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Way of St. James of Gran Canaria, info of each stage & tips

22/01/2022 Por Local Guide Gran Canaria 14 Comments

The Way of St James of Gran Canaria (Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria) is one of the hardest and most beautiful hiking routes and challenges in Gran Canaria. It is a 66-kilometer track that is recommended to be divided into three stages. This Jacobean route crosses the island from south to north. That is, from the Maspalomas Lighthouse to the town of Gáldar and its Church of Santiago. In the following lines we are going to give you all the details of this historic hiking route through Gran Canaria and our impressions after completing each of the stages.

Way of St James Gran Canaria, Gáldar
Way of St James Gran Canaria, Gáldar

The Way of St James, Gran Canaria (Camino de Santiago)

As we said, the Way of St James of Gran Canaria connects the south of the island with the Main Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros de Gáldar. Gáldar or Agáldar was the first capital of Gran Canaria under the unified kingdom of the Guanartemes (this is how the aboriginal Canarian 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 Jacobean headquarters located outside the European continent.

Plaza de Santiago e Iglesia de Santiago de Los Caballeros de Gáldar
Square of Santiago and Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros de Gáldar

Historically, this trail 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 Galician sailors after surviving a storm at sea.

Views to Roque Nublo and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria. Photo from @karachoberlin
Views to Roque Nublo and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria. Photo from @karachoberlin

In any case, while giving importance to the historical and religious part, this 66-kilometer path will allow you to discover the most authentic side of the island. That is, to know 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 that you may have of the destination. In addition, you will have the privilege of being able to have incredible views of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below we will tell you the main tourist resources that you will find in each stage, as well as important tips after experiencing each of the sections firsthand.

Stages of the Way of St James of Gran Canaria

✔ First Stage: Maspalomas – Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana)

The main places of interest of the first stage of the Way of St James of Gran Canaria are: Special Natural Reserve of Maspalomas, Maspalomas Lighthouse, Degollada de Las Yeguas Viewpoint, the Valley of the Thousand Palms (Fataga ravine), Necropolis of Arteara and its town, Fataga and Tunte. To eat during the first part of the route, we recommend you bring fruit and a sandwich and 2 liters of water. Then you can stop to eat in Fataga at El Albaricoque restaurant. This will be the first point where you can buy water and stamp your credential.

Distance28 Km
Estimated duration8 hours
Elevation gain1.200 m
Maximum / minimum altitude945 m / 2 m
Maspalomas lighthouse, start of the Way of St James
Maspalomas lighthouse, start of the Way of St James
Way of St James Gran Canaria, Fataga Ravine
Way of St James Gran Canaria, Fataga Ravine
Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria, pueblo de Fataga
Way of Saint James Gran Canaria, Fataga Village
Maspalomas oasis, start of the Way of St James
Maspalomas oasis, start of the Way of St James
Arteara and the Valley of the Thousand Palms
Arteara and the Valley of the Thousand Palms
Way of St James. Trail reaching Tunte
Way of St James. Trail reaching Tunte

Important: If you do not spend the night in Tunte to do stage 2 and you want to do it with rest days in between, you should know that there is a bus, number 18, which leaves at 17:57 from Tunte to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, takes 1 hour. Check the schedules here. You can also return to Maspalomas by taxi (talk to Socomtaxi at the +34 928 15 47 77 beforehand to agree on an estimated time).

Look for accommodation in Tunte

***Tips about the stage 1 – Way of St James Gran Canaria

  • Start the route as soon as possible to avoid the strong sun
  • Bring at least 2 liters of water per person and replenish water in Fataga
  • Protect yourself with sunscreen on your face, NECK, legs, arms, hands, etc.
  • Wear light clothing (the heat will be less)
  • Put on a hat or cap
  • Please wear suitable 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 elevation gain. Our route through Guayadeque is one of them
  • Stretch at the end

Video of the stage 1

Below you can have a look at the video of this stage. You can activate the English subtitles and subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more videos about Gran Canaria.

Track Stage 1 – Way of St James (Maspalomas – Tunte)

Then we give you the option to download the track of stage 1 in .gpx format so that you can follow it on your own. If you don’t know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone with the app Guru Maps, we’ll explain it to you here. If you want to support us so that we continue creating content of value for you about Gran Canaria, the best way is for you to support us by purchasing one of our tracks and / or local guides on the Island.

1,99€ – Purchase stage 1 Checkout Added to basket
Track stage 1 - Way of St James Gran Canaria

✔ Second Stage: Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda

From the town of Tunte, capital of the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the second stage of the Jacobean route of Gran Canaria starts. The route ends in Cruz de Tejeda at an altitude of 1,510m, already in the municipality of Tejeda. During this stage you will pass through the historic Paso de la Plata. A path from pre-Hispanic times that connected the pastures of Tirajana with those of Gáldar. In other words, at that time it was the only passage for goods, cattle, shepherds, artisans and merchants to go from the southern area of San Bartolomé to what was the capital of Gran Canaria: Agáldar. In the nineteenth century it was restored and, today, with the existence of roads, it has become the claim of many travelers and hiking lovers.

Distance16 Km
Estimated duration5 hours
Elevation gain1.100 m
Maximum / minimum altitude1.720 m / 887 m
Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria, Iglesia de San Bartolomé
San Bartolomé Church
Paso de La Plata
Paso de la Plata
Ventana del Nublo
Ventana del Nublo
Casa en Tunte
House in Tunte
Stage 2 Way of St James Gran Canaria
Stage 2 Way of St James Gran Canaria
Vistas al Roque Nublo y Bentayga
Views to the Roque Nublo and Bentayga

We can say that 80% of this stage runs on cobbled paths. During this stage 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 (detour of 200 meters) and with very good views of the Pico de Las Nieves, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. That is, you will be walking next to the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regarding this stage, 1.5 liters of water would be enough and a snack, since it can 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!

Look for accommodation in Cruz de Tejeda

Video of the stage 2

Then we leave you with a video about our experience doing the second stage. You can activate the English subtitles. Remember that you can subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more videos about Gran Canaria.

Track Stage 2 – Way of St James (Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda)

Next we give you the option to download the track of stage 2 in .gpx format so that you can follow it on your own without getting lost. If you don’t know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone with the Gurú Maps App, we’ll explain it to you here. If you want to support us so that we continue to create content of value for you about Gran Canaria, the best way is for you to support us by acquiring one of our tracks and / or local guides on the Island.

1,99€ – Purchase stage 2 Checkout Added to basket
etapa 2 camino de santiago gran canaria

There is a variant of this second stage that passes through the town of Tejeda of perhaps less difficulty, since it is 2 kilometers less. If we ever do this variant, we will leave you our impressions here. Likewise, the section also ends in Cruz de Tejeda, but passes through other areas of Tejeda. For example, you will walk near points of interest such as Roque Nublo, Charco de Las Palomas and the basket where you can perfectly frame Roque Bentayga in a photo.

✔ Third 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 to discover one of the most beautiful rural areas of Gran Canaria. Here you will already notice the contrast of a greener landscape and with a different vegetation. During this route, we highlight the following tourist resources: Montañón Negro Natural Monument, Caldera de Los Pinos de Gáldar, Monte Pavón, Caideros de Gáldar and, finally, the historic center of Gáldar.

Distance22 Km
Estimated duration6 hours
Elevation gain450 m
Maximum / minimum altitude1.700 m / 79 m

It took us 5 and 30 hours to do this stage. The greatest difficulty that you will find along this route are some quite winding descents in which you must be careful not to injure your knees. Especially those that are on the part of Pinos de Gáldar in which the path is gravel. Regarding the ascent, there is only one good climb at the beginning, the rest, easy peasy!

pinos de galdar
Pine trees of Gáldar
agricultura en galdar
Rural area of Gáldar
descenso Gáldar
Down hill to Gáldar
Way of St James of Gran Canaria, stage 3
Way of St James of Gran Canaria, stage 3
Oveja monte pavon
Sheep at Monte Pavón
Views to Gáldar during the Way of St James
Views to Gáldar during the Way of St James

Finally, once you arrive at the Matriz de Los Caballeros de Gáldar temple, remember to stamp your credential at the Tourist Office that is next to the Plaza de Santiago. You can also decide if you extend the pilgrimage route through Gran Canaria to the Sardina del Norte Lighthouse. That is, complete the path that crosses the island from lighthouse to lighthouse.

Look for accommodation in Gáldar

Video of the third stage

Below you can have a look at the video of the third stage! Don’t forget to activate the English subtitles! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and don’t our future videos about Gran Canaria!

Track Stage 3 – Way of St James (Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar)

Next we give you the option to download the track of stage 3 in .gpx format so that you can follow it on your own. If you don’t know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone with the Gurú Maps App, we’ll explain it to you here. If you want to support us so that we continue to create content of value for you about Gran Canaria, the best way is for you to support us by acquiring one of our tracks and / or local guides on the Island.

1,99€ – Purchase stage 3 Checkout Added to basket
etapa 3 camino de santiago gran canaria

Where to request the pilgrim credential (passport to stamp per stage)

You can request your Credential for the Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria for free, as well as get it stamped in each place you pass through in the following places:

*Gáldar:

  • Tourist office of the town of Gáldar
  • Arte Sacro museum
  • Church or Templo Matriz de Santiago de Los Caballeros

*Tejeda:

  • Tourist office of the town of Tejeda
  • Tejeda townhall
  • Petrol station
  • Parador de Cruz de Tejeda
  • Hotel El Refugio
  • Sede de la Orden del Camino de Santiago Gran Canaria

*San Bartolomé de Tirajana:

  • El Albaricoque restaurant (Fataga)
  • San Bartolomé village
  • San Bartolomé de Tirajana townhall
  • House-Museum Los Yanez
  • Tourist offices of El Portón (San Agustín), Anexo II and Las Dunas (Playa del Inglés)

*Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:

  • Casa Galicia, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Credentials of the Way of St James of Gran Canaria
Credentials of the Way of St James of Gran Canaria

Local guides of Gran Canaria

Finally, if you liked our way of communicating, it is very possible that our Gran Canaria guides will be of great help to you. You don’t have to waste time organizing your trip, we’ve already done it for you!

guias de gran canaria

Filed Under: HIKING

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carsten Nøst Bokvist says

    14/03/2022 at 09:46

    Would it be possible to to the hike from the town of Gáldar to the Maspalomas Lighthouse ? Any pros or cons ?

    Reply
    • Local Guide Gran Canaria says

      14/03/2022 at 15:27

      Hi Carsten! There is no problem at all as it is the same path, but the most common thing is to end at the Church of Santiago. However, we haven’t done it in the other way, so we can not make a list of pros or cons. Maybe if you do it from Galdar to Maspalomas one cons will be leave to the worst for the end, as the Fataga ravine is a kind of dessert, but at least you will do it descending and therefore less harder… Cheers!

  2. Chryselle Frank says

    02/03/2022 at 18:51

    HI,

    Great information.
    We are planning tot do the 3 stages next week. I wonder, is there any luggage transfer possible?

    Greatz,
    Chryselle

    Reply
    • Local Guide Gran Canaria says

      02/03/2022 at 20:02

      Hi Chryselle! As far as I am concerned there is no luggage transfer… sorry 🙁

      Cheers!

  3. Tom Speed says

    25/01/2022 at 12:57

    Hi Guys

    Thanks for the great info on this. I am planning to do the full rout later this week. Do yuo think it is safe to do alone?

    Thanks!

    Tom

    Reply
    • Local Guide Gran Canaria says

      25/01/2022 at 16:14

      Hi Tom!! If you are used to hiking alone and you go well prepared with suitable shoes and enough water and food, I think so. The most dangerous thing is the hot ravine of Fataga during the first stage as there is nothing / no one during the first 20 Kilometers. Don’t worry concerning other dangers, there are no snakes or bears in Gran Canaria haha. Just inform someone where you are just in case… Enjoy!!! Ruth

  4. Jody Fry says

    10/12/2021 at 15:56

    Holla Localguides

    Love your site, blogs and videos!!!!!!

    My brother and I are planning on visiting for 1 week in February.

    What hike/s would you recommend as the number 1/2 hike/s. Camino de Santiago?

    Reply
    • Local Guide Gran Canaria says

      10/12/2021 at 16:12

      Hi Jody!!!! Hola localguider! Thank you for your support, we love to read comments as yours!

      Well, the Camino de Santiago is very hard if you are coming just for one week, you will be 2 days walking and two days with shoelaces haha. We would recommend you to do small hikes, but maybe 3 or 4 which you can combine with a village visit and yummy local food. We love the one of the Azuaje Ravine, the one of Guayadeque and in February you will be able to see the Blue Tajinaste (unique in the world).

      https://localguidegrancanaria.com/en/tajinaste-azul-hike/

      Finally, if it is your first time on the island the hike to Roque Nublo is also a must (about 1 hour walk), you can combine it with the Charco de La Paloma one or a visit to the Tejeda village.

      https://localguidegrancanaria.com/en/charco-de-la-paloma-hike/

      We hope that we have helped you to decide.

      See you soon localguider 🙂

  5. Linda says

    01/11/2021 at 06:56

    Hi I am travelling to Maspolomas in two weeks and thinking of doing stage one alone. Would you recommend or are there local guides ? Thanks Linda

    Reply
    • Local Guide Gran Canaria says

      01/11/2021 at 12:10

      Hi linda!! I think that there are no local guides for this way. Normally people do it with friends or even alone. It is quite warm, so have a look to all our tips and take with you enough water!!! Enjoy 🙂

  6. Julie Dass says

    22/08/2021 at 08:48

    Are the guides in paper or electronic form ?

    Reply
    • Local Guide Gran Canaria says

      22/08/2021 at 10:02

      Hi Julie!! Our local guides are all digital!!!! In pdf format 🙂 you can check them from your smartphone, ipad or laptop! 🙂

  7. Jeff says

    22/07/2021 at 17:37

    Do you do guided hikes? We want to do the 3rd stage in October.

    Reply
    • Local Guide Gran Canaria says

      22/07/2021 at 19:20

      Hi Jeff! We do not offer guided tours, we are not official guides, only locals who love the island… Do you want us to look for a guide for you? With the track you can also do it on your own!

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