Full Day Across the Island Tour from Las Palmas

Exploring Gran Canaria becomes much easier with the Full Day Across the Island Tour from Las Palmas. Priced at $53.29 per person, this comprehensive 8.5-hour journey covers the island’s most striking sights, from lush mountain villages to expansive sand dunes. With guided commentary in English, you’ll learn about the island’s history, culture, and environment while enjoying air-conditioned transportation that keeps you comfortable throughout the day.

This tour is perfect for those who want to see a wide variety of landscapes and towns in one day without the hassle of planning individual trips. The group size is capped at 25 travelers, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention. While food and drinks are not included, the stop for lunch in Fataga offers an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine at a reasonable price.

Key Points

• Full-day exploration covering the north, central, and south of Gran Canaria.
• Expert guide provides engaging commentary on local history, culture, and geography.
• Stops include Caldera de Bandama, Santa Brigida, Pico de las Nieves, Fataga, and the Maspalomas Dunes.
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with a small group size.
• Lunch in the charming village of Fataga (own expense).
• Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Visiting the Volcanic Caldera at Bandama

The tour begins at the Caldera de Bandama, where a viewpoint offers panoramic vistas over the island’s largest volcanic crater. The 15-minute stop allows for photos of the imposing caldera, which is a significant geological feature. This spot sets the tone for an island-wide adventure, showcasing Gran Canaria’s volcanic origins.

Exploring Santa Brigida’s Lush Streets

Next, the journey takes you into Santa Brigida, a small town famed for its green spaces and historical charm. The 30-minute walk around its pretty streets reveals lush vegetation and palm trees, illustrating the island’s diverse landscape. A quick visit to a traditional old coffee shop provides a taste of local life.

Panoramic Views from Pico de las Nieves

A key highlight is the stop at Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island. From here, the views are truly breathtaking, with a chance to spot famous rocks like Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. On clear days, Tenerife might be visible on the horizon. The 20-minute stop is perfect for photos, but travelers should be aware that bad weather can obscure the views, in which case alternative viewpoints are used.

Discovering San Bartolomé de Tirajana

In the mountain village of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, visitors visit a museum housed in an old family home, which offers insights into village life in past times. The 25-minute stop is free of charge and provides an authentic look into local traditions and architecture, enriching the overall experience.

Lunch and Free Exploration in Fataga

The charming village of Fataga appears as a small oasis in a canyon-like setting, surrounded by hundreds of palm trees. With about one hour of free time, visitors can enjoy a traditional lunch at a local taverna, with main dishes starting at 7.50 euros. The village’s quaint atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to relax, take photos, or browse local shops.

The Dunes of Maspalomas

The tour’s final major stop is at the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, where winding sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Visitors have 45 minutes here to explore, take photos, and possibly take a quick dip in the ocean if they bring swimwear. The Charco de Maspalomas, a picturesque pond, provides a beautiful setting at the edge of the dunes for photos and relaxing.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour departs from Las Palmas with convenient pickup arrangements, and the transportation is air-conditioned for comfort during the entire journey. The group size is limited to 25 people, fostering a more intimate experience. The tour is guided only in English, but the guide’s knowledge and friendliness are repeatedly praised in reviews.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The tour involves traveling along winding mountain roads, so those prone to road sickness should bring appropriate medication. Since the tour runs rain or shine, it’s advisable to dress in weather-appropriate clothing and plan for variable conditions, especially at higher elevations like Pico de las Nieves.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This excursion offers a rundown of Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters to desert-like dunes. The expert guide, often praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling, enhances the experience with fascinating insights into the island’s culture and environment.

Reviewers consistently highlight the value of this tour, noting that it covers a lot of ground in one day, and that guides like Pavel make the journey engaging and informative. The scenic stops, coupled with free time for lunch and exploration, ensure that travelers leave with a well-rounded understanding of Gran Canaria.

Final Thoughts on the Full Island Tour from Las Palmas

At just over 8 hours, this tour balances sightseeing, learning, and relaxation. It provides a cost-effective way to see key natural and cultural sites without the need to organize multiple transport options. While food and drinks are not included, the stops are well-timed, and the lunch in Fataga becomes a highlight.

This tour is best suited for those eager to see the island’s highlights in one day, especially if they appreciate guided commentary and comfortable transport. With free cancellation, it offers flexibility for travelers who want a reliable, enriching experience of Gran Canaria’s interior and coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

What is the price?
The cost is $53.29 per person, which includes transportation and guide services.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Las Palmas, with pickup arrangements provided.

What stops are included?
Stops include Caldera de Bandama, Santa Brigida, Pico de las Nieves, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Fataga, and the Maspalomas Dunes.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there is a 1-hour stop in Fataga for guests to enjoy meals starting at 7.50 euros.

Are tickets refundable?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 7 years, making it accessible for most families.

What should I wear?
Dressing in weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, especially since weather conditions can vary at higher elevations.

Is the guide only in English?
Yes, the tour is guided only in English.

Is this tour good value?
Yes, considering the multiple stops, expert guide, and included sights, it offers excellent value for the price.

Can I customize or shorten the tour?
Currently, the tour is guided only with fixed timings; customizations are not offered.