surrounding landscape and reflect on the history you've uncovered during this journey.

Gran Canaria Summit Sunset Tour

As the sun tucks away behind the horizon, you'll toast to Gran Canaria's spectacular landscape on this exclusive sunset excursion. You'll travel inland through rustic villages and up its highest peak to see in the sunset with bubbly.

Day Tour to Puerto de Mogan by Boat

Puerto de Mogan is said by many to be the most beautiful town in Gran Canaria, and once you've set eyes on its toytown houses, it's hard to argue. This tour brings you by boat, docking right in the heart of the harbour after a scenic approach, so you avoid long walks from out-of-town parking lots. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Mogan market is a classic in Gran Canaria, known all over the island. And to arrive in the town by boat gives you that a spine-tingling sensation you get in anticipation of a special experience.'Sailing from Puerto Rico harbour, you'll glide along the rocky, volcanic coastline of the south before arriving at Puerto de Mogan. Cupped into cliffs at the mouth of a steep valley, it's known as ‘Little Venice' for its canal, blue-and-yellow-trimmed white cottages, wrought iron balconies and flower-festooned lanes. Traits that have made it very popular.Arriving by boat, you're in the middle of all the action straight away. Only we bring you to and from Puerto de Mogan by sea. Antonio, another of our local guides, say, ‘If you arrive by coach, not only is the journey less scenic but you have to walk a fair bit to get to the waterfront.' You'll have free time to poke around the stalls selling typical Canarian products or just relax at one of the many terraced cafés overlooking the yachts. Oh, and there's also an enticing sandy beach to stretch out on, too.

Small group e-bike tour of Maspalomas

Discover Maspalomas on an e-bike tour and learn more about this part of Gran Canaria from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Personalised Private Tour of Gran Canaria in Minivan

With the flexibility to go wherever you want, this personalised tour of Gran Canaria lets you explore as you wish. During this eight-hour experience, your driver-guide will take you wherever you want on the island – the route and stops are all your own choice. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘You pick where you want to go, but I always recommend there's one must-visit on the island – Tejeda. It's an impossibly picturesque village in the shadow of the iconic Roque Nublo and near the pine forests of Tamadaba Nature Reserve.'After pick-up at your hotel, you can explore natural attractions. Top picks such as the peaks at Pico de las Nieves, the desert-like dunes of Maspalomas, the volcanic Bandama crater or the Wild West-like canyon of Degollada de las Yeguas. Or you can discover sleepy highland towns such as Teror and Tejeda or the rum-making town of Arucas. Then there's the capital, Las Palmas, an easy-going city that blends a beach vibe with cultural attractions, such as the palatial home of Christopher Columbus.The tour will be in a private minivan, which can seat up to eight passengers, so you'll be able to strike out with friends or family. What's more, your driver doubles up as a guide, so you'll get all the history and anecdotes of the places you visit. You could also schedule in some beach stops, shopping time and a lunch stop. Your guide will be more than recommend the best places to savour traditional Canarian cuisine.

Poema del Mar Aquarium Visit and Guayadeque Canyon Tour

From the sea to the central mountains and even underground, you'll see the very best of Gran Canaria with this tour. You'll get up-close to more than 300 marine species in Poema del Mar aquarium, drive through the green valley of Guayadeque to eat lunch in a restaurant carved out of a cave and round off with free time in the colonial town of Agüimes. Miguel, one of our local guides, says, ‘There's so much packed into one day. But for me, the most interesting part is Guayadeque, which represents a very important part of our prehistory.'First up is one of the most popular attractions in Las Palmas. With panoramic curved windows and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo. ‘The kids are always happy in Poema del Mar,' says Miguel. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films.Next, you'll journey through the island's greenest corner to Guayadeque canyon. It's famed for its cave homes, which the ancient aborigines built in lava bubbles, and winding hiking trails. Head inside a cliff-carved cave converted into a restaurant and enjoy tapas made from locally sourced ingredients. Then it's on to Agüimes for some with free time in this pretty, pastel-coloured parish that sits perched above the green ravine of Guayadeque. You can see the elegant church, stop for a coffee in a local café or take some selfies by the town's many statues.

Las Palmas Guided Tour including Vegueta and Shopping Time

Tick off two top things to do in Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, on this full day tour. With a hassle-free transfer into the heart of the capital, you'll have time for sightseeing in the old town, Vegueta, before hitting the shops at a modern mall. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Vegueta's streets are named after figures from the island's history, such as Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his way to the Americas. The Casa de Colón – Columbus House – in Vegueta is a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It's widely believed he stayed in that very house.'Las Palmas' historic quarter is peppered with traditional pastel-coloured buildings and ornate churches. It has the air of a Spanish colonial town in the Americas, and its streets are the oldest in the city. Vegueta is home to some of the best traditional Canarian cuisine, including dishes such as papas arrugadas – wrinkled potatoes – and mojo sauce. Maria says, ‘Papas Arrugadas with mojo is the essence of Gran Canaria. The spicy mojo sauce livens up any dish, but with Canarian potatoes it's a perfect match.'Your guide will give you an overview of the highlights to look out for during the transfer, so you'll have plenty of free time to explore. After Vegueta, we'll hit Alisios shopping centre. Browse high street favourites, local boutiques and souvenir stalls. And if you're peckish, treat yourself to a feast of international dishes from a range of restaurants, bars and fast-food favourites.

Gran Canaria Private Tour with Lunch in Remote Hamlet

Gran Canaria is known as a miniature continent. And as soon as you travel inland on this private tour, you'll discover just why. Journey through mountainous landscapes and savour a local lunch in Bascamao. There are also stops in Artenara and a wine cellar. Esteban, one of our local guides, says, ‘It's high after high on this tour, starting with lunch at a cave restaurant with views and then going to the island's highest village. At over 1,200m above sea level, Artenara finds itself nestled on a ridge surrounded by jagged peaks.'Heading north via the Mogan Valley, snake your way through gorges and gaps towards the very centre of the island. The views along the way are camera-grabbingly good, so there'll be an occasional pit stop to take some pics. Lunch in a family-owned ‘cave restaurant' in the remote hamlet of Bascamao is next. Savour dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, with a side of views over the surrounding countryside and the ocean. What's more, with this visit, you contribute to the local community and economy.Afterwards, head to the highest town on the island, Artenara. Explore on foot this tiny village clustered around a whitewashed church or stick your head into the famed cave dwellings museum. Next, you'll head to the Presas viewpoint, among others, for views of alpine landscapes and the northern coastline. Round off the day with a Bandama crater photo stop, stopping en route by a family-run wine cellar to sample its volcanic earth wines.

Island Tour of Gran Canaria including Typical Lunch

This grand tour of Gran Canaria takes in the best of the island's highlands in just one day. You'll tick off the villages of Tejeda and Teror, enjoy a typical Canarian lunch and visit an aloe vera plantation. There'll be plenty of photo stops along the way, too. Pepe, one of our local guides, says, ‘We Canarians have been using aloe vera for healing burns since time immemorial. The plant's leaves produce a cool gel packed with vitamins, amino acids, minerals and enzymes. It's fascinating to find out about its benefits at the farm.'It's a blockbuster from the go. Our first stop is at the Degollada de la Yegua viewpoint, which by day boasts views of a Wild West-like canyon and by night of the stars. Then it's on to an eco-friendly aloe vera plantation. Here, you'll learn about the plant as well as its healing properties. Tejeda, considered one of Spain's prettiest villages, is next. All pretty whitewashed houses and palm trees nestled in the shadow of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, it's Insta-perfect.We'll then head to Valleseco for a three-course lunch in a family-owned restaurant. Savour traditional Canarian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, washed down with local wine, while admiring the views of a gorge below. With a full belly, the afternoon is dedicated to the picture-postcard town of Teror. It's famed for its pastel-coloured colonial homes with carved overhanging balconies. The town's centrepiece is the mountain-framed Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine.

Gran Canaria Food Tour with Distillery Visit and Lunch

If the Canaries were a meal, Gran Canaria would be the main course – and the dessert. This exclusive tour will give you a flavour of the island and its cuisine while taking in its natural beauty. A rum factory tour, salt flats, a visit to Arucas town and a typical Canarian farm are all on the menu. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This is my favourite tour – the driving is well spaced out and each stop is a looker. Plus, you get to sample some typical Canarian specialities in a fabulous setting.'First up is Salinas de Tenefé, where the salt flats are an important natural and cultural enclave where sea salt is produced as is has been for centuries. Next up is Arucas. Its colourful homes and flower-filled parks are overshadowed by the volcano-framed Church of St John the Baptist. You'll drop into the town's historic Arehucas distillery to sample some of its famed oak barrel-aged rum. Afterwards, we'll visit a family-owned restaurant for a traditional Canarian lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.But the best is yet to come. The highlight of the day is the award-winning Finca La Laja – a typical Canarian farm – located in a deep, vegetation-filled gorge near Agaete. In this wild and rugged setting, you'll get to taste local wines, cheese, Teror chorizo, Canarian ‘wrinkly' potatoes, cake and the farm's trademark coffee, which is grown here. You'll also learn how to prepare spicy ‘mojo' sauces.

Northern Gran Canaria Tour with Botanical Garden Visit

Northern Gran Canaria is all non-stop natural beauty. This tour delves into this often-overlooked part of the island's treasure chest. You'll visit Spain's largest botanic garden, a banana plantation and one of the best beaches in the Canaries. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘Bananas are our national fruit – they're a symbol of the Canaries. Explorers sailing to the Americas would take green ones that ripened en route. And we exported so many to Britain that Canary Wharf in London got its name from us.'First up is a deep dive into this island's continent-like biodiversity. Planted on a hillside, Jardin Canario is the largest botanical garden in Spain. It boasts more than 2,000 species of plants, 500 of which are endemic to the island. Tour the tree-lined grounds and learn all about the initiative's conservation efforts and environmental education programme. Next up is a banana plantation, where you'll discover 13 varieties of plantain from all over the world.The final stop will include a guided tour of charming Firgas village, a cluster of narrow streets lined with traditional Canarian houses. Explore the photogenic streets with your guide, who will explain the presence of so many fountains in this little town. Afterwards, you'll have free time to discover more of the delights of Firgas at your own pace, perhaps stop for a leisurely coffee or look for souvenirs.