That Moon-walk view is worth the drive. This all-day private VIP tour is a fast, friendly way to see Gran Canaria’s inland side, far from the resort crush. I especially love the small-group private format with a guide like Simon who can answer real questions, and I like the built-in food stops with cheese, mojo sauce, and honey rum. The main thing to consider: the mountain roads are steep, windy, and sometimes bumpy, so pack for motion sickness if you’re sensitive.

You’ll spend about 9 hours moving across the island with plenty of time out of the van for photos and short walks. You also get a guide who keeps the day feeling light, not like a forced march, and you’ll get local context you won’t pick up just wandering on your own.

Key things to know before you go

• True inland routing: You’ll trade coastal crowds for dunes, volcanic viewpoints, and mountain towns.
• Ten stops, but not a rushed feel: Most stops are around 10–30 minutes so you can look, shoot photos, and move on.
• Food that’s part of the tour, not an add-on: Cheese tasting, mojo sauce, honey rum, plus a tapas lunch.
• Coffee and wine moments built in: You’ll get a regional coffee break (barraquito) and local wines like verijadiego or malvasia.
• Pack for big temperature swings: Reviews mention cold at higher altitude, even when it’s warm lower down.
• A guide who adjusts the day: The tour can be flexible if you want to avoid extra walking.

The VIP setup: small-group access to real Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria’s main cities and beach zones are easy to access, but the island’s character lives inland—on ridgelines, in old villages, and in viewpoints locals use like daily landmarks. That’s why this private day works so well: it’s built to cover ground without turning the day into a chaotic bus tour.

I like that the experience feels curated but not stiff. When I think about a “private tour,” I don’t just mean exclusive seating. I mean you get a guide who can shape the pacing to you—especially if you want fewer walking segments. In the reviews, I saw repeated praise for guides such as Simon for being funny, friendly, and ready to share personal island perspective. That matters in a place where the scenery is gorgeous, but the stories are what make you care.

You’ll also get hotel pickup, a professional guide, and bottled water. Those sound basic, but for a day that runs close to full-time, they keep you from wasting energy on logistics.

The inland circuit: dunes, volcanic viewpoints, and mountain village time

This is a classic Gran Canaria “interior loop” day: you start high, swing through central ridges, and end in a historic village with a strong cultural identity. The stops are short enough to keep your legs fresh, but long enough to actually absorb the views.

Mirador de las Dunas: the Moon-walk dunes view

The day kicks off at Mirador de las Dunas, where the dunes feel otherworldly—like stepping into a movie set. You’ll get about 20 minutes here, which is just right for getting photos and walking the viewpoint area without feeling rushed. There’s no admission fee at this stop, which is a nice bonus.

What you should do: arrive ready with your camera set and your phone charged. You’ll want quick shots at multiple angles.

Mirador Degollada De La Yegua: volcanic clues in a quick stop

Next is a viewpoint tied to the island’s former volcanic activity. It’s a shorter stop (around 10 minutes), so think of it as a viewpoint “reset” between bigger moments. You’ll get enough time to look around and orient yourself before the drive continues.

Why it’s useful: it gives you context for what you’ll see later around Roque Nublo and Tejeda.

Fataga: old-town atmosphere without the crowds

Fataga is a charming stop in an old-town setting. You’ll have roughly 30 minutes, which gives you time to wander and enjoy the architecture and village vibe without turning it into a shopping sprint. Admission is free here, too.

A practical note: if you like slow travel moments, this is one of the stops that feels like a breather.

San Bartolome de Tirajana and Tunte: wines and coffee in the hills

This part of the day blends scenery with a very local break. You’ll get a view toward Ansite, described as the last rock citadel of the Guanches. Then you’ll spend time near Tunte, the capital of the canary wine world.

You’ll have a tasting and drink options here, including typical regional wines such as verijadiego or malvasia. There’s also a traditional coffee option: barraquito. This is one of those stops that feels like you’re not just looking at the island—you’re tasting how locals do pauses.

Why it matters: tasting in context beats trying local products later when you’re tired and rushed.

Pico de las Nieves: Roque Nublo photo session

At Pico de las Nieves, you’ll do an easy walk and get time for photos with Roque Nublo. You’ll have around 30 minutes, and this is a very popular photo spot, so bring your patience and aim for multiple angles.

Tip for photos: stand back first. Get your bearings, then move in for the close shot.

Cruz de Tejeda: the island’s geographic mid-point views

Cruz de Tejeda is brief (about 15 minutes), but it’s positioned as a key geographic midpoint. You’ll see views over the Caldera de Tejeda area and Roque Bentayga.

Why this stop works even though it’s short: it helps tie together the story of how the central volcanic terrain is laid out across Gran Canaria.

Teror: colonial-style architecture and the Basilica stop

Teror is the cultural finish line. You’ll get about 30 minutes, and it’s described as one of the island’s best-known towns, with former colonial-style architecture and the Basilica of Our Lady in Pine.

Admission is free at the stop, so you’re paying for your time, your guide, and your transport—not entrance fees. This is a great place to slow down for final photos and a quick stroll before the ride back.

Food and drink stops: why they’re built into the route

A lot of tours say local food, then deliver a snack. This one builds tastings into the day so they feel like part of the island’s rhythm.

Cheese, mojo sauce, and honey rum

You’ll sample cheese, mojo sauce, and honey rum during the route. In the reviews, the cheese tasting stop came up as a clear highlight because it turns a long day of views into something sensory and memorable. It’s also an easy win if you want a local food moment without hunting down labels or translation.

If you’re the type who likes to try just enough to understand what you’re tasting, you’ll likely enjoy the pacing here.

The wine and coffee break: verijadiego, malvasia, and barraquito

That Tunte stop brings in something extra: local wine choices (verijadiego or malvasia) and the traditional coffee break known as barraquito. It’s one of the reasons this tour feels more “Gran Canaria” than just driving between viewpoints.

What I’d do: if you don’t drink wine, focus on the coffee moment. It still feels very local and part of the day’s flow.

Tapas lunch at about 14:00

Lunch is included: a tapas meal with 2 pieces of typical canarian tapas and a beer or soft drink. The day’s own timing points you to lunch at 14:00, so you’re not guessing when food is coming.

One review also noted vegetarian tapas was provided when needed, which is a helpful sign if you eat plant-forward. Still, if you have dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian, you should ask in advance so your lunch is handled properly.

Roads, timing, and what to pack for real mountain weather

This is not a flat island. Even if the stops are relatively short, the driving is part of the experience—and it can also be the hardest part.

Many reviews mention steep, twisty roads and possible motion sickness. The driver is described as careful, and a smaller vehicle can help on bumpy roads, but if you’re sensitive, bring a plan. Pack ginger chews, motion sickness bands, or whatever usually works for you.

The temperature swing is real

The tour advice includes bringing two sets of clothes: light layers for heat around 25°C, plus warmer clothes for colder conditions and possible light rain. Reviews also mention it being about 9°C at the highest altitude.

What that means for you: wear layers. Even if you start warm, you’ll likely want a warm layer once you’re higher up.

You’ll have built-in breaks at set times

The day has a coffee time around 10:45. Lunch is set for about 14:00. These time anchors matter because a long day can feel chaotic if food and rest aren’t predictable.

How much is $665.15 per group, and is it good value?

The price is listed as $665.15 per group, up to 7 people, for about 9 hours. The “value” angle depends on how you travel:

• If you book as a full group of 7, you’re effectively spreading the cost across people, and the per-person value can be surprisingly strong for a private guide, pickup, transport, water, tastings, and lunch.
• If you’re only 1–2 people, it’s more of a splurge. In that case, the value comes from getting the exact pacing you want, plus not losing time on transfers or crowded schedules.

From a practical standpoint, I think this tour is strongest for couples or small groups who want an island overview day without sacrificing food and context. The private setup also tends to reduce the stress of coordinating your own driving route across interior viewpoints.

Who should book this tour?

This is a great match if you want an interior-focused day with a guide who can explain what you’re looking at and why it matters. It’s also a good fit if you like frequent “stop and see” moments but don’t want long hikes.

Best fit

• Couples, friends, and families who want a private day away from the resort crowds
• People who care about local food tastings (cheese, mojo, honey rum, tapas)
• Travelers who want photo time at major viewpoints like Roque Nublo and the dunes area

Consider thinking twice if

• You get motion sickness on winding roads
• You’re traveling with very young children who may not handle long drives or short walking segments comfortably

Should you book Gran Canaria Highlights Private Tour VIP?

If you want one day that gives you a real feel for Gran Canaria’s interior, I’d book this. You get a structured route with enough time at each place to actually experience it, plus food moments that feel earned, not tacked on. The guide quality is a major reason to feel confident—Simon shows up in the reviews as funny, friendly, and full of stories that make the scenery stick.

The only real caution is the road factor. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it and you’ll likely still love the day. If not, this is a high-value way to see a lot of island in one go, without spending your vacation fighting directions or waiting around.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria Highlights Private Tour VIP?

The tour lasts about 9 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $665.15 per group, up to 7 people.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is included, and you start at 8:30 am with a welcome on board.

What meals and tastings are included?

You’ll have cheese, mojo sauce, and honey rum tastings, plus a tapas lunch with 2 pieces of typical canarian tapas and a beer or soft drink.

Does the tour include local wine and coffee?

Yes. There’s time for local wine tasting (verijadiego or malvasia) and the tour mentions the canarian coffee barraquito.

Is there a lot of walking?

Most stops are short (about 10–30 minutes). One stop includes an easy walk and photo time at Pico de las Nieves. You can also request flexibility to avoid lots of walking.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need to pay admission at the stops?

The listed stops show admission ticket free for the viewpoints and towns on this route.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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