Must-sees in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria - Gran Canaria Tour with Teror, Tejeda and Lunch in Fataga

Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping along the way to visit gems such as Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It was in 1481, amid the Castilian conquest of Gran Canaria, and it helped change the island's destiny.'And Teror is where your adventure begins. Strolling past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences. A scenic mountain drive away is Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker itself – red-roofed, whitewashed houses sprinkled on the slope of a valley. David adds, ‘Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top. Its setting is unbeatable.' There's also a pit stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, as we make our way to Fataga to eat. A lunch made from locally sourced ingredients will be served in a family-owned restaurant. After a little amble through the town, we'll visit a nearby aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties. Generations of islanders have used extracts from the plant for skin burns.

Gran Canaria - Hop-On Hop-Off Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 24hr Bus

Enjoy the stunning sea views of Las Palma and the wind in your hair, as you board the bus and create your tour.

Gran Canaria - Aqualand Maspalomas

Thrills, spills, rides and slides – and lots of fun – await you at Aqualand Maspalomas. One of the largest of water parks in the Canaries, it has more than 30 attractions to keep the whole family grinning all day.

Gran Canaria - 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.

Gran Canaria - 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.

Gran Canaria - Palmitos Park Ticket

Dr Doolittle eat your heart out – Palmitos Park has more birds, fish and creatures than you could ever chat to. Set at the top of volcanic canyon near Maspalomas, this brilliant wildlife park boasts a roll call of residents that will impress your whole family, large and small.

Gran Canaria - Blue Bird Ticket

Cruising off the coast of the Gran Canaria has always been fun but this boat tour makes it even better. You can now hop off at any of the ports the Blue Bird boat docks in and wander around before hopping back on when the next one sails into port.The itineraries vary and cover four coastal towns in the southwest – Arguineguin, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan. So you can tick off sleepy fishing villages like Anfi, bubbly seaside spots like Puerto Rico and Arguineguin or more dashing towns like Puerto de Mogan.Each has its own charm – and nowhere can the colour of a town be better appreciated than during the weekly market. In Arguineguin, it's every Tuesday, while in Puerto de Mogan, there are two. Monday is the farmers' market while Friday sees the town come to life for the ethnic and gastronomic market – African drums, wooden wind chimes and Canarian cheeses are among the stall buys.

Gran Canaria - 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 - Wooland Holiday World Ticket

Wooland is Gran Canaria's biggest and best amusement park – so you'll be spoilt for choice with things to see and do. It's home to fairground attractions, adrenaline-pumping rides, a rollercoaster, giant Ferris wheel, children's playgrounds and even a street food market.

Gran Canaria - Jet-Ski Anfi del Mar Beach Ticket

Is the daredevil in you hankering for an adrenaline rush? Get behind the handlebars of a jet-ski, try parasailing or hop aboard the Crazy Jet wave-riding boat. After a brief safety tutorial, you'll get to live the dream. There are plenty of other watersports to choose from, too, including wakeboards, flyboards, banana boats and paddle surf.

Gran Canaria - Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding

If you're ready to pack some adrenaline into your holiday, then you're in the right place to try some water sports. Gran Canaria is considered one of the best places in the world for activities like windsurfing, as it has ideal wind conditions and spectacular coastline to boot. Choose from windsurfing or stand up paddle boarding courses, or simply rental, and learn how to cut across the waves in Bahia Feliz.With the windsurfing course, you'll discover what it feels like to stand on two feet above the Atlantic Ocean and glide across the waves. This two-hour course is designed to introduce you to the sport, which combines both sailing and surfing on a board that's two to two-and-a-half metres in length with a sail attached. There's also the option to rent a board for two hours.Alternatively, you can choose stand up paddle boarding – the latest craze in the water sports world. The two-hour course is ideal for beginners, or if you're already confident on the water, you can opt for four-hour board rental.

Gran Canaria - Aquarium Poema del Mar Ticket

From the same family as two of Tenerife's most popular attractions, Loro Parque and Siam Park, comes the Poema del Mar aquarium in the heart of Las Palmas. Here you'll come face to face with over 300 marine species, including sharks, piranhas and clown fish.

Gran Canaria - Mogan Yellow Submarine Tour

The Yellow Submarine is as much a part of the seas off Puerto de Mogan as the shoals of fish that swim in them. It's a window on a weird and wonderful world of exotic marine life and shipwrecks that will unfold before your eyes during the 40 minutes this underwater adventure lasts.

Gran Canaria - Pro Surfing Gran Canaria

The seas off Gran Canaria make it prime water sports territory. And this fun-filled experience will allow you to experience two ways of being at one with the waves. You'll be taken to the beach to meet our team of pro surfers. Between them, they've got over 10 years' experience, so they're more than qualified to show you a trick or two.After a warm-up on the beach to get you loosened up and demonstrations from the experts, you'll take to the waves. You'll get to grips with surfing, bodyboarding or a combination of the two.And with a member of staff on hand to give you hints and tips, you'll pick-up new skills in no time. Whichever activity you choose – you're sure to love it.

Gran Canaria - Salobre Horse Riding Gran Canaria

Saddle up for this exciting horseback adventure through Gran Canaria's dramatic, volcanic landscape. No matter what your experience level, you'll trot, canter and gallop your way along dusty trails and lunar-like tracks to enjoy all the best views of the island.

Gran Canaria - Sioux City Entrance

Think thundering hooves, whirring spurs and shouts of ‘yeehah' on this trip to Sioux City – the Canaries' most authentic cowboy themed adventure park. Wandering the dusty streets of a replica old west town, the action happens all around you. From cattle runs and horseshows to gunfights and bank heists, it's an entertainment extravaganza, Wild West style.Kick off the adventure the moment you step foot in the park. Originally a movie set for a spaghetti western, it's all swinging saloon doors and one-room jailhouses. Packed with gun-slinging characters, it feels every bit the authentic American west.Throughout the day, you'll be wowed by cattle runs, horseshows, duels, fights and more – some when you least expect it. Don't miss out on the thrilling bank heist. The town sheriff faces down some dastardly outlaws in an exciting horseback shootout. All in all, an action-packed family day out.

Gran Canaria - Gran Canaria Spirit of the Sea Dolphin Watching Cruise

The thrill of watching dolphins in their natural environment is one of the great experiences Gran Canaria has to offer. Onboard Spirit of the Sea – World Cetacean Alliance certified for responsible whale and dolphin watching – you'll get to see these friendly and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.There are six types of dolphin to spot, including bottlenose and common. And fin – the second-largest mammal – and pilot whales also make regular appearances. In fact, one-third of all species of cetaceans, which include whales and porpoises, can be found in these waters.And you'll be able to keep a look-out for other creatures – turtles, flying fish and brightly coloured parrot fish – thanks to the Spirit of the Sea's viewing area. You can choose either a two- or three-hour cruise. The latter includes a swim stop.

Gran Canaria - Afrikat Cruise

The southwest coast of Gran Canaria is best admired by boat – and what better way than with this half-day catamaran cruise that combines both adventure and relaxation. You'll glide along the protected coastline, swim in a crystal-clear bay and join the captain on a speedboat tour as it bumps across the waves.You'll set off in a spacious catamaran along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria and soak up the island's volcanic beauty in all its glory as you soak up the sun on deck. Your captain will steer the boat to a pristine bay where clear water invites you to take a refreshing dip.And if you like a bit of adventure, there's an exhilarating speedboat tour to look forward to as well. What's more, you'll be able to sit back for a freshly-prepared lunch complete with sangria, beer and soft drinks before you head back.

Gran Canaria - Sport Fishing in Puerto Rico

With the waters off the coast of Gran Canaria teeming with fish like tuna, barracuda and swordfish, this sport fishing cruise is one you'll want to hook up with. Fans, beginners and children alike can join in the search for a bite in the open seas of the Atlantic Ocean.All aboard and we'll set sail into the Atlantic Ocean in search of the best catch around. All you'll need is some comfy shoes and sun cream and we'll provide all the equipment. And when the moment comes, your experienced crew will talk you through every step so beginners can join in, too.Then it's all a waiting game. If you're lucky enough to get a bite, you'll get all the help to land it. Alternatively, if you just want to sit back and watch the action unfold – that's fine, too.

Gran Canaria - Day Tour to 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.