Sala Scala – Origen Show

Sites & Bites: Gran Canaria botanical garden and fresh fruits

Northern Gran Canaria is all non-stop natural beauty. This tour delves into this often-overlooked part of the island's treasure chest. You'll visit Spain's largest botanic garden and the home of the national fruit - a banana farm. Explorers sailing to the Americas would take green ones that ripened en route, exporting so many to Britain that Canary Wharf in London was named after the island.First up is a deep dive into this island's continent-like biodiversity. Planted on a hillside, Jardin Canario is the largest botanical park in Spain. It boasts more than 2,000 species of plants, 500 of which are endemic to the island. Tour the tree-lined grounds and learn all about the initiative's conservation efforts and environmental education programme. Next up is a banana farm, where you'll discover 13 varieties of plantain from all over the world. You'll get to taste some of the organic goodies here, like freshly picked fruits, preserves and juices.The final stop will include a guided tour of charming Firgas village, a cluster of narrow streets lined with traditional Canarian houses. Explore the photogenic streets with your guide, who will explain the presence of so many fountains in this little town. Afterwards, you'll have free time to discover more of the delights of Firgas at your own pace, perhaps stop for a leisurely coffee or look for souvenirs.

Gran Canaria Magic Tres Catamaran Cruise

Set sail on the luxurious Magic Tres Catamaran for an adventure along Gran Canaria's dazzling south coast. Departing from Puerto Rico, this spacious catamaran offers room for sunbathing and relaxing while you watch at sea caves, towering cliffs, and pristine natural beaches glide by. For an additional fee, you can reserve a sunbed for 3-4 people, ensuring even more comfort and relaxation on board. Enjoy a tasty Canarian lunch and a selection of drinks from the open bar as you cruise the clear waters. If you feel the need for speed, this excursion includes a thrilling banana boat ride for those seeking a bit of adrenaline.And to round off the day, we'll anchor in a secluded bay, the perfect place to take it easy on board or make the most of the tempting water, inviting you to take a refreshing dip in the sea. It's the perfect outing for those looking to explore Gran Canaria from a unique perspective.

Full-day 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.'After a visit to an aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties, you'll head into the Valley of a Thousand Palms for a wander around the cozy village of Fataga, all cobbled lanes, palm-fringed views and traditional Canarian architecture. There's a photo stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, followed by a scenic mountain drive to Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker too – 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.' Next up is a local lunch in a family-owned restaurant, before you continue to Teror, the last stop on your adventure. 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.

Gran Canaria's 'Little Venice' – visit 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's Friday 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 relax at one of the many terraced cafés overlooking the yachts. Visit on a Friday and you can browse the market selling typical Canarian products. Oh, and there's also an enticing sandy beach to stretch out on, too.

Pokiddo activity park entrance ticket in Gran Canaria

If your idea of a great day involves moving, laughing and a little friendly competition, Pokiddo in Gran Canaria ticks all the right boxes. This innovative entertainment park gives you plenty of ways to spend time together as a family. It combines indoor attractions with an outdoor trampoline zone, creating a space where jumping, climbing and competing become the main event of your day.The indoor zone covers you on those cloudy days, or when the sun gets a bit much. It's kitted out with interactive football, a multi-level tag maze that turns obstacle courses into competitive missions, and climbing challenges that'll have the kids swapping stories about their favourite moments long after they've left. There's even a dedicated toddler area, so little ones have their own space to climb safely, play and let their imagination run free.Outside, the trampoline zone amps things up with freestyle beds, a boxing trampoline, and Velcro walls that bring out everyone's adventurous side. When it's time for a breather, there's a café on site – perfect for a quick pause before heading back into the fun.

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.

Island tour of Gran Canaria

This grand tour of Gran Canaria takes in the best of the island's highlands in just one day as you visit the villages of Tejeda and Teror . There'll be plenty of photo stops along the way, too. Pepe, one of our local guides, says, "Teror is one of my favourite spots on the island, with history seeping from the walls in the old quarter. The buildings are so charming and in the main square, you'll get to see the typical Canarian balconies the town is famous for."It's a blockbuster from the go. Our first stop is at the Degollada de la Yegua viewpoint, which by day boasts views of a Wild West-like canyon and by night of the stars. Then it's on to Tunte, where you might decide to visit the Casa Los Yánez Ethnographic Museum, though it is not open every day. Next, you'll head to Tejeda, considered one of Spain's prettiest villages. All pretty whitewashed houses and palm trees nestled in the shadow of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, it's Insta-perfect.There's some free time scheduled here where you can explore on your own and find a spot to buy lunch. When you've had your fill here, the afternoon is then dedicated to the picture-postcard town of Teror. It's famed for its pastel-coloured colonial homes with carved overhanging balconies.

Gran Canaria’s Poema del Mar aquarium and Guayadeque canyon tour

From the sea to the central mountains and even underground, you'll see the very best of Gran Canaria with this tour. You'll get up-close to more than 300 marine species in Poema del Mar aquarium, drive through the green valley of Guayadeque to eat lunch in a restaurant carved out of a cave and round off with free time in the colonial town of Agüimes. Miguel, one of our local guides, says, ‘There's so much packed into one day. But for me, the most interesting part is Guayadeque, which represents a very important part of our prehistory.'First up is one of the most popular attractions in Las Palmas. With panoramic curved windows and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films.Next, you'll journey through the island's greenest corner to Guayadeque canyon. It's famed for its cave homes, which the ancient aborigines built in lava bubbles, and winding hiking trails. Head inside a cliff-carved cave converted into a restaurant and enjoy a tapas lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. Then it's on to Agüimes for some with free time in this pretty, pastel-coloured parish that sits perched above the green ravine of Guayadeque. You can see the elegant church, stop for a coffee in a local café or take some selfies by the town's many statues.

Las Palmas city tour with Vegueta Old Town and shopping time

Tick off two top things to do in Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, on this full day tour. With a hassle-free transfer into the heart of the capital, you'll have time for sightseeing in the old town, Vegueta, before hitting the shops at a modern mall. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Vegueta's streets are named after figures from the island's history, such as Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his way to the Americas. The Casa de Colón – Columbus House – in Vegueta is a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It's widely believed he stayed in that very house.'Las Palmas' historic quarter is peppered with traditional pastel-coloured buildings and ornate churches. It has the air of a Spanish colonial town in the Americas, and its streets are the oldest in the city. Vegueta is home to some of the best traditional Canarian cuisine, including dishes such as papas arrugadas – wrinkled potatoes – and mojo sauce. Maria says, ‘Papas Arrugadas with mojo is the essence of Gran Canaria. The spicy mojo sauce livens up any dish, but with Canarian potatoes it's a perfect match.'Your guide will give you an overview of the highlights to look out for during the transfer, so you'll have plenty of free time to explore. After Vegueta, we'll hit Alisios shopping centre. Browse high street favourites, local boutiques and souvenir stalls. And if you're peckish, treat yourself to a feast of international dishes from a range of restaurants, bars and fast-food favourites.

Gran Canaria Supercat dolphin-watching catamaran cruise

Hop aboard the Supercat catamaran and cruise off southern Gran Canaria in search of bottlenose dolphins. The calm, warm waters here are home to many of these amazing creatures, who because of superabundant food and highly oxygenated currents can spend their days playfully cavorting.Catch the breezes on deck as you watch for your first glimpse – you'll often just see a fleeting shadow or flash of dorsal fin before a playful pod surges into view. Then, with a bit of luck, you'll be treated to an incredible show as they leap, plunge and race through the water alongside you.And you may even spot baby dolphins swimming close to their mothers, too. Other species found in these waters include, common, striped and spotted dolphins while fin and pilot whales. This is a remarkable chance to see an array of marine life in its natural habitat.