Gran Canaria Highlights Day Tour from Las Palmas

Guayadeque ravine and its cave dwellings

The Guayadeque ravine cuts deep into the east of Gran Canaria between the towns of Agüimes and Ingenio. Its steep walls of ochre and red volcanic rock are dotted with caves that the island's original inhabitants, the ancient Canarians, used as houses, granaries and burial places long before the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. Many important archaeological finds, including mummies, come from this valley, and it is protected as a natural monument.

Remarkably, some caves are still lived in today, and in the hamlet of Cuevas Bermejas even the small chapel is carved into the rock. Your guide explains how the first islanders lived and how cave living continued for centuries. The ravine is also one of the greenest corners of the east, with almond trees, palms and native plants. A Guayadeque ravine tour is one of the best ways to understand the island's past.

Agüimes and the east of the island

On the way to Guayadeque you pass close to Agüimes, one of the most attractive historic towns of Gran Canaria. For centuries it was the seat of the bishops' lordship on the island, and its old quarter keeps narrow streets, ochre houses and a large church with a domed roof. The surrounding countryside of the east is dry and sunny, dotted with old farmhouses and terraced fields.

This part of the tour shows a side of Gran Canaria that many visitors miss when they stay only by the beaches. Your guide shares stories about the island's farming traditions, its water management in a dry climate and the role of these towns in the island's history, before the coach continues towards the south coast.

The Maspalomas dunes viewpoint

In the far south of the island lie the dunes of Maspalomas, a protected natural reserve of golden sand that stretches for several kilometres between Playa del Inglés and the Maspalomas lighthouse. The wind constantly reshapes the dunes, and behind them lies La Charca, a small lagoon that is an important stop for migrating birds. It is one of the most famous landscapes in the Canary Islands.

The tour stops at the scenic lookout above the dunes, the best place for photos of the sand rolling towards the sea. Here your guide also explains how Gran Canaria served for centuries as a stopover for ships and explorers sailing to the Americas, taking on water and supplies before crossing the Atlantic. If you have ever wondered whether the Maspalomas dunes are worth visiting, the view from the lookout gives the answer.

Puerto Rico marina

Continuing west along the sunny coast, the coach reaches Puerto Rico, a resort set in a ravine with a sheltered beach and a busy marina. This is the heart of water sports in Gran Canaria, with boats leaving for dolphin trips, fishing and coastal cruises throughout the day.

At this stop you can buy a ticket for an optional short boat trip along the south-west coast to Puerto de Mogán, enjoying the cliffs and beaches from the water while the coach drives round. If you prefer to stay on land, you continue with the group by coach. The boat trip is not included and is paid locally. Puerto Rico also has a golden beach and seafront promenade, pleasant for a short walk while others are on the water.

Puerto de Mogán, the Venice of the south

The last stop is Puerto de Mogán, a fishing harbour and marina known as the little Venice of the Canary Islands. Short canals crossed by little bridges run between low white houses with colourful trim, and bougainvillea spills over the walls. Fishing boats unload at the quay next to the yachts, and a calm sandy beach lies behind the breakwater.

Your guide leads a leisurely stroll around the port area and then leaves you free time to have lunch at one of the harbour restaurants, try fresh fish, or swim on the beach. Lunch is not included, so you choose what and where to eat. On Fridays the village hosts a popular market. After the free time, the coach takes you back north to Las Palmas, arriving in the late afternoon.