The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria is a fantastic multi-day strolling route on the primary island of the Canary Archipelago. It’s the one Camino de Santiago route positioned exterior of mainland Europe. The path crosses the island from south to north providing an ideal mixture of the gorgeous coastal surroundings and the spectacular mountain views. It’s an ideal Camino path to stroll through the winter months.
The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria route overview
- Complete distance – 67 km/41,6 mi
- Variety of days – 3-4 days
- Problem stage – 5 out of 5
- Complete ascent (over 3 days) – 2514 m
- Complete first rate (over 3 days) – 2354 m
- Max elevation – 1692 m
- Strolling floor – 17 km/10,5 mi tar street/asphalt, 50 km/30,4 mi gravel street/footpath
- Common value – 60 euros per particular person per day
What’s the Camino de Gran Canaria?
The Camino de Gran Canaria is a long-distance strolling route on Gran Canary Island, one of many islands of the Canary Archipelago, Spain. It’s the one Camino de Santiago route exterior of continental Europe and the one route that doesn’t finish or begin (just like the Camino Finisterre) in Santiago de Compostela. The Camino connects the south of Gran Canary (Faro de Maspalomas) with the northwest of the island (the Church of Santiago de Las Caballeros in Gáldar).
The connection between Apostel Santiago (St.James) and the church of Gáldar dates again to 1481 when the primary mass honoring the saint occurred. Since 1965 the route on Gran Canaria is acknowledged as part of the Camino de Santiago community.
How lengthy is the route?
The Camino de Gran Canaria is 67 km/41,6 mi for those who stroll the usual route and 76 km/47,2 mi for those who stroll the Tejeda Variant (the choice route, stage 2). You’ll want 3-4 days to finish it. We walked it in 3 days but it surely’s potential to separate the route into 4 days and even longer.
The place does the Camino de Santiago on Gran Canaria begin?
Most sources point out Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse) as the place to begin of the Camino de Santiago on Gran Canaria. The route finishes on the Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros in Gáldar.
Based on the vacationer info workplace (inside Maspalomas lighthouse), the route begins on the exit of Maspalomas close to Centro de Salud (Well being Middle). The primary 4 km from the lighthouse should not marked. It’s as much as you the place to begin strolling. From the lighthouse, it’s 28 km to Tunte, and from Centro de Salud – 24 km. In case you stroll the Camino through the summer time when it will get very popular by noon, skipping 4 km is possibly not a foul concept contemplating the difficult ascent on the primary day. You’ll be able to take a bus from Maspalomas Seaside (bus station) to Centro de Salud. We walked from the lighthouse and in addition to the gorgeous dawn that we received to see proper initially the remainder of the 4 km was fairly extraordinary. In case you skip it you received’t miss a lot.
The best way to get to Faro de Maspalomas?
Step 1. Fly to Gran Canaria. There are low-cost direct flights to Gran Canaria from many European international locations, e.g. UK, Eire, Germany, Italy, France, and so on. It’s simple and low cost to get there.
Step 2. Take a bus from the airport (LPA) to Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse). There are 2 buses from the airport, #66 and #90. The 66 bus is direct, and the journey takes 25 minutes. It leaves each day each hour from 7.30 am to eight.30 pm. The timetable would possibly change you’ll find the up-to-date timetable right here. The 90 bus makes quite a lot of stops on the best way, it takes 45 minutes. The value is identical 3,5 euros (paid on the bus by card or money). The bus station is a 5-minute stroll from the lighthouse.
There’s a direct bus (#30) from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (from each Santa Catalina and San Telmo Bus Stations) to Maspalomas Lighthouse. It’s a 40-minutes journey, the worth is 7 euros (paid on the bus by card or money).
There are many lodging choices at Maspalomas Seaside. We stayed at Apartamentos El Capricho (they settle for bookings just for 3+ nights). It’s a pleasant place on the seaside, a 10-minute stroll from the lighthouse, proper on the Camino. I’d advocate staying in that space. Maspalomas Seaside is gorgeous we may watch the dawn and sundown from the seaside day by day. It was spectacular.
Many of the well-priced locations to remain close to Faro de Maspalomas settle for reservations just for prolonged stays, from 3+ nights. If you wish to keep only one night time you’ll should guide one of many costly inns or steer clear of the seaside.
Locations to remain close to Faro de Maspalomas
| Eden Meloneras by TAM Resorts (1 night time), 500 m from the lighthouse | Caybeach Meloneras (1 night time), 1,4 km from the lighthouse | Lodge Los Calderones (1 night time), 2 km from the lighthouse |
When is one of the best time for strolling?
The Canary Islands have a special local weather from mainland Spain. Gran Canaria is without doubt one of the driest islands even throughout winter months there’s not a lot rain. In my view, cooler months, between November and March, are one of the best time for strolling the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria. It’s heat however not too scorching, there’s not a lot rain, and it’s not too busy (besides through the Christmas vacation). You don’t should guide lodging and purchase plan tickets lengthy upfront. It may be a last-minute journey. Camino de Gran Canaria is an ideal possibility if you wish to stroll the Camino de Santiago in winter.
Through the summer time months, it will get very popular and it’s very busy so count on to pay extra for lodging in addition to plan your journey lengthy forward.
How tough is the Camino on Gran Canaria?
The Camino de Gran Canaria is a difficult stroll with steep and lengthy ascents and descents day by day. It’s extremely really useful to be in good strolling form. If would examine day by day on this Camino with the primary day on the Camino Frances, the stroll over the move from St.Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles. In case you’re not strolling match I’d advocate beginning coaching for the Camino a few months upfront.
Is the route well-marked?
It’s marked however not in addition to the primary Camino de Santiago routes on continental Spain. There are yellow arrows painted on rocks and bushes right here and there. More often than not you comply with the picket indicators pointing within the path of the following city on the route. On the final day, you begin seeing typical stone route markers with distances that you just normally see in Galicia.
The place to get the Credential?
There are a number of locations in Gran Canaria the place you may get a credential. It’s freed from cost.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
In Casa Galicia Calle Salvador Cuyas, 8 (Las Canteras Seaside). It’s an affiliation of the Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria. They’re open solely on Thursdays between 6.30 pm and eight pm. You will get some info on the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria from them for those who communicate Spanish. We received our Credentials right here. E-mail data@casagalicialp.org Telephone +34 928 263 627.
Maspalomas
At the vacationer info workplace in Maspalomas Lighthouse free of charge. The workplace is open each day from 10.30 am to five pm. You will get your first stamp on the workplace as properly. It’s probably the most handy place to get your credential for the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria. We received a Credential right here after shedding one. Telephone +34 928 772 445.
At the vacationer info workplace Las Dunas, C/ Avda. de Tirajana, 1, Playa del Ingles. It’s open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. Telephone +34 928 765 242
At the vacationer info workplace Anexo II, Centro Comercial Anexo II Paseo Marítimo, Native 20, Playa del Ingles. It’s open Mon to Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. Telephone +34928768409.
There are extra locations the place you may get a credential together with the vacationer info workplaces in Tunte, Tejeda, and Galdar. In case you don’t get an opportunity to acquire a bodily credential you possibly can obtain one HERE and print it.
The place to get stamps?
On the Camino de Gran Canaria stamps may be obtained at your lodging, vacationer info facilities, and eating places alongside the route.
Here’s a checklist of the locations the place we received our stamps.
Earlier than the stroll
- Casa Galicia in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- The vacationer info workplace in Maspalomas lighthouse (it’s higher to get a stamp the day earlier than you begin strolling the workplace opens solely at 10.30 am).
Day 1
- Centro de Salud in Maspalomas. You will get a stamp early within the morning which is a greater possibility for those who don’t have time to get one on the vacationer workplace.
- Los Giles Bar in Fataga
- The vacationer info workplace in Tunte.
Day 2
- The data workplace in Cruz de Tejeda
- Lodge Rural El Refugio in Cruz de Tejeda
Day 3
- At Bar Lomo El Palo, 9,3 km from Cruz de Tejeda
Do you get the Compostela for the Camino de Gran Canaria?
No, you don’t get the Compostela for finishing the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria however you may get a certificates for finishing the route. The certificates may be obtained on the Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros in Galdar on the finish of the Camino. Like with another Camino to be able to get the certificates you want a Credential (pilgrim’s passport) with stamps collected alongside the route.
Are there albergues on the route?
No, there aren’t any albergues (public or personal) or hostels on the Camino de Santiago on Gran Canaria. Pilgrims keep in inns and guesthouses which makes the stroll costlier.
Is there a baggage switch service?
No, there is no such thing as a particular baggage switch service on the Camino de Santiago on Gran Canaria like on the opposite Camino routes. You’ll have to hold your baggage your self so attempt to pack as gentle as potential it’s solely 3 days of strolling.
The price of the Camino
This Camino works out costlier per day than the Camino de Santiago routes on the mainland. Anticipate to spend double what you spend on another Camino route. There aren’t any public or personal albergues or hostels alongside the route. Each night time you keep in a resort or a guesthouse. Most locations (if not all) don’t have a kitchen, so if you wish to get a scorching meal you’ll should eat at a restaurant which is costlier than making meals. The excellent news is that the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria is a really quick route, 3-4 days regardless that it’s costlier per day ultimately it received’t value you a fortune.
Our finances breakdown
Lodging – 300 euros for 4 nights for 2 folks or 150 euros per particular person. 4 nights in inns in Maspalomas, Tunte, Cruz de Tejeda, and Galdar. Lodging costs differ relying on the season. We walked the Camino in mid-October all the things was cheaper than through the summer time months or in December.
Meals – 85 euros per particular person for 4 days. We didn’t concentrate on saving an excessive amount of for those who do you in all probability can cut back your meals bills to 60-70 euros per particular person.
Transport – 10 euros per particular person on buses to get from the airport to Faro de Maspalomas and from Galdar to the airport.
Complete: 245 euros per particular person for 4 days or 60 euros per particular person per day. In comparison with the typical value of the Camino de Santiago on the mainland it’s greater than double however on the Camino de Gran Canaria, you keep in personal and eat at eating places. In case you do the identical on another Camino route it should value kind of the identical.
The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria strolling levels
The usual itinerary for the Camino route is 3 days however you possibly can cut up it into shorter levels relying in your health stage, how a lot time you will have, and so on.
Camino de Gran Canaria in 3 days (the instructed itinerary)
Stage | Faro de Maspalomas – Tunte | Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda | Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar |
Distance | 28 km/17,3 mi | 17 km/10,5 mi | 22 km/13,6 mi |
Time | 7 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours |
Ascent | 1121 m | 1051 m | 342 m |
Descent | 238 m | 454 m | 1662 m |
Camino de Gran Canaria in 4 days
It’s potential to separate the primary day which is probably the most difficult day on the route into two. Then your itinerary will embody 4 strolling days.
Stage | Faro de Maspalomas – Alteara | Alteara – Tunte | Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda | Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar |
Distance | 17 km/10,5 mi | 11 km/6,8 mi | 17 km/10,5 mi | 22 km/13,6 mi |
Time | 4 hours | 3 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours |
Ascent | 447 m | 674 m | 1051 m | 342 m |
Descent | 160 m | 78 m | 454 m | 1662 m |
Day 1. Faro de Maspalomas – Tunte, 28 km/17,3 mi
- Distance – 28 km/17,3 mi
- Time – 7 hours
- Problem stage – 5 out of 5, comparatively lengthy distance with an 1100 m ascent in sooner or later
- Complete ascent – 1121 m
- Complete descent – 238 m
- Max elevation – 950 m
- Strolling floor – 5 km/3,1 mi tar street (the primary 4 km out of Maspalomas, plus a few hundred meters right here and there when strolling by way of cities), 23 km/14,2 mi gravel street/footpath.
Highlights of the day
- The gorgeous dawn at Maspalomas Seaside
- Arteara, a fantastic small village at 17 km
- Breathtaking mountain views on the best way up
- Fataga, a captivating city at 22,5 km
- Tunte, a pleasant city with a fantastic church
Challenges of the day
- The primary 3 km of the Camino should not marked.
- Nowhere to cease for meals or water for the primary 22 km
- Greater than 1100 m elevation acquire in sooner or later, most of it within the second half
- By noon, it will get fairly scorching with no shade to cover
It was the hardest and the longest day on the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria. The principle ascent is within the final a part of the day. You begin going up after noon (even for those who begin very early within the morning) when it will get very popular. It’s potential to separate this stage into two; Faro de Maspalomas to Arteara and the following day from Arteara to Tunte.
The primary 3 km out of Maspalomas will not be marked but it surely’s fairly easy you simply comply with the dried river mattress. First, you stroll on the left facet of the river, then at 3 km you cross the bridge and proceed on the proper facet. There would be the first picket signal indicating the path and distance to Tunte. It’s potential to skip the primary 4 km of strolling out of the city and as a substitute take a bus and get off at Centro de Salud (Well being Middle). Based on the knowledge workplace the official begin of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria will not be on the lighthouse however virtually 4 km additional. I noticed the primary route signal is at 3,2 km.
From the lighthouse, I’d advocate strolling on the boardwalk alongside the seaside to see the dawn. Watching the solar rising above the ocean was one of many highlights of the day. Some maps counsel a special route for the primary 500 m from the lighthouse previous the bus station however for those who take that route you’ll miss the dawn.
Route description
0 km – 10,5 km flat stroll
3,2 km – the primary route marking after crossing the bridge
4 km – the top of the city, footpath
From 6 km extra yellow arrows painted on rocks and bushes
10,5 km – the start of the ascent
16 km – proper flip off from the gravel street to a footpath. A steep descent with free rocks.
16,5 km – a lookout level
17 km – Arteara, a small village
18 km – a street crossing, the start of a steep ascent
21 km – a pointy flip off the gravel street
22,5 km – Fataga, a fantastic city with many eating places. As an possibility, you possibly can cease right here for the night time.
23,5 km – the start of a steep and lengthy ascent
24,7 km – a pointy left flip to a footpath (simple to overlook)
The final couple of kilometers to Tunte are subsequent/on the street with not many automobiles.
Locations to remain in Tunte
| Vista Tunte, Camino de Santiago | Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte |
Day 2. Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda, 17 km/10,5 mi
- Distance – 17 km/10.5 mi
- Time – 5 hours
- Complete ascent – 1051 m
- Complete descent – 454 m
- Max elevation – 1629 m
- Strolling floor – 1 km/0,6 mi on asphalt, 16 km/9,9 mi on gravel street/footpath
Highlights
- Iglesia San Bartolome church in Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana) – Stunning church kinds the bottom of this pilgrimage route.
- Paso de La Plata – a tremendous move constructed within the vertical cliffs of the summit to attach the North and South of the island.
- Mirador de la Cruz Grande – good viewpoint in two instructions, vistas of Caldera de Tirajana a method, and the Cuenca de Chira and the Pinar de Pilancones the opposite.
- Los Llanos de la Pez – dense pine forest protecting an enormous a part of the hike.
- Ventana del Nublo – a pure rock arch forming a window by way of which you’ll be able to view the spectacular Roque Nublo and its environment.
- Views of Roque Nublo – Roque Nublo, which means “Cloud Rock”, is a 65-meter-tall volcanic rock seen from a number of viewpoints.
- Mirador Degollada de Becerra – A improbable lookout from the place you possibly can see you possibly can see a very powerful rock formations on the island; Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo
Challenges
- A steep ascent from the beginning, the primary 9 kilometers of this stage you’ll acquire 800 meters of elevation.
- Paso de La Plata (Silver Cross) the toughest climb of the day is up a stone switchback path that was reduce into the mountain 6 km alongside the path from Tunte.
The day begins with a steep uphill stroll by way of the streets of Tunte. You retain on climbing for the primary 9,5 km, gaining about 900 meters of elevation within the first 9,5 kilometers.
Shortly after passing the Ventana del Nublo enter the pine forest of Los Llanos de La Pez. From right here the climbing is mainly over for the day with solely about 200 m of elevation acquire over the past 8 km. The route alternates between good large gravel and pine needles footpaths and a bit extra difficult single tracks. At all times maintain a watch out for a yellow arrow, it is best to see one about each 200 meters.
The route is properly marked on this stage with picket indicators and crimson crosses and the normal yellow Camino arrows. Picket indicators for the S-50 mountain climbing path point out the route from Tunte to Cruz de Tejeda. The yellow arrow markings begin 1,3 km into the path within the pine forest on stone and gravel paths, from right here you see a marking about each 200 meters.
The Tejeda Variant of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria
The Tejeda Variant of the Camino de Gran Canaria is a detour through the Roque Nublo by way of the village of Tejeda to Cruz de Tejeda. It’s an extended route 24 km/15 mi vs 17 km/10,5 mi on the usual route with a complete ascent of 2000 m and a complete descent of 1400 m. In case you resolve to take that route it’s higher to separate the day into two levels: Tunte to Garañon – 11 km/6,8 mi and Garañon to Cruz de Tejeda – 15 km/9,3 mi. Yow will discover extra info on the variant right here.
Route description
0 km – stroll the primary 1.1km of paved street exiting the city
1,1 km – quick gravel street marked “Camino Actual”
1,3 km – stone and gravel path begin, largely steps going up (subsequent 8km)
3 km – pine forest opens up a bit for some good views
4,5 km – Mirador de la Cruz Grande – good viewpoint, cross a paved street, a brief stroll on the street, gravel street continues.
6 – km Paso de La Plata (Silver Cross) rock and gravel path.
8,6 km – Ventana del Nublo, the quick path to the rock arch is properly marked. The point of view is 200 meters from the primary path.
9,6 km – cross the primary street, wider gravel and pine needle path continues
10,6 km – Campsite within the pine forest.
11 km – cross the primary street
11,7 km – Variant Marker, clear markers for the 11 km detour to Tejeda
13,3 km – Vista Roque Noble
14 km – maintain a watch out for markers, single observe, markers listed here are fairly simple to overlook
15,2 km – Mirador Degollada de Becerra, one of the well-known viewpoints on the path.
16 km – single observe for the final kilometer to Cruz de Tejeda
Locations to remain in Cruz de Tejeda
| Rural Lodge El Refugio | Parador de Cruz de Tejeda |
Day 3. Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar, 22 km/13,6 mi
- Distance – 22 km/13,6 mi
- Time – 6 hours
- Complete ascent – 342 m
- Complete descent – 1662 m
- Max elevation – 1692 m
- Strolling floor – 12 km/7,4 mi on asphalt, 10 km/6,2 mi on gravel street/footpath
Highlights
- Mirador Degollada de Las Palomas – Distinctive views of Caldera de Tejeda, Roque Noble, and Roque Batayga may be from this wonderful viewpoint.
- Caldera de Pinos de Gáldar – Round volcanic mountain positioned to the North West of the Black Mountain.
- El Montañón Negro Pure Monument – pure monument, latest volcanism in Gran Canaria may be seen within the space.
- Descent between farmhouses in El Cabezo.
Challenges
- The day begins with a steep climb, rapidly ascending 150m.
- From the 4 km/2,4 mi mark, you will have a steep descent the entire means, about 18 km/11 mi. This may be powerful in your knees and your toes.
After a steep begin for the primary kilometer with some good views, a single observe takes you on pretty stage floor for about 3 kilometers surrounded by Pines, brooms, lards, and chestnut bushes. On this part of the Camino de Gran Canaria, you stroll previous some good viewpoints. The following 17 kilometers are steep downhill, about half on a gravel street and half on a paved street.
The path goes by way of farmland, forest, and a few volcanic surroundings. There may be some site visitors on components of the paved street. For the final 3 kilometers to Galdar, you’ll move banana plantations, rows of prickly pears, and steep downhills with views of town surrounding the volcanic cone of Montana Galdar. Observe the yellow arrows to the Jacobean temple of Santiago de los Caballeros de Gáldar.
Route description
0 km – A Galdar signal on the town factors you in the proper path to stroll, stroll by way of an enormous parking space and yellow arrows and an indication saying ‘Artenal’ signifies the best way.
0,2 km – gravel single observe, very good rocky mountain views for 1,5 km
1,6 km – Mirador Degollada de las Palomas, single observe
4,9 km – crossroad, stroll over a big volcanic space, Pinos de Galdar
5,6 km – test for a yellow arrow at a niche within the barrier, steep down on volcanic gravel for 1.5 km
7 km – laborious single observe
8,6 km – Paved street, flat, slight downwards
9,3 km – Bar Lomo al Palo, rest room, espresso, sandwich
9,6 km – Gravel and tar street alternates, passing by way of good farmlands for five kilometers. Little site visitors on the tar street, however no shoulder, maintain a watch out for the occasional bus or truck.
14,8 km – City Saucillo, Casa Pepe – Bar restaurant, properly rated, serves typical Canarian meals.
16 km – arrow indicators get harder to identify, maintain a watch out to not miss a turn-off.
17,4 – no Camino arrow signal at this junction, comply with the pink signal indicating CEIP HOYA PINEDA.
17,8 km – homes begin, Cafe and resort
18 km – good gravel observe going downhill for a couple of kilometer
19,4 m – homes of suburb Anzo, from right here the route will not be properly marked there are official Camino markers at 1 km and 0.4 km to go.
22 km – Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol, Plaza de Santiago. To get your Stamp and Official Certificates come to the church. Opening hours – weekdays 9am–1pm and 4pm–8pm, weekends 9am–12pm and 12:30pm–7:30pm.
Locations to remain in Gáldar
| Coqueto apartamento | Gáldar, habitación privada en la playa | Lodge Emblemático Agáldar |
What to pack for the Camino on Gran Canaria?
The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria is a brief rout in comparison with the opposite Camino routes you don’t have to deliver quite a lot of garments with you. Attempt to pack gentle for the Camino to make your stroll simpler.
- Mountaineering footwear/path runners. We walked in our trainers however gentle mountain climbing footwear could be higher particularly for those who get some rain within the mountains.
- A backpack. For this quick stroll, a 25-30L backpack ought to be sufficient.
- Lengthy pants, 2 pairs. They’re higher for solar safety and when strolling by way of lengthy grass/bush. I normally put on lengthy yoga pants.
- Lengthy sleeve tops, 2-3. I desire strolling in long-sleeve operating tops for higher solar safety. They dry rapidly, cowl your higher physique so that you don’t have to placed on sunscreen on a regular basis, and pack very small.
- A fleece. It will get fairly chilly up within the mountains even in summer time.
- A rain jacket/a poncho. In case you stroll throughout winter months having a skinny rain jacket or a rain poncho is likely to be a good suggestion.
- Merino wool socks, 3 pairs. We at all times put on them when going mountain climbing.
- Flip flops. It’s very good after a protracted mountain climbing day to take off your footwear and placed on flip-flops.
- A cap or a hat. The solar up within the mountains could be very robust and there’s no shade to cover.
- Sun shades.
- Water bottle. One large bottle (1,5L) or two small bottles (1L every).
- Sunscreen.
- Garments for sleeping.
- Toiletries
- Private belongings (digital camera, cellphone, chargers, paperwork, and so on.)
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, liable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack moderately than to do a ten 000 km street journey (really any street journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.