Gran Canaria: Island Day Tour with Bandama Crater, Pico & Dunes

Summary

Bandama crater views, mountain villages, Fataga lunch and Maspalomas dunes

You’ll cross Gran Canaria from Las Palmas through volcanic craters and mountain villages before reaching the sea. Expect coffee in Santa Brígida’s old cafés, sweeping views from Pico de las Nieves, a laid-back lunch in Fataga surrounded by palms, and time to wander barefoot through Maspalomas’ golden dunes—all with an English-speaking guide and transport included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the wind at Bandama Caldera—kind of sharp, carrying this earthy scent that clings to your clothes. Our guide, Marta, pointed out the layers in the crater wall and tried to explain volcanic history while I was mostly distracted by a hawk circling overhead. She laughed when someone asked if you could hike down (apparently yes, but not today). The view stretches so far you start squinting into the haze—Las Palmas on one side, green patches on the other. It’s weirdly peaceful up there.

Santa Brígida felt like a pause button. We wandered through narrow streets lined with white houses and bright flowers. There was this old café where we stopped for coffee—the owner handed me my cortado with a nod and a little smile. I tried to order in Spanish; he switched to English after my third attempt, which made both of us laugh. The air smelled faintly sweet from some pastry I didn’t get to try (regret). After that came Pico de las Nieves—the highest point on Gran Canaria. It’s colder up there than you’d think, even with the sun out. Roque Nublo looked like something from a storybook in the distance. Marta said sometimes you can see Tenerife across the water but it was just blue haze for us.

I liked Fataga most—maybe because by then everyone was hungry and a bit sun-flushed. The village is tucked between palm trees and dusty cliffs; it feels hidden even though it’s right there off the road. Lunch at a taverna was simple—grilled fish and papas arrugadas with salty mojo sauce—and honestly better than anything fancy. Someone’s dog wandered under our table looking for crumbs. We had an hour but it went fast, just talking and watching locals pass by with shopping bags or waving to each other.

The last stop was Maspalomas dunes—suddenly all golden sand and ocean air after hours of mountains. Shoes off, sand hot underfoot, people laughing as they tried (and failed) to run down steep slopes without falling over. I stood at the edge for a minute listening to waves and thinking about how different every part of this island feels in just one day trip from Las Palmas to Maspalomas dunes. Still think about that wind at Bandama sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Island tour from north to south

• View Caldera de Bandama crater
• Walk historical streets of Santa Brígida
• Stop at Pico de las Nieves viewpoint
• Visit museum in San Bartolomé de Tirajana
• Lunch break in Fataga village
• Explore Sand Dunes of Maspalomas

Top questions

How long is the full day tour across Gran Canaria?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including all stops from Las Palmas to Maspalomas dunes.

Is lunch included on this Gran Canaria island tour?

No, lunch is not included but you have free time in Fataga village to buy lunch at a traditional taverna starting from 7.50 euros per main dish.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional guide leads the tour only in English.

Are hotel pickups available?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking for specific locations covered.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

The minimum age is 7 years old for this tour.

Will we visit Bandama Caldera during the tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Bandama Caldera with time at a viewpoint overlooking the volcanic crater.

Can I swim at Maspalomas dunes during the tour?

You’ll have about 45 minutes at Maspalomas dunes; bring swimwear if you want to take a quick dip in the ocean.

Does this Gran Canaria day trip require good fitness?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and winding mountain roads.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Las Palmas or nearby points, all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle led by an English-speaking guide throughout Gran Canaria’s north-south route, entry where needed (including museum access in San Bartolomé de Tirajana), plus free time for lunch in Fataga village before ending by the sea at Maspalomas dunes.