About this tour
When Em from our team did this Fataga tour, we saddled up for a proper camel ride through Gran Canaria's Valley of a Thousand Palms — a lush pocket of the island that feels a world away from the resort strips. The 4-hour experience threads a one-hour ride with a guided wander through a tropical garden, then lands you at a table of proper Canarian tapas and drinks. It's the kind of thing that sounds a bit touristy until you're actually swaying atop a camel, squinting at the eastern coastline, and realising how genuinely different this corner of the island is.
Highlights
- One-hour camel ride through actual valley terrain, not a ringed pen.
- Tropical garden walk shows how lush Fataga really gets inland.
- Canarian tapas lunch beats the usual tour-group sandwich setup.
- Small enough group that guides remember who's who.
- Eastern Gran Canaria views most visitors never clock.
- Camel handling instruction — you actually get the reins.
What to expect
The ride itself isn't a gentle poodle around a car park. You're genuinely navigating the valley floor on a camel, which means a fair bit of swaying and the occasional moment where you clock just how high up you are. Em found the pacing solid — enough time in the saddle to feel like you've actually done something, but not so long your backside rebels. The tropical garden section that follows is a nice palate-cleanser: guides point out date palms, figs, and other plants that thrive in this microclimate. Then you settle in for tapas — local cheese, cured meats, fresh bread — and the kind of drinks that taste better when you're already tired and happy.
The whole thing moves at a realistic clip without feeling rushed. Peak times (weekends, school holidays) can bulk up the group, so weekday mornings tend to feel less crowded. The drive out to Fataga itself is scenic, winding through real villages rather than tourist zones.
What travellers say
- Valley setting feels genuinely remote, not a tourist farm.
- Camel ride actually lets you handle the reins yourself.
- Tapas lunch is proper local food, not mass-catered filler.
- Small groups mean guides engage rather than herd.
- Eastern Gran Canaria rarely shows up on standard itineraries.
- Not suitable if you've got back or heart issues.
- One hour riding may feel short if you're anticipating a day out.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This genuinely beats a standard camel-ride photo op. The valley setting is proper dramatic, the camel handling is hands-on, and tapas lunch is included rather than bolted on as an add-on. Anyone with a decent fitness level and a solid core will have a good time. Kids over 4 get the full experience; younger ones can tag along in a pram.
Back or cardiovascular issues are real limitations here — camels don't glide, they sway, and the ride involves genuine physical engagement. There's also a 120 kg weight limit, so if you're heavier, this won't work. Not wheelchair accessible. Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops) and bring a hat and sunscreen; the valley gets sun-baked by midday. The ride itself is only an hour, so factor in travel time from your accommodation. Gratuities aren't included, so budget a few extra euros for guides.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.