Gran Canaria: Highlights & hidden gems with Sky Rebels

Experience the best of Gran Canaria with this 6.5-hour highlights and hidden gems tour led by Inés and Juanjo, two passionate native guides. For $115 per person, you get an intimate journey through the island’s most iconic sights and lesser-known locations, accompanied by a picnic lunch and the comfort of a small group limited to 6 participants. This tour departs from Maspalomas, with convenient pickup options, making it easy to explore without the crowds or rush.

What really sets this experience apart is the combination of spectacular viewpoints, charming villages, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors get to see Tejeda, celebrated as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, and reach the Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island, offering 360-degree views. The tour also includes stops at Caldera de los Marteles and Agüimes, providing a diverse mix of scenery, culture, and local life. While the route is packed with highlights, be aware that the tour involves driving on winding mountain roads, which might be a consideration for those sensitive to such conditions.

Key Points

• Small group experience with a maximum of 6 participants for personalized attention
• Two native guides bring authentic local knowledge and engaging explanations
• Includes a picnic with sandwiches, fruit, chocolate, and water at scenic stops
• Visits iconic sites like Tejeda, Pico de las Nieves, and Maspalomas viewpoints
• Discover volcanic landscapes and less crowded areas inaccessible to large buses
• Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, relaxed exploration of Gran Canaria’s diverse scenery

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Guided Exploration of Maspalomas and Degollada de la Yegua

The tour begins with a pickup in Maspalomas, with options at six nearby locations, including Shopping Center San Agustín and Cruce Faro. Once aboard the comfortable van, the journey kicks off with a visit to Degollada de la Yegua, a lookout point that offers sweeping views of the valley of 1,000 palm trees.

From this vantage point, the guides explain the landscape’s significance, blending geological features with local agriculture. The scenic drive continues into the valley, where the land is a lush mix of farmlands and forests. Multiple stops are made along the route, allowing for photo opportunities and appreciation of the diverse scenery. These moments help to break up the drive and deepen understanding of the island’s natural beauty.

Exploring Tejeda: A Village of Canarian Charm

The tour’s highlight is Tejeda, a village renowned for its beautiful architecture, friendly atmosphere, and views of the “petrified storm”. Visitors get one hour of free time to wander its narrow streets, visit the historic church, or browse local shops for Canarian crafts and souvenirs.

Tejeda also hosts a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve center, where visitors can learn about the island’s environmental importance. During this stop, enjoying a coffee or almond sweets in one of the quaint cafes is highly recommended, offering a taste of local flavors and life. The village’s charm lies in its authentic architecture and panoramic vistas, making it a favorite among those seeking a relaxed, scenic experience.

Reaching the Summit at Pico de las Nieves

Next, the tour takes travelers to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point in Gran Canaria. Here, a 15-minute stop offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the island, including Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga, and the Maspalomas Dunes. The site provides excellent photo opportunities and a real sense of the island’s volcanic origins.

From this vantage point, the guides share insights about the island’s volcanic landscape and its formation. The visit is timed to enjoy clear views, but travelers should remember that weather can influence visibility. This spot encapsulates the island’s miniature continent feel, with a variety of scenery visible from a single location.

Discovering Volcanic Landscapes and Caldera de los Marteles

Descending from the highlands, the tour showcases diverse volcanic terrain on the east side of the island. The drive includes a stop at Caldera de los Marteles, an ancient volcanic crater that reveals the island’s fiery past.

This site features unique flora and a more raw volcanic scenery, different from the lush valley areas. Visitors can walk around the crater’s edge and appreciate the contrast between green vegetation and volcanic rock. The guides highlight the geological history while emphasizing the quiet beauty of this lesser-known spot.

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Visiting the Village of Agüimes

The final stop is Agüimes, a lively village full of colorful streets, sculptures, and local life. Visitors have 30 minutes to stroll through its charming streets, admire the historic church, and take in the artistic atmosphere. This village reflects the authentic local culture and offers a perfect chance for photos and relaxed sightseeing.

The guides point out interesting sculptures and street art, providing context about the town’s history and local craftsmanship. Before returning, the journey retraces the route back to Maspalomas, completing a full day of scenic and cultural discovery.

Practical Details: Logistics and Comfort

Pickup options are available in Maspalomas, with six designated points, including shopping centers and popular local spots. The tour operates with a small group of up to 6 passengers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

Transportation is in a comfortable van with individual climate control, making it suitable for warm or variable weather. The guides, Inés and Juanjo, are known for their engaging storytelling, matching explanations with videos and music that enhance the sightseeing experience. They also provide a picnic bag containing a sandwich, chocolate, fruit, and water, which can be enjoyed at any stop.

The tour involves driving on winding mountain roads—a highlight for scenery but something to consider for those prone to motion sickness. The experience runs in all weather conditions, so packing sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes is advisable.

Who Will Enjoy This Gran Canaria Tour the Most

This journey is perfect for adventurers and culture lovers who prefer a small, intimate group and authentic insights. It suits those interested in volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, and panoramic views. Since children under 10 and those with mobility issues are not accommodated, it’s better suited for adults and older teenagers who can handle some mountain driving.

Travelers seeking a relaxed pace, personalized attention, and local stories will find this tour particularly rewarding. The inclusion of a picnic and the chance to explore less crowded sites make this experience stand out from more generic day trips.

Final Thoughts on Gran Canaria: Highlights & Hidden Gems with Sky Rebels

This tour offers a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of Gran Canaria’s diverse landscape, combining spectacular viewpoints, charming villages, and volcanic terrain in a small-group format. The experience is enriched by local guides who share authentic stories and tailored explanations.

While the driving on winding roads might be a consideration, the scenic stops and cultural insights more than compensate. The inclusion of a picnic and personalized service makes this a great choice for those wanting to see the island without the crowds.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who appreciate nature, culture, and a genuine connection with local guides. It’s an engaging and scenic way to uncover gran Canaria’s true character, making it a dependable pick for a memorable day on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6.5 hours.

What is included in the picnic?
The picnic features a sandwich, chocolate bar, fruit, and a bottle of water.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Maspalomas, with pickup options at six nearby locations.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 10 years or people with mobility impairments.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 6 passengers for a more personalized experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and shoes suitable for walking and outdoor stops.

Are there any restrictions on drone use?
Yes, drones are not allowed during the tour.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, but cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any additional costs?
Extra expenses such as coffee, souvenirs, or additional food are not included.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is in a comfortable van with climate control.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The small group size, native guides, and focus on hidden spots and panoramic viewpoints make this tour stand out.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby