Gran Canaria OBY Catamaran Leisure Cruise

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.

Exclusive off-road adventure around Gran Canaria’s mountain villages

This off-road adventure showcases Gran Canaria's natural beauty. You'll kick things off in Meloneras before rumbling along the El Juncal Trail in a 4x4. There are a few scenic stops at viewpoints like Cortadores along the way, each packed with photo ops to help you get that perfect Insta post – expect sweeping mountain views and pine forests that really show off the island's wild side. Next, you'll swing by the villages of Tunte and Fataga for a glimpse of local life. And, to wrap things up, there's a visit to an aloe vera farm, where you'll learn all about the plant's natural benefits.

Full-day tour of Gran Canaria’s mountains and salt flats

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.

Personalised Private Tour of Gran Canaria in Minivan

With the flexibility to go wherever you want, this personalised tour of Gran Canaria lets you explore as you wish. During this eight-hour experience, your driver-guide will take you wherever you want on the island – the route and stops are all your own choice. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘You pick where you want to go, but I always recommend there's one must-visit on the island – Tejeda. It's an impossibly picturesque village in the shadow of the iconic Roque Nublo and near the pine forests of Tamadaba Nature Reserve.'After pick-up at your hotel, you can explore natural attractions. Top picks such as the peaks at Pico de las Nieves, the desert-like dunes of Maspalomas, the volcanic Bandama crater or the Wild West-like canyon of Degollada de las Yeguas. Or you can discover sleepy highland towns such as Teror and Tejeda or the rum-making town of Arucas. Then there's the capital, Las Palmas, an easy-going city that blends a beach vibe with cultural attractions, such as the palatial home of Christopher Columbus.The tour will be in a private minivan, which can seat up to eight passengers, so you'll be able to strike out with friends or family. What's more, your driver doubles up as a guide, so you'll get all the history and anecdotes of the places you visit. You could also schedule in some beach stops, shopping time and a lunch stop. Your guide will be more than recommend the best places to savour traditional Canarian cuisine.

Gran Canaria's 'Little Venice' – visit 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 summit sunset tour

As the sun tucks away behind the horizon, you'll toast to Gran Canaria's spectacular landscape on this exclusive sunset excursion. You'll travel inland through rustic villages and up its highest peak to see in the sunset with bubbly.

Maspalomas Camel Tour

Tucked away in the southern tip of Gran Canaria is an oasis of unmatched beauty that'll make you think you're in the Sahara desert. The sand dunes of Maspalomas are hemmed in by the resorts of Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Meloneras – and there's no more authentic way to explore them than on the back of a camel.

Gran Canaria mini train tasting tour of Firgas

In the north of Gran Canaria, you'll find Firgas, a hilltop town brimming with Canarian heritage. Here, you'll start your tour in charming style on a quaint mini road train, gently trundling between restaurants and shops for a taste of the region. You'll learn about the culture of Firgas, as well as its foodie side as you tuck into all sorts of tapas dishes over this two-hour, family-friendly ride.Look forward to traditional tastings, like gofio escaldado, a porridge-like, rich, savoury dish served at El Rincón de Marcos Restaurant. You'll get a taste of the locally grown watercress crops with watercress cheese at Maria Teresa's shop. And, you can taste some local treats at Deleite Canario, a company based in Firgas that's famed for their homemade jams and juices.At the end of the tour, you'll have around an hour of free time to explore Firgas before returning to your hotel. Make sure you head to the centre to see the man-made waterfall tumbling 30 metres down Paseo de Gran Canaria Street. Then, wander through the old town to see original glazed tiles and beautifully designed shields representing the municipalities of the island.

Gran Canaria 4x4 adventure with aloe vera farm visit

Kickstart your adventure in the heart of Gran Canaria with this 4x4 off-road tour. You'll zoom through scenic landscapes, visiting Chira Viewpoint, San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Ayacata Village. Pause at the hillside village of Fataga, known as the Valley of the Thousand Palms, with free time to spend however you'd like. You can stroll by the whitewashed Canarian houses this place is known for, or stop by a restaurant for lunch. Then, buckle up again for a trip to an aloe vera farm, a must-see on the Canary Islands.