Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria – an entire information

The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria is an exquisite multi-day strolling route on the primary island of the Canary Archipelago. It’s the one Camino de Santiago route positioned outdoors of mainland Europe. The path crosses the island from south to north providing an ideal mixture of the attractive coastal surroundings and the spectacular mountain views. It’s an ideal Camino path to stroll throughout the winter months.

The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria route overview

• Whole distance – 67 km/41,6 mi
• Variety of days – 3-Four days
• Problem stage – 5 out of 5
• Whole ascent (over Three days) – 2514 m
• Whole respectable (over Three days) – 2354 m
• Max elevation – 1692 m
• Strolling floor – 17 km/10,5 mi tar street/asphalt, 50 km/30,Four mi gravel street/footpath
• Common price – 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 outdoors 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 passed off. 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 in case you stroll the usual route and 76 km/47,2 mi in case you stroll the Tejeda Variant (the choice route, stage 2). You’ll want 3-Four days to finish it. We walked it in Three days nevertheless it’s doable to separate the route into Four 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. 

In line with 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 Four km from the lighthouse usually are 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. If you happen to stroll the Camino throughout the summer season when it will get very popular by noon, skipping Four km is perhaps not a foul concept contemplating the difficult ascent on the primary day. You may take a bus from Maspalomas Seashore (bus station) to Centro de Salud. We walked from the lighthouse and apart from the attractive dawn that we bought to see proper at first the remainder of the Four km was fairly atypical. If you happen to 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 nations, e.g. UK, Eire, Germany, Italy, France, and many others. 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 day by day each hour from 7.30 am to eight.30 pm. The timetable may change you could find the up-to-date timetable right here. The 90 bus makes a number of stops on the best way, it takes 45 minutes. The worth is similar 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 Seashore. We stayed at Apartamentos El Capricho (they settle for bookings just for 3+ nights). It’s a pleasant place on the seashore, a 10-minute stroll from the lighthouse, proper on the Camino. I might suggest staying in that space. Maspalomas Seashore is gorgeous we may watch the dawn and sundown from the seashore daily. 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 evening you’ll must guide one of many costly inns or avoid the seashore.

Locations to remain close to Faro de Maspalomas

| Eden Meloneras by TAM Resorts (1 evening), 500 m from the lighthouse | Caybeach Meloneras (1 evening), 1,Four km from the lighthouse | Lodge Los Calderones (1 evening), 2 km from the lighthouse |

When is one of the best time for strolling?

The Canary Islands have a unique 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 sizzling, there’s not a lot rain, and it’s not too busy (besides throughout the Christmas vacation). You don’t must guide lodging and purchase plan tickets lengthy prematurely. It may be a last-minute journey. Camino de Gran Canaria is an ideal choice if you wish to stroll the Camino de Santiago in winter. 

Through the summer season months, it will get very popular and it’s very busy so anticipate 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 daily. It’s extremely really helpful to be in good strolling form. If would examine daily on this Camino with the primary day on the Camino Frances, the stroll over the cross from St.Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles. If you happen to’re not strolling match I might suggest beginning coaching for the Camino a few months prematurely.

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 timber right here and there. More often than not you observe the picket indicators pointing within the course of the following city on the route. On the final day, you begin seeing typical stone route markers with distances that you just often see in Galicia.

The place to get the Credential?

There are a number of locations in Gran Canaria the place you will get a credential. It’s freed from cost.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

In Casa Galicia Calle Salvador Cuyas, 8 (Las Canteras Seashore). 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 in case you communicate Spanish. We bought our Credentials right here. E-mail data@casagalicialp.org Cellphone +34 928 263 627.

Maspalomas

At the vacationer info workplace in Maspalomas Lighthouse totally free. The workplace is open day by day from 10.30 am to five pm. You will get your first stamp on the workplace as effectively. It’s essentially the most handy place to get your credential for the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria. We bought a Credential right here after shedding one. Cellphone +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 Four pm.  Cellphone +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 Four pm. Cellphone +34928768409.

There are extra locations the place you will get a credential together with the vacationer info workplaces in Tunte, Tejeda, and Galdar. If you happen to 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 might be obtained at your lodging, vacationer info facilities, and eating places alongside the route.

Here’s a record of the locations the place we bought 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 choice in case you 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,Three 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 will get a certificates for finishing the route. The certificates might be obtained on the Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros in Galdar on the finish of the Camino. Like with another Camino so as 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 non-public) or hostels on the Camino de Santiago on Gran Canaria. Pilgrims keep in inns and guesthouses which makes the stroll dearer.

Is there a baggage switch service?

No, there isn’t 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 mild as doable it’s solely Three days of strolling.

The price of the Camino

This Camino works out dearer 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 non-public albergues or hostels alongside the route. Each evening 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 sizzling meal you’ll must eat at a restaurant which is dearer than making meals. The excellent news is that the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria is a really brief route, 3-Four days regardless that it’s dearer per day ultimately it received’t price you a fortune. 

Our finances breakdown

Lodging – 300 euros for Four nights for 2 individuals or 150 euros per particular person. Four 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 throughout the summer season months or in December.

Meals – 85 euros per particular person for Four days. We didn’t give attention to saving an excessive amount of in case you do you most likely can scale 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.

Whole: 245 euros per particular person for Four days or 60 euros per particular person per day. In comparison with the common price of the Camino de Santiago on the mainland it’s greater than double however on the Camino de Gran Canaria, you keep in non-public and eat at eating places. If you happen to do the identical on another Camino route it should price kind of the identical.

The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria strolling phases

The usual itinerary for the Camino route is Three days however you possibly can break up it into shorter phases relying in your health stage, how a lot time you will have, and many others.

Camino de Gran Canaria in Three days (the steered itinerary)

Stage	Faro de Maspalomas – Tunte	Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda	Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar
Distance	28 km/17,Three 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 Four days

It’s doable to separate the primary day which is essentially the most difficult day on the route into two. Then your itinerary will embrace Four 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,Eight mi	17 km/10,5 mi	22 km/13,6 mi
Time	Four hours	Three 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,Three mi

• Distance – 28 km/17,Three mi
• Time – 7 hours
• Problem stage – 5 out of 5, comparatively lengthy distance with an 1100 m ascent in at some point
• Whole ascent – 1121 m
• Whole descent – 238 m
• Max elevation – 950 m
• Strolling floor – 5 km/3,1 mi tar street (the primary Four 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 beautiful dawn at Maspalomas Seashore
• Arteara, an exquisite 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 an exquisite church

Challenges of the day

• The primary Three km of the Camino usually are not marked.
• Nowhere to cease for meals or water for the primary 22 km
• Greater than 1100 m elevation acquire in at some point, most of it within the second half
• By noon, it will get fairly sizzling with no shade to cover

It was the hardest and the longest day on the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria. The primary ascent is within the final a part of the day. You begin going up after noon (even in case you begin very early within the morning) when it will get very popular. It’s doable to separate this stage into two; Faro de Maspalomas to Arteara and the following day from Arteara to Tunte.

The primary Three km out of Maspalomas shouldn’t be marked nevertheless it’s fairly easy you simply observe the dried river mattress. First, you stroll on the left aspect of the river, then at Three km you cross the bridge and proceed on the suitable aspect. There would be the first picket signal indicating the course and distance to Tunte. It’s doable to skip the primary Four km of strolling out of the city and as an alternative take a bus and get off at Centro de Salud (Well being Middle). In line with the data workplace the official begin of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria shouldn’t be on the lighthouse however virtually Four km additional. I noticed the primary route signal is at 3,2 km. 

From the lighthouse, I might suggest strolling on the boardwalk alongside the seashore to see the dawn. Watching the solar rising above the ocean was one of many highlights of the day. Some maps counsel a unique route for the primary 500 m from the lighthouse previous the bus station however in case you take that route you’ll miss the dawn.

Route description

Zero km – 10,5 km flat stroll

3,2 km – the primary route marking after crossing the bridge

Four km – the tip of the city, footpath

From 6 km extra yellow arrows painted on rocks and timber

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, an exquisite city with many eating places. As an choice, you possibly can cease right here for the evening.

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
• Whole ascent – 1051 m
• Whole 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) – Lovely church varieties the bottom of this pilgrimage route.
• Paso de La Plata – a tremendous cross 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 technique, and the Cuenca de Chira and the Pinar de Pilancones the opposite.
• Los Llanos de la Pez – dense pine forest overlaying a giant 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, that means “Cloud Rock”, is a 65-meter-tall volcanic rock seen from a number of viewpoints.
• Mirador Degollada de Becerra – A unbelievable lookout from the place you possibly can see you possibly can see crucial 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 Move) the toughest climb of the day is up a stone switchback path that was minimize 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 principally over for the day with solely about 200 m of elevation acquire during the last Eight km. The route alternates between good huge gravel and pine needles footpaths and a bit extra difficult single tracks. At all times preserve a watch out for a yellow arrow, you must see one about each 200 meters.

The route is effectively marked on this stage with picket indicators and purple crosses and the normal yellow Camino arrows. Picket indicators for the  S-50 climbing path point out the route from Tunte to Cruz de Tejeda. The yellow arrow markings begin 1,Three 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. If you happen to resolve to take that route it’s higher to separate the day into two phases: Tunte to Garañon – 11 km/6,Eight mi and Garañon to Cruz de Tejeda – 15 km/9,Three mi. You could find extra info on the variant right here.

Route description

Zero km – stroll the primary 1.1km of paved street exiting the city

1,1 km – brief gravel street marked “Camino Actual”

1,Three km – stone and gravel path begin, principally steps going up (subsequent 8km)

Three 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 Move) rock and gravel path.

8,6 km – Ventana del Nublo, the brief path to the rock arch is effectively marked. The perspective 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,Three km – Vista Roque Noble

14 km – preserve a watch out for markers, single monitor, markers listed here are fairly simple to overlook

15,2 km – Mirador Degollada de Becerra, one of the crucial well-known viewpoints on the path.

16 km – single monitor 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
• Whole ascent – 342 m
• Whole descent – 1662 m
• Max elevation – 1692 m
• Strolling floor – 12 km/7,Four 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 might 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, current volcanism in Gran Canaria might be seen within the space.
• Descent between farmhouses in El Cabezo.

Challenges

• The day begins with a steep climb, shortly ascending 150m.
• From the Four km/2,Four mi mark, you will have a steep descent the entire manner, 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 monitor takes you on pretty stage floor for about Three kilometers surrounded by Pines, brooms, lards, and chestnut timber. 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’s some visitors on components of the paved street. For the final Three kilometers to Galdar, you’ll cross 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

Zero km – A Galdar signal on the town factors you in the suitable course to stroll, stroll by way of a giant parking space and yellow arrows and an indication saying ‘Artenal’ signifies the best way.

0,2 km – gravel single monitor, very good rocky mountain views for 1,5 km

1,6 km – Mirador Degollada de las Palomas, single monitor 

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 monitor

8,6 km – Paved street, flat, slight downwards

9,Three 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 visitors on the tar street, however no shoulder, preserve a watch out for the occasional bus or truck.

14,Eight km – City Saucillo, Casa Pepe – Bar restaurant, effectively rated, serves typical Canarian meals.

16 km – arrow indicators get harder to identify, preserve a watch out to not miss a turn-off.

17,4 – no Camino arrow signal at this junction, observe the pink signal indicating CEIP HOYA PINEDA.

17,Eight km – homes begin, Cafe and resort

18 km – good gravel monitor going downhill for a couple of kilometer

19,Four m – homes of suburb Anzo, from right here the route shouldn’t be effectively marked there are official Camino markers at 1 km and 0.Four 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 a number of garments with you. Attempt to pack mild for the Camino to make your stroll simpler.

• Mountain climbing footwear/path runners. We walked in our trainers however mild climbing footwear could be higher particularly in case you get some rain within the mountains.
• A backpack. For this brief 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 often put on lengthy yoga pants.
• Lengthy sleeve tops, 2-3. I desire strolling in long-sleeve operating tops for higher solar safety. They dry shortly, 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 season.
• A rain jacket/a poncho. If you happen to stroll throughout winter months having a skinny rain jacket or a rain poncho may be a good suggestion.
• Merino wool socks, Three pairs. We at all times put on them when going climbing.
• Flip flops. It’s very good after a protracted 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 (digicam, telephone, chargers, paperwork, and many others.)