Full-day hiking tour in Gran Canaria: route of the week

Full-day Gran Canaria tour with Teror, Tejeda and typical lunch

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Full-day tour to the Sacred Mountains with Tejeda and Artenara peaks

Explore Gran Canaria's landscapes and cultures on a guided tour to the Sacred Mountains. Explore the villages of Tejeda and Artenara.

Guided trike tour in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria's natural beauty takes the spotlight on this guided trike tour. You'll hop on your own trike, taking the open road from Fataga to Santa Lucia. Plus, you can ride solo or take a passenger with you. Along this scenic route, you'll pass through mountain landscapes, past deep ravines, and traditional Canarian villages. Feel the thrill as you tackle winding roads and take in the views along the way – this trip is ideal for both adventure junkies and nature lovers.

Gran Canaria OBY Catamaran Leisure Cruise

Set sail past Gran Canaria's rugged volcanic landscapes as you glide along the coast on this four-hour trip. Pop some fins and a mask on and dive into the clear waters of a secluded bay to spot native rays, octopuses and colourful parrotfish. Make the most of the water with the paddleboards and water slides provided, then relax on the sun deck. There's an open bar, stocked with cava, beer and soft drinks, to wash down a Canarian meal of paella, salads and fruit, too.

Theme park and bowling pass at Gran Canaria’s Holiday World

Ferris wheels and thrills are the order of the day on this outing to Gran Canaria's only theme park, Holiday World. With your exclusive TUI offer, as well as access to over 30 rides, you'll score a round of bowling at the 16-lane alley, along with complimentary popcorn to snack on.If you need some inspiration on which rides to hit first, you could start with getting a bird's-eye view of the park from the 27-meter-high Ferris wheel. If you feel the need for speed, try one of the rollercoasters that roar along at up to 50 kilometres per hour. If a stomach-lurching adrenaline rush is what you're looking for, then the 20-meter free-fall of the Sky Drop could be where you head. And, if you fancy something a little more subdued, there are plenty of family-friendly options, like bumper cars, bumper boats and carousels.Take a break from the rides to unleash your competitive side in a friendly(ish) game of ten-pin bowling at the park's modern bowling alley. In between strikes, you can order food and drinks from the restaurant. Then after your game, you can take a stroll through the amusement arcade, or chase another adrenaline spike on the rides.