Gran Canaria offers a surprising variety of quick adventures that pack a punch — whether you’re craving adrenaline or serenity. With its rugged mountains, scenic valleys, and welcoming countryside, the island is perfect for short tours that give you a taste of its beauty without demanding an all-day commitment. We particularly like the buggy tours for their off-road excitement and panoramic views, as well as the horse riding for a peaceful, beginner-friendly experience. If you’re short on time but want to make the most of your visit, these 1-hour or slightly longer experiences are ideal. They offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and insight into the island’s landscape, all with practical details like hotel pick-ups and flexible schedules.
For those who enjoy a mix of adventure and sightseeing, the Gran Canaria: 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour stands out for its off-road thrills and cultural stop at La Fortaleza. Meanwhile, if a calm, scenic ride sounds more appealing, the 1 hour relaxing horse riding tour offers gentle strolls through the countryside with sea views. And for a sunset thrill, the Buggy Tour – Afternoon Sunset Tour provides a longer, yet equally compact, mountain adventure with stunning vistas. Below, we’ll explore each option in detail to help you pick the perfect quick escape.
1. Gran Canaria: 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour
This buggy tour is a standout for its off-road fun and scenic exploration. Spanning 2.5 hours, including pickup, it begins with hotel collection from six locations such as Maspalomas and Puerto Rico. The adventure kicks off with a guided sightseeing drive, followed by a 1.5-hour off-road jaunt through valleys and canyons in the south of Gran Canaria. What makes this tour particularly appealing is the mixture of mountain driving and cultural insight, especially with a stop at the archaeological site La Fortaleza — a rare chance to learn about the island’s past while getting dusty.
The driving experience is rated highly, with many guests praising the mix of road and off-road sections, as well as the opportunity to change drivers during the ride. The tour also emphasizes safety and fun, with most reviewers describing it as an exciting, memorable adventure. For $76 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the length and the variety of scenery. Plus, the free hotel pickup eliminates hassle.
The tour is best suited for those craving a thrilling drive with scenic views and a bit of history. It’s perfect if you want an active experience in a short time frame, and the off-road sections are a highlight for those who appreciate a bit of dust and adrenaline. The only downside might be the length — if you’re after just a quick ride, this may feel a little longer than necessary, but many find it well worth it.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a fun, off-road adventure with cultural stops and great scenery, this buggy tour is an excellent choice.
2. 1 hour relaxing horse riding tour in Gran Canaria
For a peaceful, beginner-friendly experience, this horse riding tour offers a gentle stroll through the Canarian countryside with ocean and mountain views. Lasting around 1.5 hours, it’s suitable for beginners and kids from 5 years old. No previous riding experience is needed, making it perfect for families or those who want to enjoy nature without the adrenaline rush.
The tour provides a chance to learn the basics of horse riding while relaxing in quiet surroundings. Many reviewers mention the beautiful scenery and the friendly, attentive instructors. One noted, “It was a fun ride with the instructor and the lovely horses and ponies,” though there was a minor hiccup with a last-minute schedule change. Still, the overall experience remains positive.
Pricing isn’t specified, but the value lies in its accessibility and scenic calmness. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic activity that doesn’t require physical exertion or prior riding skills. The horses are described as lovely and quiet, making this suitable for all ages and confidence levels.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a peaceful, scenic ride with family or friends, and no riding experience necessary.
3. GRAN CANARIA: BUGGY TOUR -AFTERNOON SUNSET TOUR 1 HOUR 45MIN
This buggy sunset tour combines the thrill of mountain driving with the magic of late afternoon light. Like its daytime counterpart, it covers about 2.5 hours with hotel pickup, including a mix of off-road canyon and valley exploration. The highlight? Watching the sunset over the mountains as you wind down your adventure, making for a stunning photo opportunity and memorable experience.
Rated 4.2/5, many reviewers rave about the friendly guides and the terrain, which is “not for those seeking gentle rides,” but perfect for thrill-seekers. One reviewer said, “It was extremely fun throughout, with a good mix of road and off-road mountain driving with some fantastic views!” The tour emphasizes dusty thrills, with drivers free to switch during the ride, adding to the fun.
This tour appeals to travelers who want to combine adventure with a beautiful setting, especially those who enjoy mountain vistas during sunset. Cost isn’t specified, but considering the length and the sunset timing, it offers excellent value for a memorable evening. The pick-up service makes it convenient, and the outdoor sunset adds a special touch to an already exciting ride.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a more scenic, sunset twist on the classic buggy experience, this tour offers an exhilarating and picturesque option.
How to Choose Between These Quick Tours
If you’re after thrills and off-road adventure, the Gran Canaria: 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour is hard to beat, especially with its cultural stop at La Fortaleza. For a calm, scenic experience, the relaxing horse riding tour provides a peaceful way to enjoy the countryside without much physical effort. And if you’re a sunset lover seeking a longer, more dramatic mountain adventure, the Afternoon Sunset Buggy Tour offers a stunning backdrop and a bit more time in the saddle.
Consider your budget, fitness level, and interest in either adrenaline or relaxation. If you prefer a more affordable, family-friendly activity, the horseback ride is ideal. For those wanting more adrenaline and spectacular views, the buggy tours deliver excitement and scenery in a short package. Booking early is recommended, especially for sunset rides or tours with limited availability.
Final Thoughts
Gran Canaria’s selection of 1-hour and slightly longer tours offers something for all, whether you want a thrilling buggy ride, a relaxing horse stroll, or a sunset adventure. The buggy tours stand out for their off-road excitement and cultural insights, making them especially appealing for those craving an active, scenic experience. Meanwhile, the horse riding provides an easy, peaceful way to enjoy the island’s lush countryside.
For travelers interested in adventure, the buggy trips are a clear choice. If you’re traveling with children or prefer a gentle, scenic outing, the horse riding tour is perfect. And for those who love a spectacular sunset in the mountains, the sunset buggy tour rounds out the options beautifully. Whatever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these fun, compact experiences in Gran Canaria.