Gran Canaria Gran Tour

Explore Gran Canaria’s Iconic Peaks and Colorful Villages with the Gran Tour

The Gran Canaria Gran Tour offers a comprehensive 8-hour journey through the southern part of the island for just $94 per person. Organized by Turisbeds, this tour boasts a 4.6-star rating, reflecting its popularity and reliability. It’s perfect for those eager to see Gran Canaria’s most famous landmarks, from Roque Nublo to traditional villages, all while experiencing the island’s diverse microclimates.

What makes this tour stand out is its inclusion of hotel pick-up and drop-off in the south, making the day hassle-free. The itinerary combines scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and a hearty lunch at Balcón de Zamora Restaurant. While it’s a full day, the pace allows for a rich taste of the island’s landscapes, history, and local flavors.

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Key Points

• Price: $94 per person for an 8-hour experience
• Highlights: Visits to Arucas, Teror, Firgas, Cruz de Tejeda, and Fataga
• Inclusions: Transportation, wine and cheese tasting, lunch, guided tours of a wine museum and Bodegas Monje
• Start and End: Hotel pickup in the South of Gran Canaria, returning to the same area
• Languages: Available in Spanish, English, and German

Starting Point in the South: Hotel Pick-up and Transportation

This tour begins with pickup at your hotel in the south of Gran Canaria, providing a comfortable start to the day. The transportation is included throughout, covering all the stops on the 8-hour itinerary, making it convenient for visitors who want to avoid driving or navigating public transport. The tour maintains a good balance between sightseeing and travel time, ensuring a relaxed yet comprehensive experience.

Discovering Arucas and Its Floral Beauty

The journey kicks off in Arucas, a town renowned for its church and historic center. The guide leads a walk through Flowers Park, a tranquil spot filled with vibrant plant displays, offering a peaceful start and fantastic photo opportunities. The church in Arucas is notable for its architecture, providing insight into local craftsmanship and religious history.

Visiting Teror and the Virgen del Pino

Next, the tour stops in Teror, famous for its devotion to the Virgen del Pino, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. Visitors have the chance to explore this charming town, which features traditional architecture and a lively atmosphere centered around its religious veneration. The stop offers a glimpse into local traditions and provides an authentic Canarian experience.

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Firgas and Its Water-Related Heritage

The journey continues to Firgas, a town with a close relationship to water. Here, the focus is on the town’s historical connection to water management and its beautiful waterfall. The town’s streets and plazas reveal how water shaped its development, making it a meaningful stop for understanding local life and history.

A Midday Break at Balcón de Zamora Restaurant

Following the scenic stops, the tour includes a lunch break at Balcón de Zamora, where food and drinks are included. The restaurant provides a relaxing setting with views that complement the local cuisine, giving an authentic taste of Canary Island flavors. This meal offers a chance to rest and enjoy the local hospitality before heading to the central mountains.

Cruz de Tejeda and the Iconic Landscape

After lunch, the tour heads to Cruz de Tejeda, a mountain pass in the heart of Gran Canaria. The environment here feels practically unchanged for decades, with traditional rural scenery. The landscape is framed by Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, two of the island’s main symbols, visible from this vantage point. It’s a highlight for panoramic views and iconic photo moments.

Exploring Ayacata, San Bartolomé, and Fataga

Continuing through Ayacata and San Bartolomé, the tour explores more rural lands and small towns where Canarian traditions persist. The finale of the day includes the picturesque town of Fataga, known for its well-preserved architecture and scenic surroundings. These stops showcase the diversity of island life beyond tourist hotspots.

Highlights of the Microclimates and Scenic Views

One of the tour’s strengths is how it demonstrates Gran Canaria’s diverse microclimates. From lush, green valleys to rugged mountain peaks, this experience visually explains how geography influences local weather and vegetation. The views from Cruz de Tejeda and surrounding areas are particularly striking, offering sweeping vistas that emphasize the island’s varied landscape.

Cultural and Wine Experiences at the Vineyards

Included in the tour are guided visits to a wine museum with a short film about Tenerife’s wine history, as well as a tour of Bodegas Monje. Guests sample sweet wine and enjoy a cup of coffee, adding a relaxing cultural layer to the day. These experiences highlight the island’s wine heritage and local craftsmanship.

Guided Visits and Local Flavors at the Guachinche Los Gómez

The tour also features a visit to Guachinche Los Gómez, where food and drinks are included. These traditional eateries are known for authentic Canarian dishes, providing a genuine taste of local cuisine. It’s an opportunity to experience the island’s culinary traditions directly.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour’s duration of 8 hours makes it a manageable full-day outing, with pick-up and drop-off included in the southern resorts. It’s suitable for most attendees, though wheelchair users are not accommodated. Guided by multilingual guides in Spanish, English, and German, the experience caters to a diverse audience.

Comparing Similar Tours and Distinct Features

While this tour offers a thorough exploration of central and southern Gran Canaria, it’s complemented by other options like the 7-beauty small-group tour or peaks in minibus outings. However, the combination of scenic landscapes, cultural visits, and wine tasting makes the Gran Canaria Gran Tour a well-rounded choice for visitors seeking variety in a single day.

Final Thoughts on the Gran Canaria Gran Tour

This 8-hour journey is ideal for those wanting a structured yet varied look at Gran Canaria’s highlights. The inclusions of transport, meals, wine tasting, and guided visits add value, making it a convenient way to explore the island’s interior. The stunning views of Roque Nublo and the lush landscapes are standout moments, especially for nature lovers.

While the tour doesn’t include some of the island’s more remote or adventurous spots, it offers an excellent balance of cultural, scenic, and culinary experiences. Suitable for visitors who prefer guided travel without the hassle of planning, this tour highlights the diverse charm of Gran Canaria, especially for first-time visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gran Canaria Gran Tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours, including all stops, meals, and travel time.

What is included in the tour price?
The $94 price covers transportation, lunch at Balcón de Zamora, tickets to La Casa del Vino, wine and cheese tasting, guided visits to a wine museum and Bodegas Monje, and food at Guachinche Los Gómez.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins with hotel pick-up in the south of Gran Canaria and returns to the same area at the end of the day.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
It is designed for most, but wheelchair users are not accommodated. The pace involves moderate walking and vehicle transportation.

In what languages are guides available?
Guides operate in Spanish, English, and German.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Arucas, Teror, Firgas, Cruz de Tejeda, Ayacata, San Bartolomé, and Fataga.

Can I enjoy wine tasting during the tour?
Yes, the wine museum visit and Bodegas Monje tour include wine and cheese tasting and sweet wine samples.

Is lunch included, and where?
Yes, lunch at Balcón de Zamora is included, offering local cuisine and scenic views.

Are there any notable features that set this tour apart?
The combination of scenic mountain views, cultural stops, wine tasting, and local cuisine makes this tour a well-rounded option to experience the diversity of Gran Canaria.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended to enjoy the stops fully.

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