Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Kanarski otoci), Španjolska

Immerse yourself in the lush forests, rocky cliffs, and jaw-dropping ravines of Gran Canaria’s innermost mountains as you hike to ancient settlements and sacred sites. With a National Geographic-trained guide, you’ll stop at panoramic viewpoints, discover hidden paths, savor the local cuisine, and explore areas steeped in myth and history, such as Caballero de Cuevas and Risco Caído.

• Trekking from the Degollada de las Palomas vantage point to the Cuevas de Caballero archaeological site
• Access to the natural caves and the 12 caverns of Cuevas de Caballero
• Village of Artenara: altar built into rock of Ermita de la Cuevita; Casas-Cueva ethnographic museum; Risco Caído cave-dwelling settlements
• Traditional local lunch at the Arte-Gaia restaurant

• Begin your trek at the Degollada de las Palomas viewpoint, and marvel at the unique natural landscape, shaped by volcanic landmarks like the precarious Roque Nublo and the distinctive Roque Bentayga, as well as the distant island of Tenerife.
• Continue down the trail through pine forests until you reach Cuevas de Caballero, a pre-Hispanic archeological site of natural and artificial caves. With access exclusive to National Geographic travelers, you’ll explore 12 different caverns, uncover ancient engravings, and trace their connection to indigenous myth and history.
• Return outside and hike toward the village of Artenara, where you’ll explore the small cave altar Ermita de la Cuevita and the nearby Ethnographic Museum Casas-Cueva. Then, you’ll visit Risco Caído, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to several troglodyte settlements—dwellings, granaries, and cisterns—whose age is proof of the island’s aboriginal culture.
• After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch at Arte-Gaia, a restaurant featuring locally sourced traditional cuisine.

• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.
• Wear waterproof trekking shoes and suitable clothes for the route, and don't forget a backpack, wind-resistant jacket, cap and sunscreen.

Get ready to discover the true soul of Gran Canaria! Set off with us amid plateaus, villages and dunes: Stroll around the spiritual village of Teror, let the lunar landscapes of Tejeda and the iconic rock formations take your breath away, taste the local flavors and end it all in style on the golden beach of Maspalomas. From the first to the last stop, Gran Canaria will win you over, whether you like it or not.

• Teror
• Tejeda
• Speciality lunch typical of the Canaries
• Nature Reserve of Dune di Maspalomas

• We will depart from the port of Las Palmas heading towards Teror, posed upon a plateau at 575 metres above sea level.
• With our guide, we will discover this small town of great religious interest. 
• By coach, we will head towards the island's centre and arrive in Crux de Tejeda, a town which owing to the unique landscape characterised by volcanic rocks which haphazardly emerge from the tops of mountains, has been named "petrified storm", a term coined by Miguel de Unamuno, a writer and philosopher from the famous "Generation of '98". Within this area, we will discover two formations symbolic of the Canaries: Roque Bentayga and primarily, Roque Nubo, an enormous monolith over 70 metres tall, an upshot of the millennia volcanic activity which gave rise to the island.
• After a delicious lunch based upon Canarian specialities, we will continue our tour in the direction of the island's southern coast and the Nature Reserve of the Dunes of Maspalomas, whose beach has been deservedly bestowed the title as the most beautiful beach on the island: spanning over 250 hectares, a myriad of sand dunes, perpetually shaped by the wind and the skimming waters of the Atlantic Ocean, providing a show of rare beauty.

• The planned panoramic itinerary includes a number of curves and hairpin bends.
• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.

Set off towards Las Canteras and the golden sand of one of the most famous urban beaches, where you can indulge your desire to take photos on the bustling promenade. Then it's straight to Vegueta, the old town of Las Palmas: cobbled streets where you can wander around freely, colonial buildings, hidden boutiques and the Cathedral of Santa Ana calling you from far away. Stop, explore and taste the atmosphere of the island. Finish the tour by letting yourself be lulled by the journey to the airport, with Las Palmas still buzzing inside you.

• Las Canteras beach: photo stop
• Explore Vegueta in total freedom
• Tour ends at the airport

Let yourself be taken on a sightseeing tour to Las Canteras, one of the best-loved urban beaches in Spain. From the sandy shoreline to local life, it's impossible not to admire the most lively place for a stroll in Las Palmas: the promenade. Take the time to capture this play of colors with a photo, while the sound of the waves provides the perfect soundtrack.

Then it's time for a change of scene, as you head to Vegueta, the historical center of the city, where you can wander in total freedom. The cobbled streets tells of centuries of maritime adventures, while the colonial facades accompany you on a journey that feels like stepping inside a little time capsule. Here, you get to choose your own pace: Step inside the Cathedral of St. Ana with its two towers, browse artisan boutiques filled with local ceramics and jewelry, or settle into a cozy café to get a taste of real island life.

Finish your tour by sitting back and relaxing for your transfer to the airport.
While the landscapes of Gran Canaria pass by outside, you'll take memories of a city that tastes of the sea, history and lightness away with you. A farewell which is an invitation to return.

• The excursion is available for disembarking hosts with flights after 2.40 pm. We recommend checking with the MyTours Excursions Office on board the ship, providing your flight time or other transfer details, so we can ensure that the tour is compatible with your departure time.
• During the tour, a local guide will provide assistance and information

Taste aloe vera pulp on a family-run farm and the purest oil from olives harvested by hand in one of the island's olive-growing centers: this is how you'll get to know the "green treasures" of Gran Canaria, accompanied by your guide. As well as discovering these delicacies with your palate, you'll also be rolling up your sleeves during a workshop to create your own aloe product to take away with you. Shall we go?

• Finca Canarias aloe vera farm; Centro Ecológico Cultural Los Olivos olive-growing center: Interior visits
• Aloe vera workshop
• Tasting of typical products

• Make your way to the Telde area in eastern Gran Canaria to immerse yourself in the work of the farms that cultivate sustainability and tradition through two of the island's "green treasures": aloe vera and olive trees.
• At El Goro, a “finca” awaits you: a family-run farm dedicated to growing aloe vera in this volcanic environment. You'll get to know this thousand-year-old plantation together with some of the local farmers, discovering how they process it for use in cosmetics and drinks.
• After plenty of watching, it's time for a tasting and a workshop: you'll leave the plantation once you have tried some aloe products and created your own with your own hands, under the expert guidance of the people who work here every day.
• Then, you'll head to Los Olivos, the biggest olive oil-producing center on Gran Canaria. Established in 2005 in the arid area of Las Medianías, it now has more than a thousand olive trees and helps to enrich the island's biodiversity.
• The organic olives are collected using the most traditional and ecological method that exists: by hand, one by one. The reason for this will be explained to you as you taste the extra virgin olive oil obtained from the pressing process. What a flavor!

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.

Forget the crowds, obligatory selfies and fancy horses: Here, you go straight to the volcanic heart of Gran Canaria, at a slow pace, but in style. On the saddle, breath in air that tastes of lava and adventure, and let your four-legged friend guide you through landscapes that seem straight out of another planet. Relaxing? Sure. Immersive? Absolutely. Unforgettable? Get ready to talk about it for years.

• Trek on horseback
• Volcanic region of Gran Canaria
• Landscapes of rare beauty

• On-board a comfortable coach, we will arrive at the El Salobre stables, where a qualified instructor will provide us with useful instructions and assign us a horse dependent on our experience.
• We will set off on a pleasant trek on horseback which avoids the usual tourist pathways and focuses on the volcanic region of the island of Gran Canaria where we will enjoy landscapes boasting rare beauty.
• After a short break at the El Solobre stables to sip a refreshing drink, we will take the coach back to the port.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• This excursion does not include a guide.
• Participants must be at least 7 years old and under 90 kilos of weight.

Who said that Gran Canaria is only about beaches and cocktails? To the north, you'll see Las Canteras, for a photo stop with sea and sand, as well as the churches of Teror that tell of a century-old faith, the alleys of Arucas, which look like a painting, and breathtaking landscapes. An outing that blends history, tradition and a touch of spirituality... with a few purely wonderful waves on the side.

• Las Palmas
• Teror, Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino
• Arucas, historic centre, Church of San Juan Bautista

• Accompanied by a local guide, we will leave the port by coach and head to Las Canteras, the main beach of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where we make a photo stop.
• We will return to the coach and head off in the direction of Teror, a small town of great religious interest and a pilgrimage destination where we will visit the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino, an evocative church which assumes its name from the fact that, according to tradition, in 1481 the Virgin Mary appeared amongst the branches of a nearby pine tree and many years later, the church appeared.
• We will continue by coach onto the next stop on our tour, the small town of Arucas,where we will have time to take a short break in the characteristic historic centre and admire the Church of San Juan Bautista from the outside.

• The planned panoramic itinerary includes a number of curves and hairpin bends.

Immerse yourself in close touch to the local life and people in the Santa Catalina. The lively harbor and entertainment district of Santa Catalina with its aquarium awaits you for a cultural sightseeing tour with a stop for a tapa and a drink.

• Santa Catalina
• Poema del Mar Aquarium

On this alternative walk, discover the development of this district through its history, architecture and entertainment facilities with your local guide. Wander through idyllic little alleys, among selected shops and restaurants and explore a local market, where you will have a bite of the "taste" of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Finally, continue to this modern and ambitious aquarium, Poema del Mar, measuring over 12.500 m2 and containing over 350 species of animals with a strong commitment to innovation, the conservation of biodiversity, and excellence in sustainable tourism. A visit to the aquarium Poema del Mar involves discovering three different areas: surface marine ecosystems, deep marine ecosystems and freshwater species.

Jump on an eco tuk tuk and discover Las Palmas in a different, fun and super-green way. At the heart of Vegueta, a market bursting with colors, castles loaded with history, bustling squares and surprises at every turn await you. A small urban adventure just for you: Quick, amazing and impossible to forget.

• Tuk Tuk tour to discover Gran Canaria

This tour offers you the opportunity to explore Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in a sustainable way. To do so, you will meet your guide directly at the pier and embark on a Tuk-Tuk journey to the city's oldest places.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Las Palmas as you ride through its charming streets on an eco friendly Tuk-Tuk. Our knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing insights about the city's landmarks and hidden gems.
As you wind through the narrow lanes of the old town, known as Vegueta, you'll be transported back in time. Marvel at the history. This tour offers you the opportunity to explore Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in a sustainable way. To do so, you will meet your guide directly at the pier and embark on a Tuk-Tuk journey to the city's oldest places.
The Mercado de Vegueta will delight your senses with its bustling atmosphere and a variety of local products. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of the market as you learn about the island's culinary traditions and taste some of its delicious offerings.
Continue your journey through the quaint neighborhood of Santo Domingo, with its picturesque squares and charming buildings. Admire the tranquil beauty of San Juan Park, a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city, and soak up the stunning views from the Castillo de Mata and Castillo de San Francisco.
The tour concludes at the majestic San Nicolás, an iconic church steeped in history and cultural significance. Take a moment to appreciate the architectural beauty and serene ambiance of this magnificent place before bidding farewell to the enchanting city of Las Palmas.
Embark on this sustainable Tuk-Tuk tour and experience the magic of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's oldest treasures in a unique and eco-friendly way. Get ready for a memorable journey through time and culture as you explore this captivating city. 

• Driver-guides speak English, Spanish and German.
• Each Tuk-Tuk has a capacity for maximum 4 guests.
• Guests are advised to bring water, sunglasses, money for buying extras, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a light jacket, a camera, and a backpack where to carry their belongings.
  
  

Explore Vegueta, the historic heart of Las Palmas: Narrow alleys, shaded squares and the scent of the indoor market. Stop by Columbus House and Plaza de Santa Ana, where the bronze dog sculptures are the local stars. Then, a bit of free time for shopping in Triana, amid boutiques and colonial-style façades, and a photo stop at Las Canteras. Back to the ship, but you've been warned... the magic of the alleys will stay with you.

• Vegueta District, Plaza de Santa Ana, Columbus House
• Las Canteras Beach

• Our tour will begin on-board a coach heading to the district of Vegueta, the historic centre of Las Palmas, an evocative maze of narrow, pebble alleyways and shaded squares. We will breathe in the flavours and scents of the historic covered market before heading towards Columbus House.
• We will arrive in Plaza de Santa Ana, where we will discover the fun, bronze dogs which guard the main entrance to Casa Regental and which are one of the most loved symbols of the Canary capital amongst local inhabitants.
• We will have some free time for shopping in the Triana district, the city's main shopping area, where past and present fuse and where numerous European stores intersperse with the traditional façades of residential buildings, with their evident Colonial origins.
• We will return to the coach and we set off again towards Las Canteras, the main beach of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where we make a photo stop.
• Finally we will return to the ship.

• The planned panoramic itinerary includes a number of curves and hairpin bends.

Shiny golden Dunes, blue clear water bays, luxury yachts and “Little Venice” in Gran Canaria! See some of the most popular resort areas on the south side of Gran Canaria and get the perfect picture over- and underwater as a reminder of your visit to Gran Canaria.

• Dunes of Maspalomas
• Puerto de Mogán
• Submarine adventure and freetime

After a one-hour scenic drive you will arrive at the south where you will take photos of the amazing sand dunes. Here you will find a total of 17 km of wonderful coastline with sand dunes, wide sandy beaches, shallow waters and an excellent year-round climate - a paradise for beach lovers. The dunes of Maspalomas have been declared a natural protected area, and thus can only be crossed on foot.
Following the south-western coast road, you will arrive at the picturesque fishing village of Puerto de Mogán, which boasts a network of pretty sea-water channels – from which this port earns its ‘Little Venice’ nickname – linking with promenades and small bridges, making a stroll around this port very relaxing. The attractive yacht marina with its neat and tidy restaurants, stylish cafés, jazz and piano bars surrounding the local fishing fleet, is the perfect location to sit down and to relax. After your exclusive dive in the fully air-conditioned submarine to discover the unique underwater world, you will enjoy some free time to explore this nice place before you will return to the pier.

• Submarine is not exclusive for COSTA guests.
• Children age: 2 - 12 years old.
• The excursion can be offered if there is good sea and good weather. In case of cancelation of Submarine due to bad weather conditions the same day, a guided walking tour in Mogan will be offered instead.
• Due to the weekly market held every Friday in Mogán, the coach is unable to access the port directly. You would need to walk approximately 30 minutes to reach the marina.

Let us take you to discover the southern part of the island. Admire the dunes of Maspalomas, a sea of golden sands where you can take spectacular photos and feel like a star in a continuously moving landscape. Then, enjoy Mogán, the Little Venice of Gran Canaria: Stroll amid flowered bridges, a quaint port and inviting beaches, before going back to the ship to describe what you saw (and with photos that'll be everyone's envy).

• Maspalomas
• Mogán

• We will depart from the port by coach off on an enjoyable scenic tour of the southern part of Gran Canaria where we will visit two of the most popular tourist locations on the island.
• The first stop on the tour is Maspalomas dunes view point where we will briefly stop to take photos in, quite rightly, one of the most popular tourist locations, where we will take a short break to take some photos against an exceptional background: a myriad of golden sand dunes skimmed by the ocean waters and constantly re-shaped by the winds to form a stunning landscape which is ever-changing.
• We will return to the coach to head towards Mogán, a typical beach town, defined by inhabitants as the "Venice of Gran Canaria". We will take advantage of the free time to enjoy a walk by the flower bridges, picturesque marina and beach before returning to the ship.

• The planned panoramic itinerary includes a number of curves and hairpin bends.