Gran Canaria has a quieter face, and this tour shows it fast. This private VIP route takes you inland to viewpoint after viewpoint, with stops in charming villages that feel a world away from the beach strip. I love how Simon Tours keeps the day moving without feeling rushed, and the guide energy matters here: Simon is funny, friendly, and full of stories that connect geography to real island life.

My second favorite part is the food and drink rhythm. You’ll get a small tastings plan built into the drive—cheese, mojo sauce, honey rum—and then a proper tapas lunch at about 14:00, plus that classic Canarian coffee break around 10:45. The one consideration: the mountain roads are winding. If you get motion sick, bring what helps you and plan for some bumpy, twisty stretches.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

• Ten inland attraction stops in one long, well-paced day so you see more than a quick bus loop
• Roque Nublo and the Tejeda area photo moments with short, easy stops and photo time
• Cheese, mojo, and honey rum tastings plus a tapas lunch at around 14:00
• Simon’s guidance in a small group up to 7 makes it feel like a custom day, not a crowd shuffle
• Big views early and often including Mirador de las Dunas and Cruz de Tejeda

A VIP private day that trades crowds for real viewpoints

This is the kind of Gran Canaria tour you book when you want the island’s spine, not just the postcard parts. You start in the morning (pickup starts with an 8:30 am start time), and then you’re off into the interior, where the air can feel cooler and the villages look lived-in.

A big reason this works for you is the format: a private tour for up to 7 people means fewer distractions and more room to ask questions or adjust the pace. The guide can also steer around extra walking when you ask for it, which matters on a full 9-hour day.

And yes, the views are the headline. Miradors like Mirador de las Dunas are the kind of stops where you pause, stop talking, and just take it in. But what makes the day more enjoyable is the context—why the island looks like this, how the towns formed, and what people eat and drink after they’ve done their work.

The route logic: miradors, mountain towns, and Roque views

The day is built like a best-of playlist for the island’s interior. You get quick viewpoint stops for dramatic panoramas, then longer village pauses to slow down. It’s not just sightseeing from the bus window; you actually get time to step out, breathe, and look around.

Here’s the simple rhythm you’ll notice:

• Short mirador stops (often 10–20 minutes) for photos and breathing room
• Village breaks (around 30 minutes) to walk a little and absorb the atmosphere
• A meal plan that prevents the classic tour problem: seeing everything and then missing lunch

The best part for most people is that you’re not doing marathon hikes. Even the longer “active” moments are framed as easy walking and photo time, not a strenuous climb. Still, the roads and the altitude can surprise you—more on that later.

Mirador de las Dunas and Degollada: the wow factor starts early

Your first major view is Mirador de las Dunas, where the dunes feel almost lunar—hence the moon-walk vibe people talk about. Expect a big, open panorama of the island’s most impressive dune area. The stop is about 20 minutes, so it’s long enough for photos and a relaxed look, but short enough that you won’t lose the day to logistics.

Right after that comes Mirador Degollada De La Yegua, a smaller stop (about 10 minutes) with a volcanic-era viewpoint. This is one of those quick stops that pays off because it gives you a mental map of what you’re looking at. The area ties into Gran Canaria’s history of former volcanic activity, and the guide can connect the dots while you’re standing there.

Possible drawback here: if it’s windy, these exposed viewpoints can feel chilly even when the coast is warm. Don’t worry—this is normal mountain weather, and the tour’s built-in timing helps.

Fataga and Tunte: old streets, then wine-and-coffee culture

Then you hit Fataga, a charming old town stop (about 30 minutes). This is where the day softens. You trade big scenery for smaller details—old architecture and a slower pace. If you like wandering without a checklist, this is a good moment. You’ll have enough time to get a few photos and then just take it in.

Next is the San Bartolome de Tirajana area viewpoint, with a stop that includes seeing Ansite, described as the last rock citadel of Guanches. This is short but meaningful: you get the “why is this rock here” question, and you’ll usually get an answer on the spot.

After that, the day adds a very Canarian break in Tunte, described as the capital of a world-known Canarian winery region. This is one of the best “culture stops” because it’s not just tasting; it’s tasting plus conversation. You can try typical local wines like verijadiego or malvasia, and you can also have a local coffee drink called barraquito. It’s a perfect mid-morning reset before the higher viewpoints later.

One watch-out: the taste options can be tempting, so keep water nearby and pace yourself. With so many stops planned, energy management helps.

Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo: easy walking, big payoff

At Pico de las Nieves, you get about 30 minutes for an easy walk and a photo session connected to Roque Nublo. This is the classic Gran Canaria silhouette moment, but the tour doesn’t treat it like a quick drive-by. You’ll have time to look around, set your camera, and get the angles that usually matter most.

The good thing about this stop is that it’s designed to be achievable. You’re not being thrown into a long hike. You’re given time to move at a comfortable pace and to take photos without feeling like someone’s tapping their watch.

Potential drawback: altitude can play tricks with your body. If you’re not used to cooler mountain air, you may feel it more than you expect, even if you’re dressed for beach weather. Pack a layer. The tour provider even flags bringing warm items for colder temperatures up high.

If you love photography, this is one of your “stand here and compose the shot” moments. If you’re not into photos, you’ll still enjoy it because it’s one of those places where the view feels almost unreal.

Cruz de Tejeda to Teror: the island’s middle and a colonial-style town vibe

Cruz de Tejeda is a short stop (about 15 minutes), but it’s a smart one. It’s described as the geographical middle point of the island, and from here you look out toward Caldera de Tejeda and Roque Bentayga. This is where the tour ties the scenery together. You’ve seen dunes, volcanic viewpoints, and Roque Nublo—now you get the wider picture of how the island is laid out.

Then you shift into Teror, one of the most known Canarian towns on the itinerary (about 30 minutes). Teror’s stop centers on its former colonial-style architecture and the Basilica of Our Lady in Pine. Even if you’re not a church person, the setting matters. You get that old-town feel and a sense of local tradition that you just don’t get on the coast.

From the experience notes and guide style, there’s usually time to do a little shopping for souvenirs. One neat extra mentioned in feedback: you may also find a chance to light a candle in a local church. It’s small, but it’s the kind of detail that makes the stop feel more human.

Food and drink: cheese, mojo, honey rum, then tapas at 14:00

This tour’s best “comfort break” is that it plans food in the middle of the day instead of making you wonder when you’ll eat. You’ll get bottle water included from the start.

Along the route, you’ll sample local flavors:

• Cheese
• Mojo sauce
• Honey rum

This is the kind of tasting that makes the rest of the sightseeing click. You’re seeing inland valleys and towns, and then you taste what people actually pair with their day. In the feedback you get from people who did the tour, the cheese tasting is often the standout bite.

Then comes the lunch plan around 14:00: tapas lunch included with 2 pieces of typical Canarian tapas plus a beer or soft drink. One helpful detail from real use: if you need vegetarian tapas, it’s been provided. That means you’re not stuck eating plain bread and watching everyone else enjoy the good stuff.

Finally, that mid-morning coffee stop around 10:45 can add a sweet reset. If you’re curious about what locals order, barraquito is a classic way to try something specific to the islands, not generic cafe fare.

How the timing feels across a 9-hour day

The day runs about 9 hours, with driving time folded into the route. You’re not left bored on the bus for long stretches. Stops are frequent enough that you get breaks to stand, stretch, and take in views.

The practical timeline you should expect:

• 8:30 am start with hotel pickup (welcome on board)
• Break and tasting moments across the first half
• Coffee around 10:45
• Lunch around 14:00
• Multiple mirador and town stops spread across the rest of the day

There’s also an included water bottle and the guide keeps you informed while you’re traveling. One reason people enjoy the day is that it’s not silence-and-seat time. The guide uses the drive time to connect the scenery to stories, and that helps you feel like you’re learning while you travel.

The one thing you should mentally prepare for is the road style: winding, sometimes steep access roads. Even with a careful driver, the route can still feel intense.

Pickup, roads, and why motion sickness is your real enemy

The tour is private, which generally means you’ll be picked up without the chaos of waiting for a large bus. Still, one past issue shows why it’s smart to double-check your pickup spot and be ready a little early. In that case, a pickup mix-up happened and a refund was issued the same day, so the company did resolve it—but you don’t want to bet your whole trip on luck.

On the roads: mountain driving is part of the package. Feedback includes clear notes about twisty roads and motion sickness risk. If you’re prone to feeling queasy, take it seriously. Bring motion sickness tablets if that’s your usual trick, and choose a seat where you feel least movement if you have any seating choice.

The good news: the tour uses a small coach/vehicle setup for the day, which can make the ride feel calmer than big-bus chaos. Some people also mention they had plenty of time to look around at each stop, meaning you’re not spending the day trapped in motion.

Who this tour suits best in Gran Canaria

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A real inland day away from resort lanes
• Scenic viewpoints plus actual village time
• Food tastings that feel part of the day, not an afterthought
• A guide-led experience in English with room to personalize

It may not be the best choice if you’re traveling with very young children. Even the positive feedback hints that the day is long and includes mountain roads and walking time that may not suit tiny legs.

It’s also a good fit if you care about comfort and pace. The tour has several stops under 30 minutes, and there’s a chance to customize walking if you request it. That flexibility is a big deal on a day built around views.

Finally, the tour depends on good weather. If the day gets canceled for weather reasons, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s how you protect your day from foggy or rough conditions.

What to pack and how to dress for 25C heat and altitude chill

Gran Canaria can trick you: the coast can be warm, then you climb into cooler mountain air. The tour tips are very practical:

• Bring light clothes for heat (they mention around 25 degrees)
• Bring something warm for colder spots up high (one note mentioned about 9C at the highest altitude)
• Bring a light rain layer and something for cold, just in case

Also, wear shoes that work on uneven ground. Most stops are easy, but you’ll still be stepping out at viewpoints and old-town areas.

If you’re into photos, bring a charged phone/camera and a lens strap that makes it easy to move fast when you spot a perfect angle.

Should you book this VIP private highlights tour?

If you want a one-day plan that shows more than the coast, I’d book this. The combination of quiet interior stops, Roque Nublo photo time, Canarian tastings, and a guide like Simon (fun, friendly, and clear with the stories) is exactly how you get value out of a limited vacation window.

Book it if:

• You like viewpoints, villages, and food that’s actually local
• You want a small-group private feel up to 7
• You’re okay with winding mountain roads and can manage motion sickness

Skip it or think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion and can’t take steps to prevent it
• You need a super kid-friendly, low-road-time day

Given the strong rating (4.8) and high recommendation rate (97%), this is one of those tours that people feel good about after the last stop.

FAQ

What is the tour duration and group size?

The tour runs about 9 hours and is a private experience. The group size is up to 7 people.

Do you get hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included, and you start with a welcome on board. The tour starts at 8:30 am.

What food and drink are included?

You’ll get water, local cheese with mojo sauce and honey rum along the route, and a tapas lunch at about 14:00 (2 pieces of typical Canarian tapas plus beer or a soft drink). A coffee break is scheduled around 10:45.

Is the tour in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What are the main stops and what kind of time do you spend at each?

You’ll visit several miradors and towns with short to moderate stops, including Mirador de las Dunas, Mirador Degollada De La Yegua, Fataga, San Bartolome de Tirajana with a stop in Tunte, Pico de las Nieves (for an easy walk and Roque Nublo photos), Cruz de Tejeda, and Teror.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if there’s a problem with pickup?

One past case involved a pickup mix-up and resulted in a same-day refund. Also, the cancellation and weather rules are designed to protect your time and money in common situations.