El Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria is one of the toughest and most beautiful hiking routes and challenges in Gran Canaria. It is a 66 kilometer trail that is recommended to be divided into three stages. This Xacobea route crosses the island from south to north. That is, from the Lighthouse of Maspalomas to the town of Gáldar and Church of Santiago. In the following lines we are going to give you all the details of this historic route hiking through Gran Canaria and our impressions after carrying out each of the stages.
Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria
As we said, The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria connects the south of the island with the Mother Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros de Gáldar. Gáldar o Agáldar was the first capital of Gran Canaria under the unified kingdom of the Guanartemes (that is what the Canarian aboriginal kings were called before the conquest). And, as we said, the end of this pilgrimage concludes in the church of Santiago de Gáldar, This temple being the only Xacobean headquarters located outside the European continent.
Historically this road linked the temples of the Church of San Bartolomé in Tunte, with that of Gáldar. However, according to official sources from the Gran Canaria Tourist Board, The tradition of making this journey from the coast of Maspalomas was promoted in the 15th century by some Galician sailors after surviving a storm at sea..
In any case, without ceasing to give importance to the historical and religious part, this 66 kilometer trail It will allow you to discover the most authentic side of the island. That is, knowing practically everything that does not appear in any tourist guide. You will be able to appreciate the contrast of Gran Canaria's landscapes and get closer to its more rural side. Except for the Maspalomas Lighthouse area, you will pass through very remote places on the island that will make you erase from your mind any concept or stereotype you may have of the destination.. In addition, you will have the privilege of being able have incredible views of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next we tell you the main tourist resources that you will find at each stage, as well as important advice after experiencing each of the sections firsthand.
Stages of the Camino Santiago Gran Canaria
✔ 1st Stage: Maspalomas – Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana)
The main places of interest on the first stage of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria are: Maspalomas Special Nature Reserve, Maspalomas Lighthouse, Degollada de Las Yeguas Viewpoint, the Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees (Fataga ravine), Arteara Necropolis and its town, Fataga and Tunte. To eat during the first part of the route we recommend you take fruit and a sandwich and 2 liters of water. Then you can stop to eat at Fataga. Here it will be the first point where you can replenish water and seal your credential.
| Distance | 28 km |
| Approximate duration on foot | 8 hours |
| Level | Advanced |
| Positive/negative slope | 1.200 m / 340 m |
| Maximum/Minimum Altitude | 945 m / 2 m |
Important: If you do not spend the night in Tunte to do stage 2 and you want to do it with days of rest in between, you should know that there is a bus, number 18, which leaves at 17:57 from Tunte to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, it takes 1 hour. Check the schedules here. You can too return to Maspalomas by taxi (speak first with Socomtaxi at 928 15 47 77 to agree on an estimated time).
***Tips on stage 1 – Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria
- Start the route as soon as possible to avoid strong sun
- Take at least 2 liters of water per person and replenish water in Fataga
- Protect yourself with sun cream on face, neck, legs, arms, hands, etc..
- Carries light clothing (the heat will be less)
- Put on a hat or cap
- Carries appropriate footwear and mid-calf socks.
- Don't go with your pet. It is very hot and there is hardly any shade. In addition, you will have to carry more load on your back to carry water for both of you.
- Train before doing this stage on shorter trails with similar slopes. Our route through Guayadeck is one of them
- Stretch at the end
Video of stage 1
Below we leave you with a video about our experience carrying out the first stage. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more videos about Gran Canaria.
Track Stage 1 – Camino Santiago (Maspalomas – Tunte)
Next we give you the option of download the track of stage 1 in .gpx format. If you don't know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone with the GURU Maps App, here we explain it to you. If you want to help us continue creating valuable content for you about Gran Canaria, the best way is to support us by purchasing one of our tracks and/or local guides to the Island.
✔ 2nd Stage: Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda
The second stage of the Gran Canaria Jacobean route departs from the town of Tunte, capital of the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. He The journey ends in Cruz de Tejeda at 1.510m altitude, already in the municipality of Tejeda.. During this stage you will go through the historical Silver Pass and a path from pre-Hispanic times that connected the pastures of Tirajana with those of Gáldar. That is to say, at that time it was the only passage for goods, livestock, shepherds, artisans and merchants to go from the southern area of San Bartolomé to what was the capital of Gran Canaria: Agáldar. In the 19th century it was restored and, today, with the existence of roads, it has become the attraction of many travelers and hiking lovers.
| Distance | 16 km |
| Approximate duration | 5 hours |
| Level | Intermediate-advanced |
| Positive/negative slope | 1.200 m / 460 m |
| Maximum/Minimum Altitude | 1.720 m / 887 m |
We can say that 80% of this stage runs along cobbled paths. During this section of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria we will pass through places of tourist interest such as the Pilancones Natural Park, the Paso de La Plata, one of the Ventana del Nublo (200 meter detour) and with very good views of the Pico de Las Nieves, the The Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. That is, you will be walking next to the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regarding this stage, 1,5 liters of water would be enough and some snacks, since it may take 5-6 hours to finish it, depending on your physical condition. In the following video we give you more tips to carry out this stage, don't miss it!
Video of stage 2
Next we leave you with a video about our experience carrying out the second stage. Remember that you can subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more videos about Gran Canaria.
Track Stage 2 – Camino Santiago (Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda)
Next we give you the option of download the track of stage 2 in .gpx format. If you don't know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone with the GURU Maps App, here we explain it to you. If you want to help us continue creating valuable content for you about Gran Canaria, the best way is to support us by purchasing one of our tracks and/or local guides to the Island.
There is a variant of this second stage that passes through the town of Tejeda. If we ever do it, we will leave you our impressions here. Likewise, the section also ends in Cruz de Tejeda, but It passes through other areas of the municipality of Tejeda. For example, you will walk near points of interest such as Roque Nublo, Charco de Las Palomas and El Cesto where you can perfectly frame in a photo the Roque Bentayga.
✔ 3rd Stage: Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar
The last stage of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria, in addition to making you feel like a hero, will allow you discover one of the most beautiful rural areas of Gran Canaria. Here you will notice the contrast of a greener landscape with different vegetation. During this route, we highlight the following tourist resources: Natural Monument of the Black Mountain, Caldera de Los Pinos de Gáldar, Monte Pavón, Caideros de Gáldar and, finally, the historic center of Gáldar.
| Distance | 22 Km |
| Approximate duration | 6 hours |
| Level | Advanced |
| Positive/negative slope | 560 m / 1.800 m |
| Maximum/Minimum Altitude | 1.700 m / 79 m |
It took us 5 hours and 30 to complete this stage. The greatest difficulty that you will encounter along this route are some quite winding descents in which you will have to be careful not to injure your knees.. Especially those that are on the Pinos de Gáldar in which the path is gravel or gravel as we say in the Canary Islands. Regarding the ascent, there is only one good climb at the beginning, the rest, a piece of cake!
Finally, once you arrive at the Matrix temple of Los Caballeros de Gáldar, remember to stamp your credential at the Tourist Office next to Plaza de Santiago. Also You can decide whether to extend the pilgrimage route through Gran Canaria to the Faro de Sardinia del Norte. That is, completing the path that crosses the island from lighthouse to lighthouse.
Video of stage 3
Below we leave you with a video about our experience carrying out the third stage. ¡Subscribe so you don't miss our videos around the island!
Track Stage 3 – Camino Santiago (Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar)
Next we give you the option of download the track of stage 3 in .gpx format. If you don't know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone with the GURU Maps App, here we explain it to you. If you want to help us continue creating valuable content for you about Gran Canaria, the best way is to support us by purchasing one of our tracks and/or local guides to the Island.
Where to request the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria credential (passport to stamp stops)
You can request your free Credential of the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria, as well as getting it stamped in each place you pass through in the following places:
*Gáldar:
- Tourist Office of the city of Gáldar
- Museum of Sacred Art
- Mother Temple of Santiago de Los Caballeros
*Tejeda:
- Tourist Office of the town of Tejeda
- Tejeda City Council
- Gas station
- Cruz de Tejeda Parador
- Hotel El Refugio
- Headquarters of the Order of the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria
*San Bartolome de Tirajana:
- Church of St. Bartholomew
- Town Hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana
- Los Yanez House Museum
- Tourist offices: El Portón (San Agustín), Annex II and Las Dunas (Playa del Inglés)
*The Gran Canarian palms:
- Galicia House, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Recommendations for all stages
We wanted to make a summary video with our impressions and advice to do the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria after having completed the three stages. We hope the information is helpful to you. Share it with whoever you want and don't think about it anymore. This super challenge awaits you!
Gran Canaria Podcast
If you prefer the content in audio format, in the following episode of our podcast we tell you exactly the same thing as in the previous video. Remember that you can listen to us from Spotify, iTunes and iVoox
Gran Canaria Guides
Finally, if you liked this guide, you might love all of our recommendations on what to see in Gran Canaria of the blog. On the other hand, If you want to support us and for us to continue with this project, by purchasing a guide or map you will be helping us to sustain it over time. Furthermore, you You will save time organizing your trip and you will be able to discover the best places to eat. You can see all the itineraries by day and guides available at just one click below.
Hello! I am Ruth, Canarian with a traveling soul. With training and experience in the tourism and digital marketing sector. In this blog I tell you all the tips you need to get to know the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own. I also share my travel guides to all the places in the world that I am visiting so that you can discover the destinations like a local and save time planning. In addition to traveling, I love gastronomy and sports. I run and hike in the mountains with my “dog-children” (Silver and Plata). In all these adventures my partner accompanies me, Jorge, which you will also see a lot on this blog.
Good afternoon
We are a group of 4 friends who have already done 3 Caminos de Santiago in Galicia and we would like to do the GC one. But due to back problems we have always done it with a small suitcase transport and we carried a backpack with just the right things (water, food, etc.) We did not find that suitcase transport service on the road to GC.
If you have any information on this we would appreciate it.
regards
Hello Leonor!! Thank you very much for your comment! For now there is no transportation focused only on this, the only thing we can think of is to hire a taxi in advance in each of the municipalities. For stage 1 and 2 with the San Bartolomé de Tirajana cooperative (Maspalomas and Tunte) and with stage 3, hire a taxi in Tejeda to take your suitcases to Gáldar…In any case, if there is any news about it, we will update it on the blog, since we know that it is a highly in-demand service.
Greetings and good way!
Hello! We are organizing to do the Camino Santiago GC in a few months... I see the places you put to collect the credential card but I don't understand it very well, that is to say: from the Maspalomas Lighthouse to Fataga there are no more places to collect it?? It is the first time we do the Camino de Santiago, I thought they had to seal the beginning for you too...; We will do it in one go, from the airport to Maspalomas and from there to start walking…. That's why if I want to take it from the beginning, none of the later points are worth it... hence my question: Thanks in advance
Hello Veronica!!
When we did it, since we live on the island, we picked up the credential one day when we were walking around Gáldar! From the Maspalomas Lighthouse to Fataga there are no more places because there is NOTHING on the way hehe you will go through a ravine surrounded by cardons, as if you were going through a desert. Check with a tourist office if they will do you the favor of sending it to your home for a modest price…
If for some reason you can't pick it up at the Maspalomas Lighthouse (or at the points indicated), I really don't know how you can do it.
Greetings and good way!
I have requested that they send me the credential (I think we are referring to the same thing...) the passport for the stamps, let's say; They sent me a link to download in pdf and there, the first stamp says Faro Maspalomas, so the first day when I arrive (we started walking on the second day) we will go to the Faro to the office to ask everything. Thank you very much for the reply. There is still a long way to go (March 2024) but I am one of those who thinks that the Camino begins as soon as you start organizing it 😉 Buen Camino to Everyone
PS: I will collect information and details in case there is anything of interest that you can add to your guide, although I have to tell you that it is so complete that you were the ones who gave me the push and after watching your videos I went straight to get plane tickets 😉
Hello! I want to make the trek but I can't find places to sleep since they are closed or full like the garañon. Do you know of any that are currently open and available? Thank you
Hello Sonia! The truth is that this is a topic that is not very well organized, so to speak, since we did it in stages and on different weekends, we did not have to spend the night, so we do not have that experience. The only thing I can think of is to look at the booking availability in the Tunte area for the first night and for the second night try a rural house in Tejeda as there are more options, because in Cruz de Tejeda there are only rural hotels and the prices are more expensive… We're sorry we can't help! A hug.
Good afternoon. I will be in Gran Canaria for the month of April. I wanted to know if that month is too cold to do the Camino de Santiago. I also wanted to know if there is an agency that helps in planning, specifically in transporting suitcases/backpacks. Any guidance will be welcome. Thanks a lot!!!!
Hello Maria!! How are you?
Thank you very much for your comment!
In principle, the month of April is a good month to do the trek because the temperatures are not so low or so high. Even so, from the south to the mountains the climate can vary more than 15 degrees and from sun to rain. So I'm afraid you will also have to look at the prediction days before in the areas of Maspalomas, Fataga, Tejeda, etc. to better organize luggage.
As for agencies that transport suitcases or backpacks, I don't know. The journey can be done in three days, so the luggage doesn't have to be much... In any case, I suppose that a taxi can take your suitcases to wherever they tell you...
Greetings and good way!!
Thank you for your reply. Your guide is fabulous. For luggage, I would then be contacting a taxi agency. What happens is that we will spend approximately three weeks in the islands and Madrid, so in addition to the backpack, if we make the trip, we will be carrying suitcases. We have done two Caminos de Santiago in Galicia and it has fascinated us. We did the Portuguez de la Costa detouring to the Ruta del Padre Sarmiento in 2021 and the Camino del Mar (officialized in 2021) in 2022. They were wonderful. The Camino del Mar as it is newly officialized by the Cathedral still does not have luggage support, but I got a taxi that helped me all the way. I would love to do the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria. I find your story very interesting. I am a little concerned about your comment in the video that you found it strong as young people who exercise often. We'll see. Thank you very much again for your response.
You're welcome Maria!! Yes... it is hard because of the difference in altitude, reaching more than 1000 meters of altitude from the coast and then going down again (on the way down it hurts even more)... I don't know what the others are like because I haven't done them, but it's not like walk through a meadow… You tell us! good luck!
Good morning. I am doing philatelic work on the Camino de Santiago. I would like information and information on the paths of the Canary Islands. I have seen the information you give about Galdar and I consider it very interesting, to see if it is possible to receive information. Thank you
Greetings Joaquim Rosa
Hello Joaquim!! All the information we know can be found here 🙂 I hope it helps you! A hug!
Today, July 18, 2021, I found out about this Jacobean route in Gran Canaria through the mass on TVE 2, which was broadcast from the church of SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS in GÁLDAR. After the mass, I went to the computer TO GET BETTER INFORMATION. I looked for the MASPALOMAS-GÁLDAR Jacobean route and I found this page where you explain the three stages of the route, and I loved the videos you have posted.
I congratulate you for the excellent explanation, this is how you make your beloved Canary Islands homeland, thank you for your magnificent information and may SANTIAGO APÓSTOL BLESS YOU, ALSO BLESS THE CANARY ISLANDS, THE WHOLE SPAIN AND THE WORLD.
I give you a piece of information in case you don't know it, the sequence of the Jacobean years is when the festival of Santiago Apóstol, July 25, falls on a Sunday, they occur following this sequence 6-5-6-11, and I confirm it with this example, I take As an origin, the year 1993 was Jacobean, then I follow the sequence and add 6 and in fact the year 1999 was, now I add 5 to this year according to the sequence and confirm that the year 2004 was Jacobean, to this year I add according to the sequence 6 and we get 2010 which was naturally Jacobean, finally to this year we add 11 following the sequence and we obtain 2021 current year which is Jacobean, this jump of 11 years is due to the leap years that have existed between 2010 and 2021, they were leap years the years 2012, 2016 and 2020, those divisible by 4, therefore the four following Jacobean years will be 2027, 2032, 2038 and 2049 respectively
result of adding the numbers of the sequence 6-5-6-11 to the current year respectively.
Regards,
Hello!!! Thank you very much for your kind comment and appreciation of what we do! We hope that one day you will be encouraged to discover this route through the contrasts of Gran Canaria! All the best!
Thank you very much for the information.