Treasures of Gran Canaria

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.

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.

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.

Gran Canaria Tour with Teror, Tejeda and Lunch in Fataga

Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping along the way to visit gems such as Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It was in 1481, amid the Castilian conquest of Gran Canaria, and it helped change the island's destiny.'And Teror is where your adventure begins. Strolling past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences. A scenic mountain drive away is Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker itself – red-roofed, whitewashed houses sprinkled on the slope of a valley. David adds, ‘Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top. Its setting is unbeatable.' There's also a pit stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, as we make our way to Fataga to eat. A lunch made from locally sourced ingredients will be served in a family-owned restaurant. After a little amble through the town, we'll visit a nearby aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties. Generations of islanders have used extracts from the plant for skin burns.

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 and tuck into a light lunch before wrapping things up 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. After exploring, you'll refuel with delicious traditional tapas made from locally sourced ingredients. Then it's on to Agüimes, where you'll have some free time to wander through this pastel-coloured parish 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.

Northern Gran Canaria Tour with Botanical Park 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, and a banana plantation. 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 park 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.

Las Palmas Cultural

Soak up the rich history and vibrant culture of Las Palmas' Old Town on this guided tour of Vegueta. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey through cobblestone alleys and centuries-old architecture. Ana, one of our expert local guides, says, 'One of my favourite things to do is just to ‘get lost' in the old town, strolling through the lanes at your own pace. Vegueta is so fashionable and atmospheric, it's like being in a movie.'Begin your adventure with a guided exploration of Vegueta's charming streets. Learn fascinating stories and discover hidden gems as you wander through this historic district. Step into the past at the renowned Museo Canario, where ancient artifacts and insights into the island's pre-Hispanic heritage await. Ana adds, 'without the generosity of Dr. Gregorio Chil y Naranjo, who willed his home as a place to house the museum, these precious artifacts might not be available for public viewing today.'Continue your cultural immersion with a visit to the Diocesan Museum, showcasing Gran Canaria's religious and artistic heritage. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece of the Cathedral of Santa Ana before enjoying some free time to explore Vegueta at your own pace. Stroll along its bustling streets, browse through quaint shops and boutiques, and perhaps pick up souvenirs or local crafts to commemorate your visit.

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.

Treasures of Gran Canaria

Discover Gran Canaria's best-kept secrets on this full day tour. Starting on the sun-kissed side of the island in Mogán, this adventure is all about uncovering hidden spots, landscapes, and culture. Luca, one of our expert, local guides, says, ‘Gran Canaria's landscapes are so diverse, it's like visiting different countries in one trip – deserts, mountains, and lush valleys all in one place. With some of the most scenic routes on the cards, this tour is pure road trip goals.'You'll kickstart with serious wow-factor views cruising through Barranco de Los Azulejos – also known as Rainbow Valley. These multi-coloured mountains are totally one-of-a-kind and guaranteed to blow your mind. Then, you'll dive deeper into the heart of the island, and arrive at La Aldea. Local guide Sam spills the beans, ‘this area is known as the island's pantry because it's bursting with goodies – from mangos and veggies to those famous La Aldea tomatoes. And don't miss the avocados – they're the creamiest you'll ever taste.' Get your camera ready for some Insta-gold pics and soak up the chill village charm.Next, you'll drive to Agaete where the zig-zag cliffs of Dragon's Tail and Faneque cliff are perfect backdrops for your camera roll – you might even spot Mount Teide on a clear day. In Agaete you'll have free time to check out the local scene and grab a bite to eat. Then, we'll hit the showstopper Balcón viewpoint – you'll feel on top of the world – before wrapping things up at Salinas de Tenefé. Be wowed by the pink salt flats on a guided tour of the site, followed by a unique tasting experience.

Las Palmas Tour including Free Time in Vegueta and Shopping

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.