GRAN CANARIA AS YOU NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE
Don't miss to book the "Jane McDonald Tour" as seen on Channel 5 with us! (Tour 16)
1 Day
Pick up from:
Maspalomas
Playa del Ingles, San Agustin, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, San Agustin,Sonnenland, Salobre, Bahía Feliz, Playa del Aguila
(No Pick Up in Public Places)
Other places:
Ask Us.
TOUR 11: 1 Day - The Mountains of Gran Canaria: Fataga, San Bartolome de Tirajana, Tejeda, Pico de Las Nieves – Santa Lucia.
9:00 hours – 160 km. Except Saturday and Sunday.
We depart at 9:00 AM towards the centre of the island, and our first stop is at a “Mirador”, (which is Spanish for viewpoint). There are spectacular views of Playa del Inglés, the world-renowned sand dunes, and the lighthouse. We then move onto Fataga, a peaceful village, perched in a valley, made up of small whitewashed houses and charming, narrow streets, full of flowers. It is nestled in between ravines, pine trees and unique palm groves.
We will have a small walk around the village before heading towards San Bartolomé de Tirajana. We will visit a traditional 19th century house, which has been converted into a museum. It’s still retaining the original furniture and decor of the former owner (a Doctor) and his medical office, as well as two rooms which have been converted a weaving room and oil mill.
We will visit the local church before continuing on the road to Tejeda.
Tejeda is part of a larger area which has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site and is noted as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. We will walk through the area and stop for lunch in a canarian restaurant (not included in the tour price) and try some local cuisine.
We then move on to an area known as Cruz de Tejeda where on clear days we can enjoy a magnificent view of mount Teide on Tenerife. We will stop for photos and perhaps a quick look at the market stalls.
And then head our next stop, the “Pico de Las Nieves”. To appreciate the essence of a place and soak up its atmosphere there is nothing better than getting to the highest point. In Gran Canaria this is the Pico de las Nieves lookout point right in the centre of the island. At 1,949 metres above sea level the uninterrupted views out over the Unesco Biosphere Reserve, with its innumerable deep valleys and jagged ridges shrouded with vegetation and crowned with spectacular rocks.
We then start our return to the south, but not before stopping at Santa Lucía de Tirajana. Here we stop for pictures of the historic church, made unique by the beautiful curve of its dome and the whiteness in contrast with its surroundings.
The tour ends at your accommodation at approximately 6pm.
TOUR 12: 1 day: Complete tour of the island of Gran Canaria: the Wild West coast and the Green North -
9 hours - 180 kms.
(except Saturday and Sunday)
We will begin the tour at 9:00 AM promptly heading south west to Mogan village. Because we have so much to see today, we will not be visiting “Puerto de Mogan”, but instead pass by the small village of Mogan. We will stop for photos at the “Molino de Viento” also name “Molino Quemado” (burnt Mill). As you might have guessed from its name, it was burnt down but has been restored to its former beauty, working parts and all, thanks to the Mogán City Council and the local neighbourhood association.
Then we will stop on our way to the stunning “Azulejos de Veneguera”. This natural rock formation was formed 13 million years ago when the steak and gas from a volcano reacted with iron in the rock producing beautiful red, blue and green tones. Locals called it “los azulejos” because of their resemblance to the glazed tiles walls of San Nicolas de Tolentino. We then continue our route along the wild and rocky west coast.
In Puerto de la Aldea we will make a stop at the only easily accessible beach in the area to take pictures. Then, we will visit the large pond called 'el Charco'. There, hordes of people celebrate the ever popular ”Fiesta del Charco” every September, and it is always a comforting stop off on our journey. When there are no fiestas on, the still waters reflect the calm and brightness of the municipality itself, and the deep roots of its history. A time long ago, early aboriginal dwellers set up a series of settlements here, some of which are said to date to before 500 years B.C.
Beyond this point there is a long drive along the impressive cliffs where we can stop for photos on our way to Agaete. In his picturesque fishing port of Puerto de las Nieves you will admire the blue and white houses on the natural pebble beach. This area of the island is much loved and visited by all the islanders. Its main tourist attraction is the fishing village of Puerto de Las Nieves, probably because it is one of the parts of the island that has maintained 100% of its essence. The Port of Las Nieves is in the coastal area of the municipality. In the Port of Las Nieves one can appreciate the Roque Partido (Broken Rock) or Dedo de Dios (God’s Finger), a symbol for the people of Gran Canarian.
Agaete also has some of the most popular natural pools and beaches of the northern part of the island. We will walk on its picturesque maritime walk and stop in the Natural pools (If you want to swim, don't forget your swimwear!)
We will have lunch in the picturesque fishing port of Puerto de las Nieves and admire the blue and white houses on the natural pebble beach. (Lunch is not included in the Tour price).
The next stop is Arucas with its iconic neo-Gothic church “Inglesia de San Juan Bautista” constructed in 1909. We will see the Church (exterior), one of the most characteristic icons of Gran Canaria. This parish Church is named “San Juan Bautista”, though the locals usually call it by mistake the “Arucas Cathedral”. The reason why people commonly call this church a cathedral is because it is so large. It is majestic and grandiose and stands high above the rest of Arucas and, indeed, the surrounding area. In fact, you can see the main tower from well outside the town. This church is neogothic style and it was started to be built in 1909 and finished officially in 1977. They say that it was built by hand, with any type of mechanic or technologic help. It is completely sculpted with the centenary stone of Arucas.
We will then drive along the capital, las Palmas, on our return to the south. We will arrive at 6:00 pm approximately.
TOUR 13: 1 day: Aguïmes, Barranco de Guayadeque, Tufia and Bandama.
8:30 hours - 150 km
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
We will begin the tour at 9:30 am, and take the road to the village of Aguïmes. The very picturesque and well-preserved centre, with narrow medieval streets, orange and yellow houses, dominated by the two large towers of the Parroquia de San Sebastián makes Agüimes one of the must-see in Gran Canaria. We will start the visit in the Historical Centre with the Church of San Sebastian. This church is an eclectic neoclassical building, declared a national historical-artistic monument.
Standing at the top of the village, its two towers and the large white dome stand out against the sky from almost everywhere. This church is clearly the symbol of Agüimes.
Nearby is the Casa de los Camellos, an over 300 years old building that belonged to an aristocratic family. A colonial-style building which used to be a barn and a stable for camels. It stands out for its traditional Canarian architecture, with beautiful interior courtyards and gardens and a charming contrast between the wood and the sun-toasted colour of its walls.
The next stop will be the Interpretation Centre of Agüimes, which allows the visitor to interpret the architectural and artistic characteristics of the Historic Quarter. During four centuries the municipality of Agüimes was the domain of the Episcopal Chamber. Testimony to those times is the Episcopal Palace, which now houses the Agüimes History Museum, next to the Parque de Los Moros.
Then change of scenery! We will go to Barranco de Guayadeque at a distance of 3 kilometres from the centre of Agüimes.
Guayadeque is a deep gully that divides the island and which has been classified as a Natural Monument and Property of Cultural Interest. Here we find the interesting troglodyte village of Cueva Bermeja (Bermeja Cave), the Chapel of San Bartolomé Apóstol, as well as welcoming restaurants built into the mountain rocks. So, it’s time for the lunch in a cave! (Lunch is not included in the Tour Price).
The next stop will be Tufia. This Magic place is in the top 10 best beaches in Gran Canaria, because it is located in a very cared environment, its water is crystalline and it has kept the local essence. A series of houses were built on the seafront that would be unthinkable today, but even so, this area is very authentic and not at all touristy. Their houses are white with blue and sailor touches. There are several cave houses, something very typical of the Canary Islands.
We then head out to the Bandama volcano. The Caldera of Bandama is the largest volcanic caldera on the island of Gran Canaria. It’s well worth a visit, and not just to wonder at the immense geological forces that shaped it but to admire the scale of human adaptation to what is a complicated environment. When the volcano erupted around 2,000 years ago, the surface layer covering the volcanic crater collapsed, leaving behind the enormous hole now visible from the upper edge of the formation. The result: a ginormous, almost-circular hole with a diameter of more than 1 km, a perimeter of 3 km and a depth of around 200 m. Bandama Peak is the most prominent overhang along the perimeter of the caldera. Rising to 570 m, it comprises two huge chunks of magma that were spewed out during the volcanic eruption. It now has one of the best viewpoints in the entire north-eastern part of the island. We will make a short stop to take pictures.
The perimeter that borders La Caldera is approximately 3 kilometres long and there is a path that runs through it. We will make a short walk on this path. Keep in mind that, given its volcanic origin, part of the path is made of volcanic gravel - little black stones - and it is slippery. We recommend good footwear and, in the winter months, a good coat.
We will then go back to the south driving in the middle of this agricultural area surrounded by vineyards and wineries. We will arrive at 6.00 PM approximately.
TOUR 14: 1 day: Tufia, Arucas, Firgas, Teror.
7:00 hours - 155 km
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
We depart at 10.00 AM and our first stop will be Tufia. This Magic place is in the top 10 best beaches in Gran Canaria, because it is located in a very cared environment, its water is crystalline and it has kept the local essence. A series of houses were built on the seafront that would be unthinkable today, but even so, this area is very authentic and not at all touristy. Their houses are white with blue and sailor touches. There are several cave houses, something very typical of the Canary Islands.
Then it’s time to go to the North of the Island. We will stop is Arucas to see the Church, one of the most characteristic icons of Gran Canaria. This parish Church is named “San Juan Bautista”, though the locals usually call it by mistake the “Arucas Cathedral”. The reason why people commonly call this church a cathedral is because it is so large. It is majestic and grandiose and stands high above the rest of Arucas and, indeed, the surrounding area. In fact, you can see the main tower from well outside the town. This church is neogothic style and it was started to be built in 1909 and finished officially in 1977. They say that it was built by hand, with any type of mechanic or technologic help. It is completely sculpted with the centenary stone of Arucas. Unfortunately, most of the time the Church is closed.
Then we will make a walk to visit the old quarter, which has been declared a monument of cultural interest. You will find fine examples of local Canarian architecture there.
We will visit the Municipal garden of Arucas. This garden is divided into old and new parts. and enjoys a generous microclimate that has allowed these and other exotic trees including jacarandas, rubber plants. Hundreds of varieties of palms have been planted, forming a paradisal landscape that is unmissable for anyone who wants to grasp the essence of Gran Canaria. Surrounded by banana trees which supply fruits to all of Spain, the garden envelops you in its velvety air and sweet scents.
After the visit of Arucas it’s time to go to Firgas also known as “the balcony of the Atlantic” because Firgas have a breathtaking view over the coast. Firgas have 2 places in town situated next to each other. Both places are photogenic and attractive: the “Paseo de Canarias” and the “Paseo de Gran Canaria”. On one of the sides of the “Paseo de Gran Canaria” (also named “Waterfall Street”) you can admire the 21 heraldic coats of arms representing all the municipalities of Gran Canaria in addition to the insular coat of arms.
After the “Paseo de Gran Canaria” we will continue on our way up strolling through the “Paseo de Canarias”, where each island in the Canarias has been sculpted with a representative landscape of each of them.
Then we will visit the “Plaza de San Roque” probably the most important square in Firgas and from here we will admire some of the most stunning view over the north of Gran Canaria.
On the square you will see the San Roque church. It has an attractive interior that is worth seeing if the doors are open when you visit.
Now it is time for the lunch! (not Included in the Tour Price). Firgas is well known as one of the best places for growing watercress. We will take our lunch in a restaurant that specialize in having menu based mainly on watercress. (Watercress Soup, watercress Salad, watercress cheese, watercress bread, watercress croquettes, watercress Jam).
It is time now to go to “Teror”, a beautiful and pious town on Gran Canaria. Teror is considered Gran Canaria’s green heartland and is famous for its patron saint the Virgen del Pino or Virgin of the Pine (a representation of the Virgin Mary). Thousands of people from all across the island come here to pray to her. and the church is a National Monument and one of Teror’s most unique sights. Construction of the basilica got underway in 1767 in the Plaza del Pino and several restoration projects were carried out in the 1960s.The town is also renowned for its peaceful streets lined with beautiful coloured houses boasting incredible 15th-century wooden balconies. Teror has several monuments and historical and natural sites of interest, in addition to many well-preserved examples of traditional Canarian architecture. The town of Teror is one of the few that has preserved the Canarian essence in its pedestrian and cobbled streets. Hence its charm to explore on foot.
It's time now to go back to the south of Gran Canaria
The tour ends at your accommodation at approximately 5.00 pm.
REF 15: 1 Day: Teror and San Mateo Markets on Sunday
(6h00 – 147 kms).
Departure: 9:30 AM.
On our morning excursion to Teror and San Mateo, discover two of the most iconic towns in north-central Gran Canaria and visit their popular markets. Teror and San Mateo are located in the northern area of the island.
Upon reaching these villages, you will observe that the green and fertile landscape that surrounds.
The markets of these two villages are very popular, and each one, on its own, attracts thousands of people every Sunday. Teror’s market is located in the streets that surround the church, in the open air while San Mateo’s market is covered, located in two large halls.
In both markets, we will find flowers of a thousand colours, all kinds of plants, local agricultural products, honey, Canaria’s famous cheeses, nuts, tropical fruits, vegetables, that you can buy at a great price. (Lunch is not included in the Tour Price).
After doing this tour and returning to your hotel (approximately at 3h30 PM) and we hope that you will feel as though you have enjoyed an excellent Sunday morning in northern Gran Canaria.
TOUR 16: "The Jane McDonald Tour": 1 day: Tufia, Arucas, Firgas, Agaete.
8:00 hours - 210 km
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
We depart at 10.00 AM and our first stop will be Tufia. This Magic place is in the top 10 best beaches in Gran Canaria, because it is located in a very cared environment, its water is crystalline and it has kept the local essence. A series of houses were built on the seafront that would be unthinkable today, but even so, this area is very authentic and not at all touristy. Their houses are white with blue and sailor touches. There are several cave houses, something very typical of the Canary Islands. We will have a walk in the Village.
We then ahead to Arucas. to see the Church (exterior), one of the most characteristic icons of Gran Canaria. This parish Church is named “San Juan Bautista”, though the locals usually call it by mistake the “Arucas Cathedral”. The reason why people commonly call this church a cathedral is because it is so large. It is majestic and grandiose and stands high above the rest of Arucas and, indeed, the surrounding area. In fact, you can see the main tower from well outside the town. This church is neogothic style and it was started to be built in 1909 and finished officially in 1977. They say that it was built by hand, with any type of mechanic or technologic help. It is completely sculpted with the centenary stone of Arucas. Then we will make a walk to visit the old quarter, which has been declared a monument of cultural interest. You will find fine examples of local Canarian architecture there.
We will visit the botanical garden of Arucas. This garden is divided into old and new parts. This Garden enjoys a generous microclimate that has allowed these and other exotic trees including jacarandas, rubber plants. Hundreds of varieties of palms have been planted, forming a paradisal landscape that is unmissable for anyone who wants to grasp the essence of Gran Canaria. Surrounded by banana trees which supply fruits to all of Spain, the garden envelops you in its velvety air and sweet scents.
After the visit of Arucas it’s time to go to Firgas also known as “the balcony of the Atlantic” because Firgas have a breathtaking view over the coast. Firgas have 2 places in town situated next to each other. Both places are photogenic and attractive: the “Paseo de Canarias” and the “Paseo de Gran Canaria”. On one of the sides of the “Paseo de Gran Canaria” (also named “Water Fall Street”) you can admire the 21 heraldic coats of arms representing all the municipalities of Gran Canaria in addition to the insular coat of arms.
After the “Paseo de Gran Canaria” we will continue on our way up strolling through the “Paseo de Canarias”, where each island in the Canarias has been sculpted with a representative landscape of each of them.
Then we will visit the “Plaza de San Roque” probably the most important square in Firgas and from here we will admire some of the most stunning view over the north of Gran Canaria.
On the square you will see the San Roque church. It has an attractive interior that is worth seeing if the doors are open when you visit.
Now it is time for the lunch! (not Included in the Tour Price). Firgas is well known as one of the best places for growing watercress. We will take our lunch in a restaurant that specialize in having menu based mainly on watercress. (Watercress Soup, watercress Salad, watercress cheese, watercress bread, watercress croquettes, watercress Jam).
It is time now to go to “Agaete”. In his picturesque fishing port of Puerto de las Nieves you will admire the blue and white houses on the natural pebble beach. This area of the island is much loved and visited by all the islanders. Its main tourist attraction is the fishing village of Puerto de Las Nieves, probably because it is one of the parts of the island that has maintained 100% of its essence. The Port of Las Nieves is in the coastal area of the municipality. In the Port of Las Nieves one can appreciate the Roque Partido (Broken Rock) or Dedo de Dios (God’s Finger), a symbol for the people of Gran Canarian.
Agaete also has some of the most popular natural pools and beaches of the northern part of the island. We will walk on its picturesque maritime walk and stop in the Natural pools. (If you want to swim, don't forget your swimwear!)
It's time now to go back to the south of Gran Canaria (85 kms)
The Tour ends approximately at 18h00..
TOUR 17: The Complete tour of the island of Gran Canaria with a Visit of a COFFEE PLANTATION and a Bodega (except Saturday and Sunday)
9 hours - 185 kms.
.
We will begin the tour at 9:00 AM promptly heading south west to Mogan village. Because we have so much to see today, we will not be visiting “Puerto de Mogan”, but instead pass by the small village of Mogan. We will stop for photos at the “Molino de Viento” also name “Molino Quemado” (burnt Mill). As you might have guessed from its name, it was burnt down but has been restored to its former beauty, working parts and all, thanks to the Mogán City Council and the local neighbourhood association.
Then we will stop on our way to the stunning “Azulejos de Veneguera”. This natural rock formation was formed 13 million years ago when the steak and gas from a volcano reacted with iron in the rock producing beautiful red, blue and green tones. Locals called it “los azulejos” because of their resemblance to the glazed tiles walls of San Nicolas de Tolentino. We then continue our route along the wild and rocky west coast.
In Puerto de la Aldea we will make a stop at the only easily accessible beach in the area to take pictures. Then, we will visit the large pond called 'El Charco'. There, hordes of people celebrate the ever popular ”Fiesta del Charco” every September, and it is always a comforting stop off on our journey. When there are no fiestas on, the still waters reflect the calm and brightness of the municipality itself, and the deep roots of its history. A time long ago, early aboriginal dwellers set up a series of settlements here, some of which are said to date to before 500 years B.C.
Beyond this point there is a long drive along the impressive cliffs where we can stop for photos on our way to Agaete.
It’s time now to go to the Beautiful “barranco” de Agaete. And the next stop will be the Bodega and the Coffee Plantation. The Agaete Valley is a very fertile and privileged place in Gran Canaria due to its generous rainfalls. This picturesque valley lies on the northwest coast of the island and is known for its lush greenery, stunning mountain views and typical Spanish villages. This “finca” is the only place on the European continent where coffee is produced. You will learn (by the local guide) about the process of making coffee and the wines, from their crops to the cup or the glass. You will also visit the tropical fruits plantation and have a look to the chapel. The Tour will end with a tasting of some wines, bread, Jam and local cheese products included in the price which is not including in the Tour price (12.00€ to be paid at the entrance)
After the visit it’s time to go now to the picturesque fishing port of Puerto de las Nieves in Agaete. You will admire the blue and white houses on the natural pebble beach. This area of the island is much loved and visited by all the islanders. Its main tourist attraction is the fishing village of Puerto de Las Nieves, probably because it is one of the parts of the island that has maintained 100% of its essence. The Port of Las Nieves is in the coastal area of the municipality. In the Port of Las Nieves one can appreciate the Roque Partido (Broken Rock) or Dedo de Dios (God’s Finger), a symbol for the people of Gran Canarian.
Agaete also has some of the most popular natural pools and beaches of the northern part of the island. We will walk on its picturesque maritime walk and stop in the Natural pools (If you want to swim, don't forget your swimwear!).
We will then drive along the capital, las Palmas, on our return to the south. We will arrive at 6:00 pm approximately.