Gran Canaria: Rural Villages Guided Sightseeing Tour

If you’re planning to visit Gran Canaria and want a taste of authentic island life beyond the beaches and resorts, this Rural Villages Guided Sightseeing Tour offers an excellent way to experience the heart of the island. With a focus on small villages, natural beauty, and local culture, this eight-hour journey takes you through some of the most picturesque and historically interesting spots in the interior of Gran Canaria.

What we love most about this tour is its well-balanced itinerary—you get both stunning vistas and charming villages—and the knowledgeable guides who bring the island’s stories to life. The optional Canarian lunch is a nice touch, giving you a chance to sample local flavors. On the downside, the drive involves some winding mountain roads, which could be a challenge for those prone to motion sickness or with mobility issues. Still, overall, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a blend of scenery, culture, and a taste of local life.

If you’re in search of a comprehensive way to see the island’s rural side without the hassle of organizing your own transport or guides, this experience suits those with an adventurous spirit and an interest in authentic regional flavors and scenery.

Key Points

• Authentic villages and natural scenery: Visit towns like Tejeda and Artenara, known for their history and striking landscapes.
• Expert guidance: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to bring the island’s stories alive.
• Stunning photo opportunities: Expect breathtaking views of sand dunes, mountain peaks, and rugged coastlines.
• Local flavors and optional lunch: Enjoy tastings of local products and a chance to indulge in a Canarian meal.
• Comfortable transportation: Modern, air-conditioned vehicles make the long drive pleasant.
• Ideal for culture and scenery seekers: Those wanting to see the authentic side of Gran Canaria will find this trip rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Introduced as an 8-hour guided sightseeing adventure, this tour offers a detailed look at some of the most enchanting and less touristy spots on Gran Canaria. Starting with hotel pickup in the south, most travelers find the logistics straightforward—your guide will confirm your exact pickup time and location, often from familiar hotels or pickup points.

The Journey Begins: Scenic Drive and Maspalomas

The day kicks off with a scenic drive from Maspalomas, famous for its vast sand dunes. This iconic landscape is a must-see and offers fantastic photo opportunities. You’ll stop here for about 20 minutes, enough to snap some shots and get your bearings. Many reviews mention the “beautiful views of the dunes,” and a few note the “fantastic scenery” that sets a perfect tone for the day ahead.

The Charm of Fataga: The Old Village in the Mountains

Next, you’ll visit Fataga, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Palms,” with its lush greenery contrasting sharply with the surrounding arid landscape. You’ll have roughly 20 minutes here for photos and a quick walk around its historic center. Travelers love the “scenic views” on the drive, and reviewers often mention how charming and well-preserved the village feels.

San Bartolomé de Tirajana and High Altitude Views

A scenic drive takes you through San Bartolomé de Tirajana, another picturesque mountain village, where you’ll stop for about 20 minutes. The combination of mountain landscapes and traditional Canaria architecture makes this spot a favorite for photos and tranquility. Some reviewers appreciate the “beautiful scenery” and the “peaceful vibe” of these mountain villages.

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The High Point: Tejeda

The highlight for many is Tejeda, perched high in the mountains at the highest altitude point in the area. This village is famous for its almond trees and stunning vistas. You’ll have about 40 minutes to explore, visit the almond bakery, and soak in the panoramic views. Reviewers frequently mention Tejeda as a “beautiful, authentic village,” and several note the “delicious almond treats.” The chance to walk through narrow streets and see local artisans makes this stop a highlight.

Artenara’s Cave Houses and Unique Architecture

A visit to Artenara is often described as a highlight. Known for its cave dwellings carved into the hillside, this village offers a fascinating glimpse into adaptive architecture and traditional life. Tour guides usually lead a short walk or a guided tour, giving travelers context about the cave houses’ history and their significance. Reviewers often call Artenara “one of the most important attractions on the island,” praising its unique charm.

The Natural Beauty of Fontanales and Monte Pavon Mirador

On the way back, you’ll stop at Fontanales and visit Monte Pavon Mirador, where panoramic views of Las Palmas and Tenerife are on display. Many say this is a perfect spot for photos and just taking in the scenery. You might also have the chance to enjoy an optional Canarian lunch here, which many reviews highlight as a good value and delicious. The guide’s commentary on the landscape adds depth to the experience.

North Coast and Coastal Views

As the tour winds down, you’ll pass banana plantations and views of the north coast, with waves splashing along the rugged shoreline. A brief scenic stop, about 15 minutes, allows you to appreciate the contrast between the lush north and the drier inland villages. Several reviewers comment on how the scenery “keeps changing,” highlighting the island’s diversity.

Returning to Maspalomas

The journey ends with a highway drive back south, concluding with drop-offs at the original pickup points. The whole experience is designed for comfort and ease, with air-conditioned buses providing a relaxing ride through the varied landscapes.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, such as Kevin, Fabrice, and Yan, who bring humor and insight, making each stop more meaningful. The reviews consistently mention the guides’ ability to balance storytelling with practical information, making the trip both fun and educational.

Plus, the scenery is a big selling point—think rugged mountains, charming villages, and sweeping views from mountain overlooks. The photo opportunities alone make this tour worthwhile for travelers eager to capture the island’s natural beauty.

And then there’s the local flavor—sampling almond treats in Tejeda or enjoying a Canarian lunch on the mountain. Many reviews mention the value for money, especially considering the comprehensive itinerary, transportation, guides, and scenic stops.

The Price and Value

Pricing is generally seen as fair for an all-inclusive, guided day trip. The experience combines scenic drives, cultural insights, and photo stops, making it a solid value for those who appreciate a relaxed, informative tour with a small-group feel. The optional lunch adds to the experience but is not included, giving you flexibility based on your appetite and budget.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love small villages, scenic drives, and local culture. It’s perfect if you want a comfortable, guided tour that covers a lot of ground without the hassle of self-driving. However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or who dislike winding mountain roads, as some stops involve walking or sitting for extended periods.

Final Thoughts

This Gran Canaria Rural Villages Guided Sightseeing Tour offers a well-rounded day of exploring the island’s interior, balancing natural beauty, cultural sites, and local flavors. The high praise for guides, stunning vistas, and the value for money make it a popular choice among those eager to see the less touristy side of the island.

It excels in providing insight into authentic village life, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and relaxed sightseeing. The optional Canarian lunch adds a tasty touch, rounding out a full day of discovery. The small-group format and comfortable transportation make the experience both enjoyable and accessible.

For travelers who want a comprehensive, authentic glimpse of Gran Canaria’s rural heart, this tour is a smart pick—offering a good mix of scenery, culture, and local charm that will leave you with lasting memories.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available in the south of Gran Canaria, with specific locations listed. The guide will confirm your exact time and place.

How long is the drive between stops?
The drive includes several scenic routes with stops about every 20 to 40 minutes. The total travel time is managed to keep the day comfortable.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional and not included in the tour price. However, an optional Canarian lunch is available at certain stops, and many reviews mention it as a delicious value.

Are the stops walking or photo opportunities?
Most stops include short walks around villages or scenic viewpoints, perfect for photos and taking in the atmosphere. Some stops are mainly for photos and brief visits.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking and vehicle hopping on winding roads.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling depends on availability, so check with the provider.

Whether you’re keen on exploring the authentic mountain villages or capturing unforgettable views, this tour offers a practical, friendly way to experience Gran Canaria’s rural charm—without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: