7-Hours Private Tour Volcanoes and Wine Region in the Canary Islands

A full day exploring Gran Canaria’s volcanic landscape and wine traditions

If you’re looking for a way to really get to know Gran Canaria beyond the beaches, this 7-hour private tour offers an authentic peek into the island’s volcanic heart and its longstanding wine culture. For around $219, you’ll enjoy a personalized journey led by a local guide—Israel, based on reviews—who knows the ins and outs of this diverse landscape. The tour includes visits to Caldera de Bandama, a traditional winery, scenic mountain towns, and panoramic viewpoints like Pico de las Nieves. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines geology, gastronomy, and spectacular vistas.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see hidden volcanic calderas like Caldera de los Marteles, often missed by larger tour groups. Plus, the visit to a local winery with tastings of Canarian wines and cheeses stands out as a delicious highlight—something that makes the entire day both visually and gastronomically rewarding. It’s also flexible enough to accommodate your interests, with options to enjoy a local lunch in Vega de San Mateo or simply relax and take in the scenery.

One potential consideration is the duration—while advertised as a 6 to 7-hour trip, some reviews mention it being slightly shorter, around 5 hours. If you’re after a leisurely experience or longer sightseeing, you might want to plan accordingly. But overall, this private tour suits those eager for a comprehensive, personalized exploration of the island’s volcanic features and cultural sites, especially if you appreciate expert guiding and authentic experiences.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: This is a private tour, so you get undivided attention from a knowledgeable local guide.
• Spectacular Views & Volcanoes: Expect visits to major calderas and the highest point on the island, Pico de las Nieves.
• Cultural & Gastronomic Highlights: Tasting Canarian wines and cheeses at a traditional winery, plus exploring charming mountain towns.
• Flexible & Intimate: Small group or private, making it ideal for travelers wanting a tailored and relaxed day.
• Educational & Scenic: Learn about the island’s volcanic origins and geological features while soaking in breathtaking landscapes.
• Value for Money: For the price, you get a full day packed with diverse sights, local flavors, and insider knowledge.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour kicks off at 9:00 am, with pickup included, which is convenient for those staying in or near Las Palmas. From the start, the focus is on small-group intimacy and personalized service—a feature consistently praised in reviews. Israel, the guide, is noted for his knowledgeable and friendly approach, making the day engaging and informative.

Caldera de Bandama: First Stop

Your journey begins with a visit to Caldera de Bandama, one of the island’s most renowned volcanic craters. This site is famous for its impressive size and geological significance. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, taking in the views and learning about the caldera’s origins. It’s an excellent spot for photographs and to understand how volcanic activity shaped much of Gran Canaria’s landscape. Reviewers mention being captivated by the secrets the caldera keeps and the chance to stand on the edge of a volcanic abyss.

Wine Tasting at Bodega San Juan

Next, you’ll visit Bodega San Juan, a historic winery where you can see the traditional methods of wine production. This is a real highlight—tasting Canarian wines and cheeses while learning about the island’s centuries-old viticulture. Many travelers comment on the surprisingly good wines and the fact that the producers themselves share stories about their craft. It’s a relaxing and flavorful break from the scenery, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Note that on Sundays, this stop is replaced with a tasting experience, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting then. The tasting is included in the tour price, adding excellent value for wine lovers.

Exploring Vega de San Mateo

After a hearty morning of volcanoes and wine, the tour takes you to Vega de San Mateo, a charming mountain town with traditional Canarian architecture and local ambiance. Here, you’ll get about 2 hours to explore, wander, and enjoy a leisurely lunch—something many reviews recommend. This is a great chance to try local tapas or enjoy a relaxed meal in a family-run restaurant, with the scenery providing a stunning backdrop.

Caldera de los Marteles & Pico de las Nieves

The afternoon continues with visits to Caldera de los Marteles, a less-visited but equally impressive volcanic crater. Surrounded by fertile land and cultivated fields, this site offers a different perspective on volcanic activity—showcasing how volcanic soil supports agriculture. Expect about 30 minutes here, enough to take in the majesty and perhaps enjoy a picnic or some photos.

Then, a trip to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island, provides sweeping panoramic views. On clear days, you can see Mount Teide on Tenerife, adding a bit of island-hopping magic. This stop is about 30 minutes, giving you time to appreciate the landscape and snap memorable photos.

Final Stop & Reflection

To wrap up, the tour revisits Caldera de los Marteles for another look, reinforcing the volcanic theme and leaving you with a sense of the island’s raw natural power. Guests often praise the stunning vistas and the guide’s storytelling for tying it all together.

Practicalities & Value

Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and because it’s a private tour, you enjoy the flexibility to customize or linger at certain spots. Drinks like bottled water and soda are included, and a picnic box provides a convenient lunch option, freeing you from the hassle of finding a restaurant during busy hours.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, some reviews mention the duration as being slightly shorter than advertised—about 5 hours instead of 6-7—as the guide aims to balance sightseeing with comfort. The price, at $219 per person, reflects the personalized nature, private transportation, and included tastings, offering strong value if you appreciate an intimate, well-guided experience that covers both natural and cultural highlights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see more than the usual tourist spots and are interested in volcanic geology, local wine, and authentic mountain villages. If you enjoy learning from a passionate guide and savoring regional flavors, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s especially ideal for those with a full day available, who like personalized attention, and don’t mind a bit of elevation and hiking.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind some stops involve walking around calderas and scenic viewpoints, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, typically from your accommodation, making it very convenient.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. A hat might be helpful for sun protection on open volcanic sites.

Can I participate if I’m on a tight schedule?
The tour lasts around 6 to 7 hours, so it’s best suited for a full day. Check the start time at 9:00 am to plan your day accordingly.

Is the wine tasting suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tasting is focused on wines and cheeses, you can still enjoy the visit and learn about local production, even if you choose to skip tasting.

Are meals included?
A picnic box is provided, but you also have the option to explore local restaurants during the free time in Vega de San Mateo.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final thoughts

This private tour of Gran Canaria’s volcanoes and wine region strikes a fine balance between scenic exploration and culture. It’s a well-structured day that caters to those who want to learn, taste, and see a variety of landscapes, all with the comfort of a private guide. The stops at calderas and the highest peak, combined with tastings of local wines and cheeses, make it memorable for those wanting a deeper connection with the island.

If you’re interested in volcanic geology, stunning vistas, and authentic local flavors, this tour offers a comprehensive, personalized experience that’s hard to beat. It’s especially suited for travelers who value expert guidance and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere—perfect for making the most of a full day in Gran Canaria.

Choose this tour if: You want to venture beyond the beaches and explore the island’s volcanic core, enjoy tasting regional wines, and prefer the comfort and flexibility of a private guide. It’s a thoughtful way to deepen your understanding of Gran Canaria with good company and expert insight.