Gran Canaria: Rural Villages Guided Sightseeing Tour

Thinking about exploring the authentic side of Gran Canaria? This Rural Villages Guided Sightseeing Tour offers a fantastic way to see the island’s diverse landscapes, charming villages, and iconic sights—all while enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned transport and an expert guide. With a stellar 4.6-star rating based on over 550 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour worthwhile.

What we love about this experience is its ability to combine stunning scenery with cultural insights, the flexibility of an optional Canarian lunch, and the chance to see some of the island’s most picturesque villages like Tejeda and Artenara. Plus, the stops at sand dunes and coastal waves add a touch of variety. One consideration: the tour involves a fair amount of driving, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace or are sensitive to long bus rides, it’s worth planning accordingly.

Ideal for those who want a rundown of Gran Canaria’s inland beauty, this tour suits travelers craving scenic views, authentic villages, and local flavors. If you’re eager to escape the resorts and dive into island life, this guided trip will give you a well-rounded snapshot of the island’s rural heart.

Key Points

• Beautiful Scenic Drives: From sand dunes to mountain villages, the views are unforgettable.
• Authentic Village Visits: Explore Tejeda, Artenara, Fataga, and more—each with its unique charm.
• Local Flavors: Enjoy tastings and an optional Canarian lunch that showcase the island’s culinary delights.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, humorous guides like Juan, Jose, and Fabrice make the experience engaging.
• Excellent Value: Transportation, guide, and visits offer great value, especially considering the varied sights.
• Photo Opportunities: Plenty of stops to capture the dramatic landscapes and quaint streets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup in the south of Gran Canaria, with over 35 pickup locations including Maspalomas, Meloneras, and Puerto Rico. The buses are air-conditioned, which is a real blessing on warm days, and the journey kicks off early enough to maximize sightseeing. The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for a personable experience, and the driver-guide combination keeps things lively and informative.

First Stops: Maspalomas and Sand Dunes

The day kicks off with a photo stop at Maspalomas, famous for its expansive sand dunes. The views here are iconic, and many reviews mention how the landscape’s size and beauty are impressive. It’s also the perfect spot for a quick briefing on the geology of the dunes and their significance. Reviewers like Jenny appreciated the “beautiful views” and the fact that this is a great introduction to the island’s natural wonders.

The Village of Fataga

Next, the bus heads to Fataga, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Pines.” Here, you’ll have about 20 minutes for photos, a quick look at the old village, and perhaps a chance to grab a coffee or browse local crafts. The scenic drive to Fataga is a highlight itself, offering views of lush greenery and rugged mountains. Reviewers loved the “scenic drive” and “beautiful views,” noting that Fataga’s historic charm is worth the short stop.

More Great Tours Nearby

San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Tejeda

The route takes you through San Bartolomé de Tirajana with another photo stop, before arriving at Tejeda, perched high in the mountains. This is often considered the tour’s highlight, with about 40 minutes for sightseeing, photos, and visiting local almond bakeries. Reviewers like Haidar have raved about Tejeda’s stunning mountain scenery and the “well-planned” itinerary. Here, you can explore traditional Canarian streets and enjoy the mountain air.

Artenara and Cave Houses

One of the most unique stops is Artenara, home to famous cave houses and the highest village on the island. The guided visit here includes walking around the cave dwellings and enjoying panoramic views. Fabrice, a guide praised for his knowledge, often shares interesting local stories, making the visit more lively. The review from Stephen highlights Fabrice’s “exceptional knowledge,” which adds depth to this picturesque spot.

Scenic Highlights and Optional Lunch

On the way further north, the tour makes a stop at Monte Pavon Mirador, where you’ll get sweeping views of Las Palmas, Tenerife, and the lush landscapes below. Here, many opt for the optional Canarian lunch, which reviewers like Angela and Mandy say is “delicious” and offers good value. The local food, paired with the scenic backdrop, makes for a memorable meal.

Coastal Views and the North Coast

The trip continues along the north coast, passing banana plantations and stopping briefly at the coast where waves splash against rugged cliffs. This stretch offers vivid photo opportunities and a chance to observe the island’s agricultural side. Several reviews mention how the guide’s commentary made these scenic stops informative and entertaining.

Final Stops and Return Journey

The last part is a scenic drive through Moya and then back south, passing by Las Palmas for a brief view before heading back to the starting point. The drop-off locations mirror the pickups, and the entire day totals about 8 hours, giving ample time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews highlight guides like Juan, Fabrice, and Uwe for their friendliness, humor, and wealth of information. They don’t just point at sights—they tell stories and share insights that deepen your appreciation of the island.

Diverse Scenic Stops: From the sand dunes of Maspalomas to mountain villages like Tejeda and Artenara, the variety keeps the day interesting. Each location is carefully chosen to showcase different aspects of Gran Canaria’s landscape and culture.

Authentic Village Experience: Visiting traditional villages and cave homes gives travelers a genuine taste of local life, away from the tourist-heavy resorts. The charm of small streets, local bakeries, and mountain views makes these moments special.

Photo Opportunities: If you’re into photography, this trip is gold. The stops are timed well for capturing the dramatic landscapes, traditional architecture, and panoramic vistas. Expect to come away with a hefty collection of stunning images.

Value for Money: The tour includes roundtrip transportation, an expert guide, and entrance to key sites. The optional lunch adds to the experience, and many reviews mention how the overall cost is justified by the quality and variety of sights seen.

Practical Considerations

Duration and Pacing: At 8 hours, this tour makes for a full day but doesn’t feel overly rushed. The stops are well spaced, with enough time to explore but not so long that you become impatient. If you’re a slow walker or traveling with mobility issues, you should note that some sites involve walking around cave houses and villages.

Comfort and Convenience: The air-conditioned vans make a significant difference, especially during warmer days. Pickup in the south of Gran Canaria ensures you’re collected from convenient locations, but it’s best to check your specific pickup point.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are essentials. The weather can vary from mountain to coast, so layering is wise.

Not Included: Lunch and drinks are optional, so if you want a full meal, plan ahead—many reviewers enjoyed the local bakery treats or the optional Canarian lunch.

Accessibility and Suitability: Not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking around villages and cave sites. The tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

Travelers eager to see Gran Canaria’s interior landscapes and traditional villages will find it rewarding. It’s perfect for those interested in culture, scenery, and local food, offering a well-rounded day out. It also suits travelers who enjoy guided commentary and value the insights from knowledgeable guides.

Those looking for a relaxing, scenic drive with lots of photo breaks will love the itinerary. If you’re after a fast-paced adventure or prefer exploring independently, this might not be the best fit.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from over 35 locations in the south of Gran Canaria, including Maspalomas, Meloneras, and Puerto Rico.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, stops, and a meal if you choose the optional lunch.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, Italian, Spanish, and French, providing a multilingual experience.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, mainly due to walking around villages and cave dwellings.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional. Many travelers opt for the local bakery treats or choose to have the included Canarian meal at a stop.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is best suited for adults and children able to handle a full day of sightseeing and walking. Not recommended for wheelchairs or electric scooters.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sun protection, a camera, and possibly a light jacket for higher altitudes or cooler coastal areas.

Will it rain or shine?
This tour operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Final Thoughts

This Gran Canaria Rural Villages Guided Sightseeing Tour offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into the island’s heart—its villages, valleys, and coastal scenery. The combination of stunning landscapes, local flavor, and engaging guides makes it an excellent choice for those wanting an authentic experience beyond the beaches.

The day packs in a variety of stops that cater to photography lovers, culture buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. With good reviews across the board, especially praising the guides’ knowledge and humor, it’s clear this tour provides both value and memorable moments.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic, and culturally rich day out that highlights Gran Canaria’s diverse beauty, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially well-suited for travelers eager to learn about the island’s traditions, enjoy spectacular views, and indulge in local flavors—all comfortably and with expert commentary guiding the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: