Las Palmas: Old Town and Surrounding Area Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Gran Canaria, this Las Palmas: Old Town and Surrounding Area Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s history, natural beauty, and modern-day vibrancy. With a mix of guided sightseeing and free time, it promises a balanced day for travelers wanting both structure and flexibility.

What really appeals about this tour are its diverse highlights — walking through Vegueta’s charming streets, marveling at Bandama Volcano, and relaxing at Las Canteras Beach. Plus, the visit to the Vieira y Clavijo Botanical Garden adds a peaceful touch of nature. One potential consideration is the limited mobility for some of the stops, as the tour involves walking and uneven terrain. It’s best suited for those who enjoy exploring on foot and want a rundown of Las Palmas in one day.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a mix of culture, nature, and shopping, and who value guided insights without feeling rushed. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking to soak up local vibes, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Good To Know

• Diverse Highlights: Combines city walks, volcano visits, gardens, and beach time.
• Flexible Free Time: Opportunities for shopping or relaxing at Las Canteras Beach.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides help bring the sites to life.
• Comfortable Transportation: Pickup from key areas offers convenience.
• Value for Money: At $34, it’s an affordable way to see many sides of Las Palmas.
• Limited Mobility: Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to walking and terrain.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Las Palmas Old Town and Surrounding Area Tour

This full-day tour provides a rich taste of what makes Las Palmas special, blending history, geography, and leisure. Starting with pickup from popular resorts like Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto Rico, the tour is designed for ease and comfort, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery from the moment you leave your accommodation.

Exploring Vegueta: The Old Town Charm

The tour kicks off with a walking tour of Vegueta, the historic heart of Las Palmas. Here, you’ll wander narrow cobbled streets, passing colonial architecture, picturesque plazas, and notable landmarks. It’s clear from reviews that guides like Sven, who’s praised as friendly and very informative, make the history come alive. Expect to hear stories about the city’s development and key sites that have shaped its identity.

Many travelers enjoy the contrast between the old town’s quaint ambiance and the bustling modern city. We loved the way guides highlight hidden corners and local stories, making the experience more personal. Just keep in mind that wandering through Vegueta involves some walking on uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Bandama Volcano: A Natural Wonder

Next, the tour takes you to the impressive Bandama Volcano. With a diameter of about a kilometer and a depth of 216 meters, this volcanic crater is a striking reminder of Gran Canaria’s fiery past. The panoramic views from the rim are stunning, giving you a sense of the island’s geological history.

Visitors find this stop particularly memorable because of the opportunity to see a living piece of the island’s landscape. One reviewer mentions, “The views from the volcano are breathtaking and give you a real sense of the island’s volcanic origins.” It’s a relatively quick stop but packed with visual impact.

Vieira y Clavijo Botanical Garden: A Lush Retreat

After the volcano, the tour continues to one of Europe’s most extensive botanical gardens, created to showcase Macaronesian flora. The Vieira y Clavijo Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis designed by Sventenius, who aimed to protect and exhibit native plants.

Walking through the garden reveals a diverse range of plant species, with informative signs providing insight into conservation efforts. We found this stop to be a calming break from the busier city and a chance to appreciate nature’s resilience. The garden’s design invites leisurely exploration, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Free Time at Las Arenas Shopping Center & Las Canteras Beach

The afternoon offers a relaxing twist: free time at Las Arenas Shopping Center or a stroll along Las Canteras Beach. The shopping center is modern, with a variety of shops and cafes for a quick refreshment or souvenir shopping.

Alternatively, the nearby Las Canteras Beach is famous for its long stretch of golden sand and lively atmosphere. Many reviews mention enjoying a walk along the promenade or relaxing on the beach’s soft sands, especially near the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium. It’s an ideal way to wind down, soak up the sun, or people-watch.

One traveler shared, “The beach is vibrant and friendly, perfect for a leisurely walk or just soaking up the island vibe.” The proximity of the beach to the shopping center makes this a flexible and enjoyable option.

Practical Aspects and Value

The tour lasts about 8 hours, which strikes a good balance between seeing major sights and having downtime. The price of $34 per person is quite reasonable, especially considering the guided aspect and transportation included. We appreciate that pickup is available from many popular areas, simplifying logistics, although those outside the specified zones would need to arrange their own transportation.

The group size seems manageable, fostering a friendly atmosphere where questions and interaction are encouraged. The tour operates in multiple languages – German, English, and Spanish – which broadens accessibility, though clarity on the guide’s language at each stop can enhance the experience.

What Reviewers Say

Many reviewers highlight the friendly and informative guides as a standout feature. One wrote, “Very informative, friendly guide,” emphasizing the quality of the guide’s knowledge and attitude. The 5-star rating from a traveler in March 2020 underscores the overall satisfaction and the engaging storytelling that brings the sites to life.

Some travelers note that the tour involves quite a bit of walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet. The no-mobility-impairment note is important, as uneven streets and outdoor terrain can pose challenges.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

This tour offers excellent value for those seeking an overview of Las Palmas’ highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. The combination of walking tours, natural sights, and leisure time makes it versatile and enjoyable. Whether you’re curious about the volcanic landscape, interested in historic streets, or simply want to relax at the beach, this experience covers all bases.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to Las Palmas in a single day, especially if you’re short on time. It suits those who enjoy guided walks, appreciate nature and city contrasts, and want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal hassle. The mix of cultural, natural, and leisure activities ensures there’s something for all.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, well-organized day that balances learning with leisure, this tour hits the mark. However, if mobility is an issue or you prefer self-paced exploration, some stops might be challenging.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup from many key areas such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto Rico is included, making it convenient to start your day.

How long does the tour last?
The full tour runs approximately 8 hours, giving enough time to see the highlights and enjoy some free time without feeling rushed.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially since walking is involved at various stops.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility challenges?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking on uneven surfaces and outdoor terrain.

Can I customize the free time?
Yes, at the shopping center or beach, you’re free to explore at your own pace for shopping or relaxing.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in German, English, and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations in your preferred language.

To sum it up, this Las Palmas: Old Town and Surrounding Area Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that balances cultural discovery, natural beauty, and leisure. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting to grasp the essence of Las Palmas without overextending themselves. With friendly guides, scenic stops, and flexible free time, it provides solid value — ideal for those eager to see the city’s highlights, learn a little history, and unwind on the beach.

You can check if your dates are available here: