Private tour of Gran Canaria highlights with aloe vera farm

A roll call of Gran Canaria's musts, this private tour takes in volcanic landscapes, mountain villages and local cuisine. You'll visit the towns of Tejeda and Teror, and an aloe vera farm. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘I love this excursion because it visits my two favourite villages on the island. Tejeda has the location under Roque Nublo, while Teror has the legend of the Marian apparition. A mix of geology, history and mystery.'You'll delve into the valleys and mountains of the interior, stopping at viewpoints such as the Wild West-like Degollada de las Yeguas. Then it's on to an aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties. Generations of islanders have used extracts from the plant for skin ailments. Next, we'll ascend to another viewing area for panoramas over Gran Canaria's most recognisable natural sight – Roque Nublo. And under its shadow is the flower-festooned village of Tejeda. David adds, ‘Every time someone draws up a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is located in a prominent position. Its setting is unbeatable.'It's onto equally beautiful Las Lagunetas for lunch next. Enjoy a traditional Canarian meal made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-owned restaurant. From here, Teror beckons. To stroll past its balconied homes towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences. And to round off the day, there's a stop at the volcanic Tirajanas crater.