Full-Day Tour Exploring History, Nature and Aloe Vera Farm

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Hidden Gems: A Full-Day Tour of Nature and History

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria and want to see a side of the island that goes beyond the beaches, this Full-Day Tour Exploring History, Nature, and Aloe Vera Farm offers a well-rounded glimpse of its lesser-known treasures. Covering around seven hours, this experience takes you from lush valleys to historic towns, topped off with a visit to an aloe vera farm. It’s designed for first-timers or anyone eager to get a broad sense of the island’s landscape, history, and local culture.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the expert guidance throughout the day—a knowledgeable local guide keeps the commentary engaging, informative, and in multiple languages, according to reviews. The scenic stops, especially at Roque Nublo and Guayadeque, give you authentic insights and photo-worthy moments. That said, the long day and coach travel mean it’s not for everyone—especially if you prefer more leisurely explorations or less time on the bus. This trip suits travelers wanting a comprehensive, value-packed introduction to Gran Canaria’s highlights.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of natural wonders and cultural sites
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights
• Long but rewarding day with around 7 hours of sightseeing
• Includes transportation from southern Gran Canaria hotels
• Visit to Aloe Vera Farm adds a unique, local touch
• Optional lunch provides good value but is a set menu

A Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

This full-day adventure is structured to cover some of Gran Canaria’s most iconic sites, along with a handful of charming villages and natural wonders. Whether you’re an avid photographer, history buff, or nature lover, you’ll find something to enjoy.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Start at Agüimes (Casco Historico)
The day kicks off in the historic village of Agüimes, a place with roots that stretch back to aboriginal settlements. We loved the way the guide emphasized the aboriginal soul of this town, with its traditional architecture and narrow streets. It’s a brief but enriching stop where you can imagine the island’s early inhabitants. The admission is free, making it a valuable peek into local history without extra cost.

Next, Arucas
A quick hour here lets you appreciate the famous Arucas rum and the lush banana plantations that thrive on the fertile volcanic soil. Reviewers mention enjoying the authenticity of this stop, which gives a taste of local produce and culture. It’s a perfect photo op, especially if you love seeing how local industries shape the landscape.

Venture to Teror
This picturesque village is cloaked in tradition, with the Basilica of Nuestra Sra. Del Pino as its centerpiece. The guide highlighted the stately homes and Canarian-style architecture, adding a sense of grandeur to this peaceful spot. Many reviewers appreciated this stop as a chance to walk through a real Canarian town, with some noting it being a quick 30-minute visit.

Valleseco: the lush green gem
Valleseco is often praised for its abundant vegetation—roughly 80% of its area is protected natural terrain. Here, we loved the chance to stroll through its streets, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and stretch our legs. The reviews suggest that this was a highlight for nature lovers, with the opportunity to explore the local atmosphere. The lunch break here is not included but provides a good chance to try local dishes or pack your own.

Roque Nublo: a volcanic marvel
One of the most striking sights on the island, Roque Nublo is a towering volcanic rock that rises 80 meters above its base. It’s a place of cultural significance—it was once a site of aboriginal worship—and offers fantastic panoramic views. The photo opportunities are incredible, and the sense of standing before a giant natural monument is definitely memorable. Expect about an hour here to soak in the views.

Fataga: the “Valley of the Thousand Palm Trees”
The tour only briefly stops at Fataga, but this charming village is well worth a visit if you’re interested in traditional Canary Islands scenery. The review mentions that, although it’s a quick stop, the picturesque streets and palm-lined surroundings leave an impression.

Aloe Vera Farm: The ‘Miracle Plant’
The tour’s unique feature is a visit to an aloe vera farm, where you’ll learn about the plant’s uses and health properties. Multiple reviews mention the informative guide and the fascinating insights into aloe vera cultivation and products. Some travelers expressed skepticism about the farm being more of a sales stop, but most found the experience educational, especially if you’re curious about natural remedies.

Transportation and Group Size

Most reviews highlight the comfortable coach used for the trip, with a driver skilled at navigating the challenging mountain roads. The group size is limited to around 40, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. Pickup is offered from hotels in the south of Gran Canaria, with a pickup window roughly between 9:00 and 10:30 am, making the start flexible.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price covers guides, transfers, the Aloe Vera Farm visit, and insurance—a good value considering the length and variety of stops. Lunch is not included, but most reviewers agree that the optional set-menu lunch at around €12 provides a nice, filling meal, especially with a drink included. Some reviews pointed out that the lunch options are limited, and if you prefer a quick snack, you might want to bring your own.

The Realities of the Experience

While many travelers praise the expert guidance and stunning scenery, some note that the day can be quite long with around 7 hours of on-the-bus time. Reviewers mention that most of this is coach travel, with quick stops—sometimes rushed—and limited time at each site. If you’re someone who enjoys in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit brief at each location.

A recurring theme in reviews is the multilingual commentary. The guide, Miguel, reportedly speaks several languages, which can sometimes lead to a hectic delivery—many travelers noted that the guide often had to switch rapidly, which sometimes left less time for detailed storytelling. However, his friendly demeanor and local knowledge are often praised.

Some reviews voiced concerns about the sales stops at gift shops and aloe vera stores. While the farm visit is educational, a few felt it was more commercialized than expected, with some reviewers describing it as an “info-mercial” rather than a genuine insight into aloe vera cultivation.

Value for Money

At approximately $59.61 per person, the tour is generally considered good value for what’s included—multiple attractions, transport, and a knowledgeable guide. The price for the optional lunch is reasonable, and many reviewers felt that the variety of sites and the scenic beauty make this a worthwhile investment, especially for those who want a broad overview without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors to Gran Canaria who want a comprehensive snapshot of the island’s highlights. Nature lovers will appreciate Roque Nublo and Valleseco, while those interested in culture will enjoy Agüimes, Teror, and the aloe vera farm. It’s also good for travelers who prefer guided transportation to avoid navigating challenging mountain roads themselves.

However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace or in-depth exploration of specific sites, you might find this tour a bit rushed or overly commercialized at certain stops. It’s ideal for those who value value for money, scenic views, and local insights over extended stays at each location.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of Gran Canaria offers a solid introduction to the island’s natural beauty, historic towns, and local culture. The knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery make it an engaging experience, particularly if you’re keen on seeing a variety of highlights without the stress of planning. The inclusion of an aloe vera farm visit is a unique touch, adding a local flavor to your adventure.

While it’s a long day with a fair amount of coach travel, most reviews confirm that the sights and experiences are worth it. It’s especially suitable for first-timers, nature enthusiasts, or travelers eager for a well-rounded overview of Gran Canaria in one convenient package.

If you’re after a guided, value-rich day that combines natural wonders and cultural sights, this tour ticks many boxes—just be prepared for a full day on the road.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered from hotels in the south of Gran Canaria, typically between 9:00 and 10:30 am, making it easy to start your day without extra planning.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, covering multiple stops, sightseeing, and transportation.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the price. Most travelers opt for the set-menu lunch at about 12 euros, which many find to be a good deal, but alternatives or packed lunches are also possible.

Are the stops at sites quick?
Yes, most stops are relatively brief—about 30 minutes to an hour—so if you prefer to explore at a slower pace, this might feel rushed.

Is the guide multilingual?
The guide, Miguel, speaks multiple languages, including English and German, but some reviews mention that switching quickly between languages can make the commentary feel hurried.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Given the duration and coach travel, it can be suitable for families with older children who can sit comfortably for several hours and enjoy sightseeing.

Are there any extra costs besides the tour fee?
Apart from optional lunch and personal purchases, the tour includes the Aloe Vera Farm visit and insurance. Gift shop stops may tempt you but are not mandatory.

This full-day trip is a solid way to see a broad stretch of Gran Canaria, combining natural beauty, cultural insights, and a taste of local agriculture—all in one well-organized package.